43 New And Upcoming Comic-Book TV Shows: Which Will Triumph?

3. Marvel's Luke Cage

Pitch: The comics see Lucas Cage growing up as a gang member and would-be racketeer. He reforms but is then framed for drug possession. Sent to prison, Cage has the opportunity to volunteer for a super-soldier experiment which pushes his strength well past Captain America's and leaves his skin all but indestructible. Escaping prison, Cage sets up in Hell's Kitchen and offers his services as a "hero for hire." Latest News: This series is due on Netflix from Marvel after Jessica Jones. Mike Colter plays Cage, who'll be introduced in JJ, and Alfre Woodard is cast as a key villain. But the series' main villain appears to be Willis "Diamondback" Stryker, who falls out with Cage when they fall for the same woman, Reva Connors. (These details could be subject to change.) Filming begins in two months. Odds Of Success: Strong. Though "blaxploitation" is to Luke Cage what kung fu movies are to Iron Fist, the basic story outline is a more natural fit for today's sensibilities, and Luke has been a bigger star than Danny or Jessica in comics of late.