Marvel’s Netflix Defenders may have their eye on a late 2016 shoot, but they’ll first have to go through Iron Fist. So too will sinister comic character Harold Meachum, now cast with Lord of the Rings and 300 favorite David Wenham.

His role first teased by the memo tweeted in Finn Jones’ confirmation as Danny Rand, Wenham boards Iron Fist in the role of ruthless corporate titan Harold Meachum, one-time partner to Rand’s father Wendell, and in the comics responsible both for the man’s death, and Danny’s subsequent exile. Harold is also father to Joy Meachum, another character rumored for the Netflix series, though casting reports previously pointed toward filling the role of Harold’s brother Ward Meachum, not Harold himself. The two parts may have been merged.

So reads the Iron Fist synopsis:

Returning to New York City after being missing for years, Daniel Rand fights against the criminal element corrupting New York City with his incredible kung-fu mastery and ability to summon the awesome power of the fiery Iron Fist.

Elsewhere, following the addition of Jessica Henwick as Colleen Wing, recent breakdowns also suggested Iron Fist likely to begin casting the roles of Shang Chi, the Wards and “Steel Serpent.” Scott Buck will showrun Iron Fist, while recent reports suggested Jessica Jones writer Scott Reynolds will also have a hand on the creative side.

For the moment, neither Marvel nor Netflix have publicly released a schedule for Iron Fist, The Defenders, or a second season of Jessica Jones, let alone any spinoffs. Stay tuned for the latest as it arrives.

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