When Echo was released earlier this month, it was under the newly launched "Marvel Spotlight" banner. We still don't know what that means for future Disney+ TV shows, but for now, it looks like it will encompass TV-MA projects which aren't as connected to the wider MCU narrative as Loki, for example.
After going back to the drawing board with Daredevil: Born Again, Marvel Studios has made Marvel Television's Netflix stories "canon." It's clear Kevin Feige will continue to pick and choose which elements from those series the MCU will use, but it's an undeniably exciting development.
In this feature, we've singled out five Netflix heroes and villains we think would be deserving of "Marvel Spotlight" TV shows which are heavier on violence and tell more mature stories than typical MCU fare. From there, they can feed into the street-level stories that have finally become a priority for Marvel Studios.
To find out which characters have made the cut, you just need to click on the "Next"/"View List" buttons below.
5. Elektra
In recent weeks, we've seen Daredevil: Born Again add Foggy Nelson, Karen Page, and even Bullseye, three Daredevil leads we never expected to appear in the upcoming Disney+ series.
Unfortunately, there's still no mention of Elektra, a character Elodie Yung did a great job with despite often being saddled with lousy material. Marvel Television dropped the ball on the assassin's death and resurrection but left her in a place where she can now return with a clean slate.
We'd like that to happen in Daredevil: Born Again. However, if it instead takes the form of a spin-off series released under the "Marvel Spotlight" banner, it'll be no bad thing. Elektra could even drop between both halves of the series, setting up her new status quo in the MCU.
After a bloody solo adventure, the best possible place for this to lead is Elektra putting The Hand behind her to also become Daredevil (which is what we've seen in recent comics).
4. Purple Man
David Tennant was phenomenal as the twisted Purple Man in season one of Jessica Jones and remains one of the most despicable villains ever seen in a comic book adaptation. With that in mind, you'd best believe we cheered when Jess snapped his neck.
Despite what looked to be a very definitive death, there are ways for him to return...this time with the purple skin that makes his counterpart on the screen so iconic.
That's by no means a dealbreaker, but whether it's a series which sees Purple Man attempt to find redemption or him just being an evil SOB who ultimately gets his comeuppance, there are lots of places for a TV-MA series to take him. Heck, why not introduce the Purple Children at the same time?
Those of you who have read Devil's Reign will also know that Purple Man ends up being a key part of the Kingpin's plan to not just rule New York City as Mayor but eventually become U.S. President!
3. Iron Fist
In recent days, we've heard of plans for a new Iron Fist project with a female lead. While it sounds like Finn Jones will return as Danny Rand, it's probably going to be just a cameo or small supporting role as Marvel Studios looks to move on from the "white saviour" trope.
It's possible we'll see an original character become the MCU's Iron Fist; however, that would be a misstep on Marvel's part, particularly when you have Jessica Henwick's Colleen Wing right there. She even inherited Danny's powers during the show's second season!
A TV-MA limited series that establishes Colleen as the new Iron Fist - costume and all - sounds like a must-watch to us. Danny could appear to wrap up some loose ends, though we'd probably kill him off at some point.
Then, when the MCU is rebooted post-Avengers: Secret Wars, perhaps Marvel Studios can figure out something for a new version of him and Luke Cage in Heroes for Hire.
2. The Punisher
Rumour has it that Jon Bernthal's role as The Punisher has been increased in Daredevil: Born Again as part of the show's creative overhaul. This will come as music to the ears of many of you, no great surprise given how beloved the actor's take on Frank Castle has become.
Marvel Television spent way too much time focusing on the conspiracy that led to the murder of this unhinged vigilante's family, but at least Marvel Studios can now move on from the whole thing.
After an effective reintroduction in the Daredevil follow-up, a new "Marvel Spotlight" TV series can do right by The Punisher with a hard-hitting story that perhaps even embraces some of the wackier ideas from the comics; is the world ready for Frankencastle or the Cosmic Ghost Rider?
We'd probably choose to keep a new series grounded, gritty, and violent. Well, for now at least.
1. Jessica Jones
We know many of you would like to have seen Luke Cage here but that character needs the reboot treatment and, while it might happen sooner, we'd probably wait until after Avengers: Secret Wars.
Mike Colter was fine as Power Man. However, this role should go to a younger actor and one who is more in line with what we've seen on the page. Someone who shouldn't be recast, though, is Krysten Ritter's Jessica Jones. She was incredible as the P.I. and deserves a Disney+ revival.
The less said about the second and third seasons, the better. If Marvel Studios goes back to what worked so well in season one, though, then we could be in for something special.
We'd like to see them take this opportunity to have Jessica investigate a superhero-related case, making her a P.I. who gets involved with the wider MCU. The series can remain grounded; it just needs an impressive guest star (perhaps a B-List hero can be murdered?).