With the news that Jessica Jones will be coming to Netflix this November, more casting information has been given about its successor Luke Cage, with Marvel officially announcing that 12 Years a Slave and Annabelle actress Alfre Woodard has joined the cast as Mariah Dillard.
Alfre Woodard / Credit: FAMOUS
Previously rumoured to be playing a character named Minetta, it seems those whisperings were slightly off. Her character will be known as a powerful local politician, whose career is in danger of coming to an abrupt end because of both Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and her cousin Cornell 'Cottonmouth' Stokes (Mahershala Ali).
Jeph Loeb, Head of Marvel Television said about the casting: "Alfre has an incredible, unique, and intimidating presence on screen that makes her perfect as a leader of the Harlem community. We couldn't be more excited that an actress as celebrated and talented as Alfre has decided to join us on this adventure."
An updated plot synopsis for the entire Luke Cage series was also revealed, confirming Harlem as the main city setting.
"After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage (Mike Colter) becomes a fugitive trying to rebuild his life in modern day Harlem, New York City. But he is soon pulled out of the shadows and must fight a battle for the heart of his city - forcing him to confront a past he had tried to bury."
Though Marvel haven't confirmed if Woodard's character is an updated version of comic book character Black Mariah, many believe she is, which means she could be involved with the drug business.
Woodard joins a prestigious cast also including Frank Whaley, Simone Missick and Theo Rossi.
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