There is a 'new' Danny Rand in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and fans are hoping he'll stick around in the upcoming second season of Iron Fist. In Luke Cage season 2, the Hero of Harlem welcomed Danny as a guest star and together they toured the streets of his neighborhood and got into some expected scuffles. It was a tease for Iron Fist season 2, which premieres September 7, 2018 on Netflix, that was warmly received by fans.

A warm reception is not something Danny Rand (Finn Jones) is used to. Just as in the first episode of Iron Fist, Danny returned to New York City after 15 years training in the magical city of K'un-Lun and was met with mistrust and derision, his series also got the same reaction from fans. Iron Fist was lambasted for its uninspired story and outright bad fight scenes (which was disappointing, since Iron Fist is supposed to be one of Marvel's greatest martial artists). When he later teamed up with the Defenders, the boy billionaire was the butt of his fellow heroes' jokes.

2017 was overall not a banner year for the Immortal Iron Fist, but with his lauded guest spot on Luke Cage, the perception of Danny Rand and his series is on a positive upswing. Here's why season 2 is poised to continue the exploits of the 'new' Iron Fist:

Iron Fist Was The Worst Defender

Iron Fist season 2 premiere

Marvel Television doesn't roll out their Netflix series in "Phases" like their movie counterparts, but if everything up to The Defenders can be considered Phase 1, then Iron Fist was hands-down the worst Defender. Strong reviews overall met Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage, but Iron Fist was taken to task for the many issues that made the series underwhelming. (However, Iron Fist did score strong streaming numbers and was a hit for Netflix.) The blame for the show's poor creative falls on now-departed showrunner Scott Buck, who then left Iron Fist to create the failed Inhumans TV series.

But there's no denying season 1 Danny Rand has lots of deficiencies. Even though he had just returned home after a decade and a half of intense martial arts and meditation training to become the Iron Fist, Danny was a pretty immature character. He was impatient, quick to anger, and irrational. He tested the patience of everyone he met, including his partner/love interest Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick), his childhood friend Joy Meacham (Jessica Stroup), his attorney Jeri Hogarth (Carrie-Ann Moss), and the ever-present Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson).

Danny began to show some growth in The Defenders, but he was still mocked as "a thundering dumbass" by his fellow superheroes. Yet when that Marvel team-up was over, Danny was the only hero to emerge with a new mission given to him by Daredevil, who is currently presumed dead: protect New York City. It seems like Iron Fist has not only accepted this challenge but has been thriving.

Related: Iron Fist Season 2: Every Update You Need To Know

Luke Cage Debuted The "New" Danny Rand

Danny surprised his old friend Luke Cage (Mike Colter) in "The Main Ingredient", the 10th episode of season 2, and it was immediately apparent that the billionaire hero was not just different but better. He was relaxed, confident, and everywhere he went, he was treated with respect (Harlem was in awe that "Billionaire Danny Rand" was in their part of town). With Luke torn about how to apply his power and influence to save Harlem from the twin threats of Mariah Dillard and Bushmaster, Danny was able to step into the role of mentor for the first time.

Iron Fist offered sage advice, taught his bulletproof buddy how to meditate, cut to the chase of what was secretly eating at Luke, and of course, they pounded on some bad guys together. They even debuted cool new tandem moves. With this outing, Danny and Luke not only made a strong case for a Heroes For Hire team-up series, but it was an immediate and impactful image rehab for the maligned Iron Fist. Danny Rand came off like a new man and a new hero. This guest spot provocatively set the stage for Iron Fist season 2.

Page 2: Why We're Looking Forward to Iron Fist Season 2

Danny and Colleen at The Hand School in Iron Fist 1x10 Black Tiger Steals Heart

How Danny Rand's Life Has Changed

From Danny Rand's appearance in Luke Cage, along with Colleen Wing's guest spot with Misty Knight (Simone Bissick) in the third episode, fans got a tantalizing glimpse of how Iron Fist's sphere of influence in New York City has improved since The Defenders. It seems like Danny has been thriving in the role since becoming the unofficial protector of the city, specifically Chinatown. He trusts Ward Meachum (Tom Pelphrey) to run Rand Enterprises, and even though he owns 51% of the multinational corporation, Danny proudly claims he doesn't live off his company's money. (Although he's not above calling in a favor for Rand to buy a building that he and Luke demolished). Danny seems to have settled into a role as a more low-key version of Tony Stark, though his exploits are more akin to Iron Fist being Marvel's version of Bruce Wayne.

Though they didn't appear together in Luke Cage, Danny and Colleen's relationship seems rock-solid. After killing Bakuto (Ramon Rodriguez), Colleen has put her past with the Hand to rest. Like Danny, she is also growing more comfortable putting Rand's vast resources to use in helping others, like getting Misty fitted for a new robot arm. Of course, Colleen remains an utter badass who isn't above teaming with Misty to trounce some rude drunks in a bar brawl. Fans haven't heard any details of how Iron Fist's crime-fighting has been going, but the relaxed and fulfilled demeanor Danny and Colleen exuded indicate the months since The Defenders have gone well for the duo. Of course, with Iron Fist season 2 on the horizon, the peaceful times can't last.

Related: Iron Fist Season 2 Is Already Addressing One Of Season 1's Biggest Problems

Iron Fist Season 2 Could Be A Big Improvement

Iron Fist Season 2

Finn Jones has promised that Iron Fist season 2 will be "unlike anything we've seen before." With new showrunner Raven Metzner (Elektra, Sleepy Hollow) in charge, fans are hoping not just for a better season 2 story, but also want fight scenes and choreography that will finally establish Danny Rand as the foremost martial artist in the MCU. Metzner was brought on board not just for his experience in the superhero and sci-fi TV genres, but because he's a lifelong aficionado of kung fu films. With Black Panther's fight choreographer Clayton Barber on board, hopefully, the action in season 2 will reflect all of this expertise.

Season 1 and The Defenders left behind some unfinished business: K'un-Lun remains missing from this Earthly plane of existence and Danny and Colleen were unable to find where it went. The Hand was defeated at last and four of the five fingers were killed, although Madame Gao may have survived the collapse of the Midland Circle building and could return to torment our heroes. There is also the matter of Davos (Sacha Dhawan), a.k.a. Steel Serpent, Danny's former best friend who believes he deserves the power of the Iron Fist. Not only is Davos at large, but he was last seen recruiting Joy Meacham to his side against Danny. In addition, Alice Eve is joining the cast as well playing the villainous Typhoid Mary. However, Misty Knight is also joining season 2 so fans are assured of more kickass Daughters of the Dragon action with Colleen.

Finally, there is a wealth of mythology regarding K'un-Lun and the legacy of the Iron Fist that demands to be explored. With part of season 2 taking place inside the magical city, fans will learn more (besides quick flashbacks) about Danny's training and also how he faced Shou-Lao the Undying to win the power of the Iron Fist. Lingering questions as to whether that dragon is related to the ones found beneath Midland Circle in The Defenders also need to be addressed.

There is certainly a lot to look forward to when Iron Fist returns. This is refreshing spot for Danny Rand to be in, but this forward momentum and positive outlook all began when Danny set foot in Luke Cage's barber shop. Here's hoping that not only will Luke return the favor, but that Danny will also don the classic Iron Fist costume in season 2.

Next: Iron Fist Can Be The Best Defender In Season 2

Iron Fist season 2 premieres September 7, 2018 on Netflix.