The release of the next Netflix and Marvel series Iron Fist is rapidly approaching, which means that not only will the title character make his debut appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but it will mark the final stand-alone series before The Defenders arrives later this year. While that show will focus on all of the Marvel/Netflix heroes introduced so far – which includes Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage – Iron Fist will focus on Danny Rand’s (Game of Thrones’ Finn Jones) journey toward becoming Iron Fist.

What will set Iron Fist apart from its counterpart shows, however, is the character’s deeply rooted connection with kung-fu after learning several techniques in the city of K’un-Lun, which is where Rand also learns how to call upon the power of the Iron Fist. Now, to mark the upcoming release of Iron Fist, a series of new behind-the-scenes photos have been released.

Released by Netflix and Marvel (via ComingSoon), the photos mainly focus on Jones’ Rand showing off his fighting techniques or the show's director. Check them out in the gallery below.

[vn_gallery name="Iron Fist Behind the Scenes Images" id="912771"]

While the kung-fu atmosphere from the Iron Fist comics appears to have been retained judging by has been released for the series, there are also some teases of characters from previous Netflix/Marvel shows. Primarily, this includes Rosario Dawson’s Claire Temple, who first appeared in Daredevil (and is the only character to appear in every standalone show thus far) and Jessica Jones’ Carrie-Anne Moss reprising her Jeri Hogarth character. Dawson has appeared in a number of photos and trailers, building on the speculation that her character will have an expanded role in the show when compared to her other appearances.

The behind-the-scenes photos are great for fans who were hoping to get a sense of what kind of tone and style Iron Fist is going for after early controversy surrounding the casting of Jones. Showrunner Scott Buck, who was in charge of Dexter for the final three seasons, has promised that he’ll avoid pushing Rand’s character in any type of “white savior” direction, however, and that the character is actually more interested in saving himself than anything.

Still, there are bound to be some fans out there who are upset that an actor of Asian descent wasn’t cast in the role. While that’s certainly a fair request, given the evolving social political landscape since the character’s inception back in the ‘70s, Marvel and Buck were probably set on retaining the ethnicity of the character’s comic counterpart. Regardless, the photos released seem to suggest that Iron Fist will have a diverse cast of supporting characters.

Next: Finn Jones Says ‘Danny Rand is Not a White Savior’

Daredevil seasons 1 and 2, Jessica Jones season 1, and Luke Cage season 1 are now available on Netflix. Iron Fist season 1 premieres on March 17. The Defenders arrive sometime in the summer, with The Punisher coming later this year. Premiere dates for the newest seasons of Jessica JonesDaredevil, and Luke Cage have not yet been revealed.

Source: Marvel/Netflix (via ComingSoon)