LUKE CAGE Adds Two New Cast Members for Season 2
Production on the second season of Netflix’s Luke Cage began a few weeks ago. Since then, news has been relatively quiet on the Power Man’s next standalone story. But now, we have news of two actors joining the cast of the acclaimed Marvel series.
Marvel has announced that actors Mustafa Shakir (The Night Of) and Gabrielle Dennis (Rosewood) have joined Luke Cage season two. The company also confirmed a 2018 premiere for the season.
Returning cast members include Mike Colter as Luke Cage (shocker!), Simone Missick as Misty Knight, Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple, Alfre Woodard as Mariah Dillard, and Theo Rossi as Shades.
Shakir will play John McIver, who is described as “a natural leader, brimming with charisma, whose mission is focused on Harlem and vengeance.” In the comics, McIver was one of two characters to assume the supervillain mantle of Bushmaster. Safe to assume this will play out on Luke Cage as well?
Dennis will play Tilda Johnson, who is “a brilliant, holistic doctor with a complicated history in Harlem where, as much as she tries to stay far from trouble, it seems to always find her.” In the comics, Johnson is also a supervillain, with the codename Nightshade. But apparently, Tilda Johnson is also in the Black Panther movie, played by another actress. Continuity error, or two characters in the same universe coincidentally having the same name? Or something else?
Executive producer Jeph Loeb had this to say about Shakir and Dennis’ castings. “Mustafa’s incredible presence and power ignited us from our first meeting, and Gabrielle brings the charm and smarts to a very complicated role. Both will be wonderful additions to our already magnificent cast.” Meanwhile, Luke Cage showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker offered his own praise for the new cast members. “I can’t wait for audiences to see the compelling paces we put both Mustafa and Gabrielle through. From the moment you see each of them on screen, I feel they will be powerful additions to the world of Marvel and Harlem’s Luke Cage.”
Stay tuned for more news as we have it.
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