Luke Cage Star Teases MCU Return: 'Unfinished Business'

Mike Colter has sparked excitement across the Marvel fan community with a significant update regarding his future as Luke Cage. Eight years after Netflix controversially canceled the popular superhero series, the actor has confirmed that private discussions about his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe are actively underway.

Speaking on Shawn Stockman's On That Note podcast, Colter offered a promising glimpse into what the future might hold for the unbreakable hero from Harlem. While carefully avoiding any concrete commitments, the actor suggested that the long wait for a return might be nearing its end.

I've had conversations... and I'll leave it at that.

The statement marks a notable shift from Colter's previous stance, where he had consistently expressed satisfaction with moving beyond the character to explore other acting opportunities.

The journey toward this potential return has not been immediate. In the years following the 2018 cancellation, Colter maintained that he had closed the chapter on Luke Cage, driven by a desire to demonstrate his range as a performer.

However, time and changing circumstances have altered his perspective. Colter explained that his initial reluctance stemmed from a creative need to diversify his portfolio, noting that he loved the character but needed to prove his versatility in different roles.

Now, years later, the actor has reached a different conclusion about his relationship with the character and the franchise.

I love the fans and I love that world. And it's been years now. So now, I'm doing other projects, but now I think to myself 'I have some unfinished business there.'

This sentiment of unfinished business suggests that Colter feels the narrative arc of Luke Cage was cut short before reaching its natural conclusion, leaving room for further development within the larger MCU landscape.

The most logical entry point for Luke Cage's return appears to be Daredevil: Born Again. The revival series has already established a precedent for bringing back Netflix-era characters, with Charlie Cox returning as the Man Without Fear and Krysten Ritter confirmed to reprise her role as Jessica Jones.

Colter himself drew this connection during the interview, explicitly referencing the returns of both Daredevil and Jessica Jones as indicators that the door is open for other Defenders-era heroes.

The actor's history with these characters runs deep. He first appeared as Cage in the debut season of Jessica Jones, where he served as a major supporting character before headlining his own series. Additionally, he teamed up with Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist in the 2017 crossover event The Defenders.

According to Jesse Wigutow, a writer for Daredevil: Born Again, the production team has made a deliberate pivot to honor the Netflix legacy rather than distance itself from it.

I feel like some of that worked well, and some of it didn't. There were expectations that weren't necessarily being met, and there was a pointed effort and a left turn — to not necessarily return to Netflix, but honor the Netflix origin of the show. It is meant to be more aligned with the Netflix show now.

While no official announcements have been made, Colter's language suggests that negotiations or creative discussions have progressed beyond initial exploratory talks. He indicated that the process could move more quickly than fans anticipate.

I'd say we're in a better position to come into fruition faster than we think, so we'll see.

The actor also acknowledged the emotional impact of his previous silence on the matter, noting that he had previously given fans little reason for optimism.

I was giving no one hope before, I am giving hope at least.

With the third season of Jessica Jones reportedly greenlit and set to film this year, the timing aligns perfectly for Luke Cage to make his return. The interconnected nature of the MCU's street-level heroes means that appearances in multiple series remain distinct possibilities.

Key factors working in favor of a return include:

• Established relationships with key creative figures like showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker
• Strong fan demand and nostalgia for the Netflix era
• The MCU's current expansion into street-level storytelling
• Colter's own evolving perspective on the character

This development represents more than just a single character's return; it signals Marvel's continued commitment to integrating the Netflix-era shows into the broader cinematic universe. For years, fans have debated whether these characters would ever be acknowledged again, creating a sense of uncertainty about their canonical status.

Colter's openness to returning validates the emotional investment fans made in these series despite their cancellation. The actor's recognition that he has unfinished business with Luke Cage suggests that the character's story has more to offer, particularly in a universe that now includes other returning heroes.

The potential integration also opens creative avenues for exploring how Luke Cage has evolved since we last saw him, and how he fits into the current MCU landscape alongside characters like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and potentially other street-level heroes.

For now, fans can take comfort in knowing that the conversations are happening, and that the man who once embodied Harlem's hero is finally ready to consider wearing the mantle once again.

The possibility of Mike Colter returning as Luke Cage represents a significant moment for Marvel fans who have waited years for closure on the Netflix-era characters. His admission of unfinished business suggests that the story of Harlem's hero is far from over.

With Daredevil: Born Again already bringing back familiar faces and the MCU embracing its street-level roots, the stage is set for Luke Cage to rejoin the fight. While nothing is confirmed, Colter's hopeful tone indicates that fans may not have to wait much longer to see the unbreakable hero back in action.

The coming months will likely reveal whether these conversations translate into concrete casting announcements, but for now, the door to the MCU has been opened wider than it has been in years.