Why Iron Fist Is So Important In The Defenders

The latest series from Marvel and Netflix added another wrinkle to the importance of the Iron Fist, who was revealed to be more than just the protector of K’un-Lun.

In his own Netflix series, Danny Rand underwent a journey of survival and training to become the Iron Fist. And though he worked to avenge the death of his parents and regain his company, his absence from the mystical city of K’un-Lun resulted in the deaths of the monks who took him in.

Or did it?

Spoilers for The Defenders below.

Rand’s training enabled him to become an Immortal Weapon, and as a fighter he thought he was meant to be the protector of K’un-Lun. And when he abandoned his post only to return later, he found the city littered with dead bodies.

But the leader of the Hand Alexandra hinted that he only saw what he wanted to see, and that K’un-Lun was not actually left in ruin. In fact, she and the other leaders of the Hand used to live in K’un-Lun until they were excommunicated. They uncovered the secret of immortality and wanted to use it to prolong their own lives.

After being exiled, Alexandra and the others learn of a stash of “the substance” that can be used to resurrect people and prolong their lifespans buried underneath New York City, which is where the hole in Daredevil Season Two comes into play. The Hand are in dire need of more of this substance due to Alexandra using the last of it to resurrect Elektra AKA the Black Sky.

While digging in underneath New York City, however, they discover a wall with markings in the language found in K’un Lun. They determine that only the Iron Fist can move beyond the wall, meaning he is not only a weapon… he is also a key.

The Hand attempt to sway him to their cause and, eventually, kidnap him in the series so that they can unlock the secrets behind “door.” But what is behind the door? That’s another question entirely.

The Defenders is now streaming on Netflix.

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.