"Luke Cage" series showrunner says that the new series will introduce Harlem in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
There is a new superhero in New York who will combat the baddies within 75 blocks from Jessica Jones' neighborhood. Mike Colter will play the titular role as Luke Cage aka "Power Man." The production of the series is already underway in the very neighborhood that will be portrayed in the show.
"I didn't want us to talk about Harlem and then not film in Harlem. The people that live in Harlem will see places and see blocks and see the wide boulevards and go, 'Oh that's Lenox' or 'They're over there by the Adam Clayton Powell statue.' It was important that we really see it. The opportunity to shoot in New York and that we were able to do that was really special," showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker told Comic Book Resources.
Colter likened to setting of the series to a character that evolves with the characters. He said that the "Harlem" that they are trying to create is one which resembles Harlem a decade ago.
Coker said that as the series develops, they want to invoke some history of the place to resemble an authentic ground for iconic Marvel characters to resonate with the audience. Like other Marvel properties on Netflix, "Luke Cage" is not a show for kids but Coker said that they would like the character to be as relatable on every demographic as possible.
Similar with "Daredevil," Luke Cage will battle shady personalities such as crooked cops and corrupt politicians in pursuit of improving the neighborhood, Screen Rant reported.
On a casting note, in addition to Colter, the series also tapped actors Mahershala Ali, Alfre Woodard, Simone Missik, Theo Rossi, Frank Whaley and Rosario Dawson who will reprise her role in the MCU as Claire Temple after appearing in "Daredevil" and "Jessica Jones."
"Luke Cage" is part of Marvel-Netflix masterplan to develop "The Defenders," a mini-series that will feature other superheroes in New York City that includes Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Iron Fist.
"Luke Cage" is set for a season debut at Netflix on September 30, 2016.
Watch Marvel's "Luke Cage" trailer below:
