In the ever-expanding universe of superhero media, there are few fanbases as dedicated and passionate as those who followed the Netflix Marvel shows. For years, viewers were drawn in by the street-level heroes of New York City, from Daredevil’s gritty work in Hell’s Kitchen to Jessica Jones’s trauma-based detective work. Among them was Danny Rand, the Immortal Iron Fist— a character whose live-action journey began with a mixed reception. However, by the time its second season concluded in 2018, Iron Fist had finally found its footing.
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The second season captured the essence of what the character was meant to be, and the show’s finale was a revelation, promising an exciting shift for the wider Marvel-Netflix universe. It set up an exciting future that would embrace the rich lore of the comics, particularly the seminal Immortal Iron Fist run by Ed Brubaker, David Aja, and Matt Fraction. Seven years later, that promise remains unfulfilled, and a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been is left untold for not just Danny Rand, but more importantly, Colleen Wing.
The Future of the Iron Fist Was About to Be a Heroic Revolution
The final moments of Iron Fist season 2 were nothing short of a game-changer. After a season-long struggle with his identity and the burden of the mystical power, Danny Rand, in a truly selfless act, passed the mantle of the Iron Fist to his partner, Colleen Wing. This move was not only a fitting conclusion to her character arc, which had seen her evolve from a martial arts instructor to a true warrior, but it was also a bold and progressive step for the series.
Colleen’s acceptance of the heavy responsibility was a clear signal that the show was willing to evolve beyond its initial premise, introducing a new and powerful lead, and fans were eager to see what challenges she would face as the new protector of K’un-Lun’s legacy. This was a sign that the show was finally realizing its potential and taking steps in directions fans were excited to see, moving past the often-criticized portrayal of Danny Rand and embracing a character who had, by that point, become the heart and soul of the series. Her training and discipline, combined with her sense of justice, made her the perfect candidate to carry the weight of the Iron Fist.
The finale’s final shot of her punching a hole in a wall with the glowing power was an exciting taste of what was to come, leaving audiences hungry for more of her story. This moment alone felt like a massive course correction and a promise to deliver the Iron Fist series fans had always wanted.
A New Chapter for Danny Rand Was About to Begin
While Colleen Wing took on the Iron Fist mantle, Danny Rand’s journey was far from over. The finale concluded with a second bombshell: Danny, now on a quest to find himself and uncover the secrets of the Iron Fist’s past, was seen in a new light. In the final scene, Danny appears in a mysterious location, holding a pair of pistols glow with the power of the Iron Fist. This element was a direct and exciting reference to the Ed Brubaker, David Aja, and Matt Fraction comic run, where Danny’s predecessor, Orson Randall, wielded two guns imbued with the Iron Fist’s chi.
The introduction of the glowing guns and the implication of Danny’s new path promised a season that would be deeply rooted in the lore of the Immortal Iron Fist comics, perhaps even including the search for Orson himself. Following the source material, the third season would likely have explored the history of the other Iron Fists, the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven, and the complex mythology surrounding the mystical martial art. This was a sign that the show was moving from a standard street-level crime drama to a sprawling, mystical adventure with a more focused narrative. Danny’s new role as a globetrotting spiritual detective, armed with a new kind of power and a greater understanding of his legacy, would have been a fascinating departure from the previous seasons. The prospect of seeing him confront different Iron Fists from history and uncover the truth behind K’un-Lun’s disappearance was a thrilling setup for season 3. This dual promise—Colleen’s new journey as Iron Fist and Danny’s exploration of the deeper lore—was an upgrade that would have transformed the series entirely.
In the end, that promise was never fulfilled. The cancellation of Iron Fist in the wake of Netflix’s decision to part ways with the Marvel properties left both storylines hanging. Fans were left to speculate about what could have been, forever wondering about Colleen’s future as the Iron Fist and Danny’s adventures with Orson Randall’s guns. The potential for a third season was unlimited, with the finale setting the stage for a truly epic and stunning conclusion to the series. The show had finally shed its flaws and found a clear, exciting direction, only to have its life cut short just as it was getting good. The legacy of Iron Fist on Netflix will forever be tied to that final moment— a reminder of a massive upgrade that was promised, but never delivered.
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