Marvel’s Luke Cage axed by Netflix ahead of third season

Oct 20, 2018

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Netflix is surprisingly canning the popular Marvel superhero series, Luke Cage just four months after its second season premiere, and just days after the streaming service canceled another Marvel show, Iron Fist.

“Unfortunately, ‘Marvel’s Luke Cage’ will not return for a third season. Everyone at Marvel Television and Netflix is grateful to the dedicated showrunner, writers, cast and crew who brought Harlem’s Hero to life for the past two seasons, and to all the fans who have supported the series,” Netflix and Marvel Television said in a joint statement on Friday.

Cage was part of a five-series deal between Marvel and Netflix that included Iron Fist, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Defenders. Another series, The Punisher, was later added. It’s not clear if the show will be revived on Disney’s upcoming streaming services.

While Luke Cage star Michael Colter hasn’t chimed in on the show’s cancellation, Deadline.com reports that others involved with the show are making their feelings known across social media.

The show’s outspoken creator and showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker took to Twitter early Saturday to praise the show’s crew.

“A lot [of] memories,” Coker tweeted. “A lot of individual thank you calls to make. Just want to say thank you to Marvel, Netflix, the best Writer’s room, cast, crew, the Midnight Hour, all those who graced the stage at Harlem’s Paradise and the most incredible fan base in the world. Forward always…”

Cast member Karen Pittman, who plays Deputy Chief Priscilla Ridley, on Saturday retweeted several tweets related to the show’s cancellation, including a video of New York subway riders praising the show.

“I love this. So much. @cheo_coker @realmikecolter this is why @LukeCage mattered to so many,” she said. “It reflects the everyday ordinary man, trying to find his way. No matter the color, creed, background. That will never be canceled.”

I love this. So much. @cheo_coker @realmikecolter this is why @LukeCage mattered to so many. It reflects the everyday ordinary man, trying to find his way. No matter the color, creed, background. That will never be cancelled. https://t.co/TXmPhfqtFJ

— Karen Pittman (@pittmankaren) October 20, 2018