David Lee/Netflix(NEW YORK) — Just a week after Netflix pulled the plug on Marvel’s Iron Fist, the streamer has now canceled its popular bulletproof superhero series Luke Cage after two seasons.
“Unfortunately, Marvel’s Luke Cage will not return for a third season,” Netflix said a statement, obtained by Deadline. “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.”
The series starred Mike Colter as Cage, a wrongly-accused ex-con left super-strong and unbreakable after a sabotaged experiment.
Luke Cage was an immediate hit when it premiered in September 2016. In addition to featuring a rarely seen black superhero in a stand-alone vehicle, the series was also lauded for its ability to discuss race relations. It showed homages to Black Lives Matter, “hands up, don’t shoot,” Trayvon Martin, Nortorious B.I.G. and other culturally significant references.
However — according to Deadline — even with its success and second season return in June, the series suffered “creative differences” behind the scenes with “some execs having issues with the more developed scripts, even though the scripts strongly incorporated suggestions from both Netflix and Marvel brass.”
Cage creator and showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker responded to the cancellation on Twitter but did not offer insight into why the series was canned.
“A lot memories. A lot of individual thank you calls to make,” he said. “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…”
Meanwhile, Marvel’s parent company Disney, is working on its own streaming service.
Copyright © 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.