Netflix Cancels Iron Fist

Netflix announced earlier this week that it would not be renewing its Marvel Television show Iron Fist for a third season. The show’s first season, which premiered in spring of 2017, was universally panned by critics and fans alike. Iron Fist’s second season, which premiered a month ago, was greeted with a far better response, mostly owning to tighter storytelling and more emphasis on martial arts action. In a joint statement released by Netflix and Marvel Television, the studios said they were proud of the series and thanked fans for their support. The message concluded with the cryptic statement that “the immortal Iron First will live on.” Fans are already speculating that the character of Iron Fist could show up again on other Marvel Television shows. The character has already appeared in one episode the Marvel Netflix series Luke Cage. Others speculate that the series might move to the Disney Play streaming service when it launches in 2019.

Finn Jones, who plays Iron First/Danny Rand in the series, took to Instagram to thank fans for their support of the series, saying that it was a privilege to work on the show. Meanwhile, Iron Fist’s official Facebook page teased “The story is never over” in a post featuring Jones in costume. A link in the message takes visitors to a digital store to buy the Marvel Comics storyline Typhoid Fever, which sees Iron First teaming up Spider-Man and the X-Men. Most media experts think this link is just a way of comforting fans who might not be happy that Netflix canceled the series. Others speculate that it might hint a whole new series that will feature Rand and several other Immortal Weapons from the Marvel Universe.

Iron Fist’s cancellation comes just a week before the premiere of Daredevil season 3 on October 19. Both Daredevil and Iron First teamed-up in last year’s The Defenders miniseries, alongside fellow Netflix characters Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. Looking at the other Netflix Marvel series, The Punisher has finished filming its second season, which does not currently have a premiere date. Jessica Jones is in the process of filming its third season while Luke Cage is expected to get a third season renewal in the near future. Netflix has not officially commented on the status of The Defenders, but insiders say it is unlikely the team-up series will get a second season.