Think you’re untouchable because you’re the top dog in a TV superhero universe? Guess again because in a clearcut sign that Marvel is closing up shop over at Netflix, their flagship superhero show “Daredevil” has been canceled after season three. Earlier this fall, both “Iron Fist” and “Luke Cage” were canceled. The only Marvel/Netflix shows that remain now are “Jessica Jones” and “The Punisher.” Both shows have been renewed already so they will likely receive one more season each before their plugs are pulled too.
“Marvel’s Daredevil will not return for a fourth season on Netflix,” the company said in a statement. “We are tremendously proud of the show’s last and final season and although it’s painful for the fans, we feel it best to close this chapter on a high note. We’re thankful to showrunner Erik Oleson, the show’s writers, stellar crew and incredible cast including Charlie Cox as Daredevil himself, and we’re grateful to the fans who have supported the show over the years. While the series on Netflix has ended, the three existing seasons will remain on the service for years to come, while the Daredevil character will live on in future projects for Marvel.”
The cancelation of “Daredevil,” easily Netflix’s most popular Marvel show is a surefire sign that the company is preparing for Disney+, the streaming network coming in 2019 that will exclusively host all Disney/Marvel properties once it launches in Q4 of that year. And get ready because that’ll mean Disney will be pulling on their IP from Netflix when they launch, that means, all Marvel, Lucasfilm, Disney films and any subsidiaries will be available on Disney+ only, including 20th Century Fox films when that merger eventually happens. (you’ll of course still be able to rent the films individually on various digital platforms and to be clear, Netflix does co-own those these Marvel shows. They can take all the movies with them, but “Daredevil” will remain on the platform in perpetuity).
Disney+ has already formally announced their Loki limited mini-series which will feature Tom Hiddleston reprising his role as the God of Mischief (in a prequel, given the events of ‘Infinity War.’) A Scarlet Witch limited series with Elizabeth Olsen that may include Vision (Paul Bettany) is also reportedly in the works as well as a Winter Soldier and Falcon team-up mini-series. There’s also loose talk of a Groot and Rocket Raccoon limited series as well, but that rumor seems to more unsubstantiated than usual as of right now.
READ MORE: Marvel Pulls Another Netflix Plug: ‘Luke Cage’ Canceled & There Won’t Be Season 3
“Iron Fist” was abruptly canceled in early October just a few weeks after its season two premiered on Netflix. “Luke Cage” was given the axe two weeks after the news Danny Rand was getting the karate chop. I wouldn’t take it too personally if I were fans, it’s business and business you had to assume was going to happen given Disney+ was coming. Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios , not Jeph Loeb and Marvel TV, will control Marvel TV over at Disney+, so don’t expect “Daredevil” actors like Charlie Cox or Vincent D’Onofrio to appear in Disney’s versions of these shows. Expect a full house cleaning and bet that instead of rebooting these shows immediately, Marvel will likely give then a minute and a rest before they resurface. With 20th Century Fox coming to Marvel and dozens and dozens of new characters joining the universe, the Marvel Studios will have their hands full and feel no need to simply rush them out again.
