The Hand is a centuries-old order of evil ninja, steeped in mysticism. Theyre involved in organized crime as well as assassination plots and mercenary work. And in fact, the Hand also led to the creation of HYDRA during World War II. The Hand has plagued numerous heroes in the Marvel Universe, beginning with Daredevil (their first introduction in Marvel Comics), and also including Wolverine, Spider-Man, the Avengers, the X-Men, and numerous others. The Hand has appeared in film before, but as part of the Elektra movie (and the less you remember about that film, the better off youll be). Marvel now has the chance to make the Hand a massive force in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since they premiered in the Daredevil comics, the Daredevil Netflix series would seem like the ideal place to introduce them (and to also bring in Elektra and Stick). From there, you can expand the Hand out into other areas of the Marvel Universe. Their involvement with HYDRA in World War II can provide some flashback scenes in a future Captain America movie. Or they could feature in the upcoming Agent Carter series, linking it to the Daredevil series as well. Marvel is pursuing an animated version of the Japanese team Big Hero 6, and though it wont tie into the MCU, if it proves successful Marvel might consider a live-action Big Hero 6 that could involve the Hand.
Percival Constantine is the author of several novels and short stories, including the Vanguard superhero series, and regularly writes and comments on movies, comics, and other pop culture. More information can be found at his website, PercivalConstantine.com
