The premiere of Marvel's Luke Cage is only days away and as if anticipation wasn't already high, Netflix have now dropped a trailer full of action. Some of it is footage we've seen before in various sneak peeks or trailers, but there's new stuff in there too, which seems to confirm what most of us have already guessed: Luke Cage is going to be packed full of explosive action as the titular character seeks to keep the people of Harlem safe from Cornell 'Cottonmouth' Stokes.
Starring Mike Colter as Luke Cage, the show also features Mahershala Ali as Cottonmouth, nightclub owner and gunrunner with a tight grip on how things are run underground in Harlem; until the unbreakable Cage turns up, that is. Simone Missick takes on the role of Misty Knight, Alfre Woodard plays Mariah Dillard, and Rosario Dawson reprises her role of nurse Claire Temple after appearing in Daredevil and Jessica Jones.
Described as 'The Wire of Marvel Television' by showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker, Luke Cage is said to be more political than its Marvel/Netflix predecessors, and picks up with Luke after he leaves Hell's Kitchen. The former bartender makes his way to Harlem to try and keep a low profile but as the trailer above shows, that's far from what ends up happening. The trailer gives a better look at the characters than we've had before, particularly Mariah Stokes; who, despite being a politician for the people, seems to want rid of Cage as soon as possible. Given that she is Cottonmouth's cousin it's unsurprising that the two share a closeness of sorts, but how far will that relationship take them? Will Mariah be willing to sacrifice her political integrity if needed, to protect her villainous cousin?
Ali's Cottonmouth seems to be the perfect villain of the piece; very watchable and entertaining, slightly unhinged (in a rather alarming manner), and incredibly dangerous. Indeed, if previous Marvel TV villains are anything to go by (Fisk from Daredevil, Killgrave from Jessica Jones), fans will be in for some great scenes when Cottonmouth and Cage meet since the latter, despite his ability to attract unwanted attention, is actually quite a cool and peaceful guy.
Joining Luke on the 'good' side is the aforementioned Claire - though how much of a role she will have in the season is not yet known - and Misty Knight. Comic book fans will know the character of Misty as the ex-cop with a thirst for justice, who has a bionic arm. Though she doesn't have the bionic arm replacement in Luke Cage, she does still have the same desire to serve and protect her community, and she will be wanting Luke Cage firmly on her side.
Luke Cage is said to follow the pattern of a Western, with Cage as the Cowboy and Cottonmouth as the big baddie, all set to a hip-hop soundtrack. The show is also a reflection of current issues; not shying away from tackling issues of race and discrimination. Indeed, even the clothing choice for Cage was very deliberate, highlighting that just because a person of color is wearing a hoodie, it doesn't mean they're up to no good. On the political side, the show will also reflect current society, looking at corruption and fear used to gain power.
NEXT: Heroes for Hire Could Appear in Luke Cage Season 2
Daredevil season 1 & 2 and Jessica Jones season 1 are now available on Netflix. Luke Cage season 1 will arrive on September 30th, 2016. The Defenders and Iron Fist arrive in 2017. Release dates for Jessica Jones season 2, The Punisher and Daredevil season 3 have not yet been announced.
Source: Marvel/Netflix