Marvel's Luke Cage: 10 Ups And 2 Downs From Season 1

2. Mike Colter

Luke Cage Mike Colter
Netflix

At the very heart of Luke Cage is its star, Mike Colter. A solid supporting presence in Jessica Jones, Colter takes his Cage to new levels here.

Colter is the man charged with carrying the show through it's highs-and-lows, and his considerable shoulders are more than able to take the strain. He makes great use of his sheer size, easily able to portray the most badass and physical aspects of the character. He's capable of menace, when facing up to the bad guys, but also has plenty of charm and charisma too.

He mixes the character's blaxpoitation roots - with plenty of "corny" lines and a raw animal magnetism - with something of the old-school Hollywood hero - the strong silent type who is the protector of his people. Cage balances both strands expertly, while also making the character feel modern. He may be a reluctant hero, but he's also a damn convincing one.

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Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.