It would take an encyclopedia to map out the many changes to comic canon the Marvel Cinematic Universe has taken thus far, and Jessica Jones was no exception, especially in its central antagonist. Now, showrunner Melissa Rosenberg explains one of the major changes to the comic relationship between Jessica Jones and Kilgrave, in order to make it “more visceral.”

You’re warned of full spoilers for Marvel’s Jessica Jones from here on out, but among the many changes to Marvel’s purple-skinned mind-controller, the Netflix series made a major change to the pair’s mutual history, specifically the use of physical rape. The original comics similarly saw Kilgrave keeping Jones (then operating under superhero alias “Jewel”) in his thrall for months, but rather than physically abuse her, the villain forced her to experience an unfulfilled sexual desire for him, often commanding the hero to watch him take advantage of other women.

Jessica Jones Kilgrave
Marvel Comics
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As viewers of the Netflix series well-remember, Krysten Ritter’s Jones made explicit that David Tennant’s Kilgrave physically raped her, among his many other crimes. Asked about the change in an interview with HitFix, showrunner Melissa Rosenberg explained:

I moved away from the books version of the rape for a couple reasons. To make it simpler, story telling wise, and to make it more about Jessica than other victims - which helps land the issue more, make it more visceral, personal for Jessica and the audience.

The recently-confirmed second season would undoubtedly continue the thread of Jessica’s survival after Kilgrave’s end (Rosenberg also notes that the decision to kill off the character was decided from day one), though it still remains to be seen when we can expect Jessica Jones Season 2, before or after The Defenders.

While we wait, what other aspects of Jessica Jones’ comic history might end up explored or tweaked in the future?

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