While a lot of focus is going to be on Jessica Jones ahead of its November debut, the folks at Marvel are clearing up some recent casting buzz for Luke Cage that has surfaced and formalizing some of the characters so fans know what’s in store. The supporting cast has gotten the nods here with some choice quotes about both actor and character to check out as well as the addition of Frank Whaley to the property.
Simone Missick (Ray Donovan)
Character: Misty Knight, a Harlem police detective who is determined to learn the truth about Luke Cage.
Quote: “We know fans have waited years to see Misty Knight brought to life, so we had to find the right actress,” said Executive Producer/Marvel’s Head of TV Jeph Loeb. “Simone blew us away with her performance as the strong-willed cop on a mission.”
Theo Rossi (Sons of Anarchy)
Character: Shades, a ruthless criminal with ties to Cage’s mysterious past.
Quote: “Theo Rossi is a swiss army knife–no matter what you bring to him, he has a tool for it–and he’s playfully unpredictable,” said series Executive Producer and Showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker. “His Shades will be someone you hate to love.”
Frank Whaley (Ray Donovan)
Character: Rafael Scarfe, a hard-nosed NYPD detective who partners with Misty Knight in their Luke Cage investigation.
Quote: “Frank Whaley has a wiry intensity that he’s imbued in Det. Rafael Scarfe,” said Coker. “He’s a great counterpart to Misty, and a wonderful actor.”
Rosario Dawson (Daredevil)
Character: Claire Temple. Her blossoming friendship with Luke Cage will have a major impact on both characters’ lives.
Quote: “We are thrilled to have Rosario in another one of our television series,” said Loeb. “Her performance as Claire Temple in Marvel’s Daredevil was astonishing and we can’t wait to see her shine in Marvel’s Luke Cage.”
The Luke Cage character was originally created back in 1972 by Archie Goodwin and John Romita, Sr. for Luke Cage, Hero for Hire. He eventually teamed up a lot with Iron Fist, who is getting his own series after this one as well. The character has appeared in animated form in several different projects as well as videogames.
Plot concept: 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.
