Marvel Television seems to be going from strength to strength when it comes to the incredible superhero shows that stream exclusively on Netflix, with Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage all gaining incredible critical acclaim upon their releases.
Credit: Netflix
Now, Iron Fist is about to debut on the platform with Game of Thrones alum Finn Jones in the leading role of Danny Rand. That casting however has not come without its doubters, many of whom think the show is whitewashing a hero who should be played by a minority actor.
Speaking to Buzzfeed in a new interview, Jones says he understands where the criticism comes from and explained: “I get where that frustration comes from. I get the need for diversity and equality in television and film… Well, actually in every aspect of life.
“Right now we life in a culture and a world where we are very unequal in politics, in economics, and in culture. There needs to be more diversity in television and film, especially for Asian actors.”
He did however add: “What I struggle with and what frustrates me is that people are commenting on the headline without understanding the full picture, without understanding the full story. What you’ll find with the way that we’re telling this story is we’re addressing the issues that people are very concerned about in a very intelligent and modern way.
“Danny Rand is not a white savior. Danny Rand can hardly save himself, let alone an entire race of people. He is a very complicated, vulnerable individual. He doesn’t just show up, like, ‘Hey dudes, I’ve just learned martial arts! I’m going to save the world.’ Actually, it’s the complete opposite. He’s gone through and suffered immense trauma and he is struggling to claim his own sanity and identity back.”
Danny Rand has always been an Anglo-Saxon-looking white male in the pages of Marvel comic books, so to cast Jones in the role isn’t a big surprise. While it would be nice to see another Asian actor getting the job, Jones himself should not really be taking any criticism for picking up this role; it’s one that he slots perfectly into if you pick up the comic books.
Iron Fist comes to Netflix on March 17, joining Daredevil seasons 1 and 2, and seasons 1 of Jessica Jones and Luke Cage. All those heroes team up for The Defenders later this year.