Marvel's The Defenders Sets S.J. Clarkson to Direct

S.J. Clarkson, who has previously directed episodes of Jessica Jones, Vinyl, and Orange is the New Black will helm the first two episodes of Marvel's The Defenders for Marvel TV and Netflix, as announced today in a press release. Clarkson will also executive produce the premiere of the series. She directed the first two episodes of Jessica Jones, so handling a major opening is nothing she's stranger to.

The Defenders will bring together Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist on their "common goal to save New York City." The press release describes the mini-series, which they also revealed will be 8 episodes long, as "the story of four solitary figures, burdened with their own personal challenges, who realize they just might be stronger when teamed together."

"S.J.'s take on the material is outstanding. We loved her work on Marvel's Jessica Jones and couldn't think of a more talented and accomplished person to helm the first two episodes of Marvel's The Defenders," said Marvel's Head of Television and Executive Producer, Jeph Loeb in the release.

Marvel's The Defenders will debut in 2017, one of three Marvel/Netflix collaborations that year, after Iron Fist. The Punisher, the first spin-off series, will also land in 2017.

The Defenders stars Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, Mike Colter as Luke Cage, and Finn Jones as Danny Rand/Iron Fist. It was recently announced that Academy Award and Emmy nominee and Golden Globe winner, Sigourney Weaver will also join the cast. Marco Ramirez (Marvel's Daredevil") and Doug Petrie (Marvel's Daredevil") are executive producers along with Drew Goddard ("Marvel's Daredevil," "The Martian") and Jeph Loeb ("Marvel's Jessica Jones," "Marvel's Daredevil," "Marvel's Luke Cage) and Jim Chory ("Marvel's Jessica Jones," "Marvel's Daredevil," "Marvel's Luke Cage").

Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and two seasons of Daredevil are streaming now on Netflix