After debuting in Netflix's show "Jessica Jones" in late 2015, Luke Cage finally got his own show a year later. The first season consisted of 13 episodes and received huge critical and audience success. After appearing in "The Defenders" in 2016, "Luke Cage" is finally getting a second season. Netflix shared the date announcement on its YouTube channel two months ago and with a tease last week.
Now, the whole trailer has been shared so the anticipation can truly begin. The two-minute trailer is available to watch on Netflix's official YouTube channel and at the end of the article.
Season 1 quick review
"Luke Cage" is based on Marvel's comic series of the same name. Season 1 of the television adaption follows the bulletproof and nearly indestructible Luke Cage (Mike Colter) as he tries to decrease the criminal and gang presence Harlem, New York. He uses his superhuman abilities for the betterment of his community, frequently reciting the mantra "never backward, always forward." Luke Cage is unapologetically black, and the show explores social issues in the black community while also handling multiple villains like Mahershala Ali's Cottonmouth and Erik LaRay Harvey's Diamondback.
The handling of sensitive topics as well as the uplifting tone makes this one of the better Marvel properties on Netflix.
Season 2 synopsis
Along with a trailer, Netflix has also given an official synopsis of season 2:
"After clearing his name, Luke Cage has become a celebrity on the streets of Harlem with a reputation as bulletproof as his skin. But being so visible has only increased his need to protect the community and find the limits of who he can and can't save. With the rise of a formidable new foe, Luke is forced to confront the fine line that separates a hero from a villain."
This season sees the return of several of season 1's main characters: Luke Cage, Misty Knight, Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson), Mariah Dillard (Alfre Woodard), and Hernan "Shades" Alvarez (Theo Rossi).
There are also at least two new characters; villain/crime boss John McIver, known as Bushmaster in the comics, played by Mustafa Shakir; and genius doctor Tilda Johnson, known as the minor villain Nightshade in the comics, played by Gabrielle Dennis. Finn Jones will also appear as Danny Jones/Iron Fist in this season, although it is unknown if it is a minor appearance or if he is a main character.
Trailer breakdown
The trailer gives us a lot of information to unpack. First, it introduces us to Shakir's John McIver. He is apparently very strong, strong enough to injure Luke Cage in hand-to-hand combat, which is extremely noteworthy. This means we might get into McIver's history, as one doesn't become that strong on a whim.
On that note, the trailer also promises lots of action, with explosions and a great many fight sequences being shown. We also see Misty Knight using her new bionic arm, given to her in "The Defenders," and laughing with Cage about the possibility of becoming a sidekick. The trailer also teases Luke crossing over to a darker side. He's known to be strong, but never brutal with his enemies. Claire tells him so, and he replies "Brutality gets sh*t done." Perhaps this may be the point where Cage toes the line between hero and villain as suggested in the synopsis.
Watch the trailer here:
Luke Cage season 2 premieres on Netflix June 22, 2018.