Exploring the Characters of Marvel's Iron Fist 2017

When we first met Iron Fist in the pilot episode of the Netflix series, he seemed like a stereotypical baddie, but by the end of the six episodes, he revealed a depth that made him much more than what he initially appeared to be. In this article, we will delve into the characters that stood out the most in Marvel's Iron Fist, from Ward Meachum to Madame Gao, and discuss what made them memorable.

Ward Meachum

When we first entered the world of Iron Fist, the pilot episode introduced us to a character who seemed entirely typical of a villain, often associated with Netflix Marvel shows. However, by the end of the six episodes, it became clear that Ward Meachum, played by Tom Guiry, had a much more complex backstory. His character came to represent a face of pain and struggle that no one could deny. Ward didn’t just put on a facade; he genuinely cared about his sister, Joy, and his actions were motivated by a desire to protect her from his abusive father, Philip Meachum. In his world, neither his life nor his company mattered as much as the need to honor his father's wishes.

Favorite Female Characters

Among the female characters, Claire Temple, portrayed by Kat Dennings, was impressive, but her arcs were often marred by poor scriptwriting. Colleen Wing, who was mainly played by Ina Naidoo, was also a welcome character throughout the series, if not for the same reasons as Claire. However, Joy Meachum stood out as one of the most beloved characters in the show. Joy, sometimes referred to as Joy Meachum, played by Sylvia Mowry, embodied the essence of what made her brother, Danny Rand, surmount life's hurdles. Joy's role was a critical one, providing a sense of hope and a driving force for her brother's actions throughout the series.

The Least Favorite Character: Danny Rand

Danny Rand, played by Finn Jones, was the main protagonist, but he was also the character who most struggled to earn a loyal fan base. His character was poorly written, with repetitive and often immature dialogue. The show did not do justice to the legendary character of Iron Fist as he was known in the comics, making it difficult for him to rise above the initial stereotype. His fighting skills were questionable, and he was often portrayed as a victim rather than a warrior. The poor writing and character development made Danny Rand the least favorite character among viewers.

Madame Gao: The Rising Star

While many characters struggled with underdeveloped storylines and poor writing, Madame Gao was a standout. The role was played brilliantly by Michele Hoang, and her speeches brought a sense of power and intrigue to the series. Her character added depth and complexity to the show, making her a memorable and compelling figure. Madame Gao's influence on the series was significant, and her acting was a highlight for many viewers.

The Defenders

Moving on from the Iron Fist series to the Defenders, it is clear that the show was not exactly what Marvel had in mind for its Defenders. In each of the previous Netflix Marvel series, there was a standout character that captured the hearts of fans. Matt Murdock, portrayed by Charlie Cox, was the favorite in the Daredevil series, with Frank Castle (The Punisher) being a strong second. In Jessica Jones, Jessica Jones, played by Krysten Ritter, was the clear favorite, with her angst-ridden and loveable personality. In Luke Cage, it was clearly Luke Cage, played by Mike Colter, the hero of Harlem. However, when it came to Iron Fist, the standout character was Madame Gao, not Danny Rand.

The legacy of Iron Fist as a character needs to be better represented on screen, as his real strength lies in his internal battles and the complexities of his character. The show did not fully capitalize on the potential of the character and his story, which is a loss for fans of both Iron Fist and the Marvel universe.

Conclusion

While Danny Rand's character as Iron Fist could have been more compelling and well-written, the series did deliver memorable moments and characters. Ward Meachum, Joy Meachum, and Madame Gao were particularly strong, adding depth to the overall narrative. For fans of the Defenders series, the standout character was clearly Madame Gao, and the series could have benefited from focusing more on her and the complexities of the Iron Fist's character.