Copyright Netflix/Marvel/Disney
Luke Cage season 2 is now streaming. If you’re looking for when season 3 will come to Netflix then you’re probably going to be disappointed to learn that the show has been canceled. Here’s a post-mortem on why Luke Cage has been canceled plus a quick overview of the future of Marvel on Netflix.
Season 2 of Luke Cage was built on the success of the first season, a fantastic soundtrack, some great cameos, and action. Although there has been some criticism for Marvel’s efforts on Netflix recently with a few dud seasons here and there, they’re still wildly successful.
The ending of season two kept things open, leading us to believe there will be a third season. But it looks like Netflix has another ending in mind.
Has Luke Cage been renewed for season 3?
Official renewal status: Canceled (Last update: 10/20/2018)
Luke Cage has been canceled by Netflix just a week after Netflix decided to also pull the plug on another Netflix hero, Iron Fist. Jessica Jones and Daredevil look to be the only two shows that have and will be given a third season.
The show’s official Twitter account tweeted a picture yesterday with Luke Cage front and center with the caption “Always Forward”.
— Luke Cage (@LukeCage) October 20, 2018
Season 3 was actually already in the early stages. At the end of September, Mike Colter (yet to comment on cancellation) spoke to Comicbook and said this:
“I think our plan for Season 3, Cheo Hodari Coker, our showrunner, is writing Season 3 as we speak. I think the plan for Season 3 is to explore Luke’s ability to govern and be fair. At the end, we talk about there being a new sheriff in town, a new king in Harlem,”
The official statement from Netflix is as follows:
“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.”
Why did Luke Cage get canceled?
Unfortunately, there is no official reason but there have been a few rumors and notes as to why the series has been ended. Iron Fist was faced with bitter reviews but Luke Cage season 2 was a big success with critics.
Ted Sarandos dodged the subject yesterday where he said:
“Those shows are for us to cancel,” he said, “and we’re super happy with their performance so far.”
The more likely scenario is what Deadline is reporting when it says that the show’s creators are facing creative difficulties.
The series had been written as a two-part season 3 consisting of 10 episodes. Both parties seemed unable or unwilling to make it work leading to the resulting cancellation.
How the cast/crew have reacted
The creator and showrunner for Luke Cage, Cheo Hodari Coker was reflective on his time working on the show.
A lot memories. 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…
— Cheo Hodari Coker (@cheo_coker) October 20, 2018
Simone Missick who played Misty Knight reacted to multiple fans today but hasn’t put out a statement.
https://twitter.com/SimoneMissick/status/1053738220511522816
Here are some of the other casts reactions.
https://twitter.com/Theorossi/status/1053506395155369984
https://twitter.com/Theorossi/status/1053609742793408512
https://twitter.com/thomasqjones/status/1053667093311188993
Does the Disney platform have anything to do with the cancellation?
Some rumors are floating that Netflix and Marvel are coming to the end of their relationship. That may be true, but a more accurate explanation is that The Defenders timelines are now coming to an end.
We don’t believe it’s the case that Disney is canceling these shows to later bring them back for the new Disney streaming service due out in 2019.
Do you want to see another season of Luke Cage? Let us know in the comments.
