Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Netflix
In the wake of their content initiative Strong Black Lead (saluting their breath of Black talent), Netflix loses a few more good ones. It has now cancelled TWO of its Black-led shows. First, Netflix chopped Rev Run’s scripted show “All About The Washingtons” after only one season. And now, Netflix axes Marvel’s “Luke Cage” after two seasons.
“Luke Cage” surprised us all when it was first released in September 2016. It starred the highly melanated and devastatingly handsome Mike Colter, alongside tons of top actors and actresses of color, including Simone Missick, Alfre Woodard, Rosario Dawson, and Mahershala Ali (just to name a few). And, it had a bomb a** soundtrack laced with Hip-Hop hits from old school classics (like M.O.P.’s “Ante Up”) to new school grooves (like Jidenna’s “Long Live The Chief”). Black art adorned the walls of all the major power players and it was based in Harlem (the black mecca…or is that Atlanta?). So please excuse all of Black America as we collectively cry out, “whyyyyyyyyy?!”
Marvel and Netflix released a joint statement, which did not at all address the reasons why “Luke Cage” had to go, they said: “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.”
But with all TV drama, someone knows something.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix cancelled the series because of creative differences. And Deadline added that Showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker and his writing staff had started working on season 3 when executives stepped in with concerns. The tension between Netflix, Marvel and the creative team ultimately bubbled over and seemed to cause irreparable damage to the relationship. The only resulting action, Netflix cut it from the roster.
Despite it struggling a bit in season 2, we’re sad to say goodbye to our Harlem superhero.
TELL US: Will you miss Marvel’s “Luke Cage”?
