‘Marvel’s The Defenders’ Showrunner Reveals When They Decided to Bring Back Elektra

Months before Marvel’s The Defenders premiered, many were surprised to learn that Elektra (Elodie Yung) would be one of the miniseries’ antagonists. But according to showrunner Marco Ramirez, the decision to bring the character into the fold – and back from her death in Daredevil season two – was made pretty early on.

“I definitely think [Marvel TV head] Jeph Loeb really wanted the idea of an Elektra resurrection storyline to be a part of her story.” Ramirez explained to Entertainment Weekly. “And I think that once we got to where we got organically by the end of season 2 of Daredevil, the idea was pretty clear that she’s coming back.”

Once the choice was made to resurrect Elektra, Ramirez and Loeb filled Yung in on their plans, with amusing results.

“When Jeph and I made the phone call to Elodie,” Ramirez revealed, “before the [script for the season 2 finale] came to her because she was getting killed, she was made aware [that Elektra would die in the finale]. We were like, ‘Hey, we’re really sorry you get killed. Also, though, you come back from the dead.’ She was kind of like, ‘So why are we having this phone call?’ Which was funny.”

And according to Ramirez, Elektra was included in Defenders as a way to honor the character’s comic legacy.

“But I would say half of [why we made her so important] was because it felt like that’s the story to tell,” Ramirez added. “And she’s a major figure in the comics, she’s really beloved by the audience, and her resurrection storyline is very iconic.”

We thought Marvel’s The Defenders was worth the wait. Let us know what you thought Marvel and Netflix’s superhero crossover by giving The Defenders your own rating below.

Marvel’s The Defenders follows Daredevil (Charlie Cox), Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and Iron Fist (Finn Jones). A quartet of singular heroes with one common goal – to save New York City. This is the story of four solitary figures, burdened with their own personal challenges, who realize they just might be stronger when teamed together.

Marvel’s The Defenders is now streaming on Netflix.