Marvelannounced today thatLuke Cagehas found its Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes with the casting ofMahershala Ali(House of Cards,The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2). In related news,Deadlinereports that Simone Missick has signed on to play a character named “Missy,” who is believed to actually be theMarvelcharacter Misty Knight. The series will premiere in 2016 everywhere thatNetflixis available.
Stokes, a Harlem nightclub owner, will become an unexpected foe inLuke Cage’s life when Stokes' criminal activities threaten Luke’s world. This news confirms a rumor that surfaced last month, which claimedCottonmouth Stokeswould be introduced in the series. In the comic books, Cottonmouth was a drug dealer who crossed paths withLuke Cage. There is also speculation that Cottonmouth could connectLuke CagetoIron Fist, since one of the comic book arcs follows these two heroes fighting each other, after Cottonmouth teams up with another villain, Nightshade. Here’s what executive producerJeph Loebhad to say about the casting.
“Mahershalais an actor of extraordinary range and gravitas. As Cottonmouth he will really let loose.Luke Cagewon’t know what hit him.”
In the comics, Misty Knight was a former NYPD cop who receives a bionic arm from none other than Tony Stark, after she lost her limb in the line of duty. She later teams up withLuke Cageto form their own detective agency, but it isn’t known if these story lines will be followed in the TV series. We reported yesterday thatTheo Rossihas signed on to playShades, withAlfre Woodardportraying Black Mariah.
Mike Colteris set to play the charismatic lead character,Luke Cage, in the series.Cheo Hodari Coker(Southland,Ray Donovan) will write the series' first two episodes in addition to serving as showrunner and Executive Producer.Marvel’s Luke Cageis produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios for Netflix. It isn’t known when production will begin onMarvel’s Luke Cagequite yet.
Mahershala Aliis best known for playing Boggs in last year’sThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1and this year’s upcoming franchise finaleThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, which hits theaters November 20. He will next be seen on the big screen inThe Free State of Jones, alongsideMatthew McConaughey,Gugu Mbatha-RawandKeri Russell, which hits theaters August 18, 2025. Simone Missick recently guest starred on Showtime’sRay Donovan. What do you think about these new casting additions?
