‘Luke Cage’ season 2: Everything we know so far

Netflix's first trailer for 'Luke Cage' season 2 introduces its villain

Marvel’s hero of Harlem, Luke Cage, is poised to return for a new season on Netflix. After a well-received first season, the second story arc for the live-action Luke Cage series kicks off June 22, and we now have our first trailer for the season.

Here’s everything we know about season 2 of Luke Cage so far.

Recommended Videos

A hard-hitting first trailer

Netflix released the first trailer for season 2 of Luke Cage on May 7, and it was accompanied by the synopsis for the second season’s story arc — one in which Marvel’s steel-skinned hero of Harlem seems poised to deal with some challenges that will test how much of a hero he really is.

The synopsis for season 2 reads as follows:

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.

The trailer also introduces that “formidable new foe” Luke will be facing the second season: The powerful, and similarly bulletproof villain known as Bushmaster, played by Mustafa Shakir.

Showing off

On April 26, Netflix published a clip from the second season of Luke Cage. The clip shows Cage undergoing a series of physical tests similar to those administered at the NFL Combine — running a 40-yard dash, flipping a truck tire, and performing a broad jump — and, as you might expect, absolutely destroying them. ESPN commentators Michael Smith and Jemele Hill (His & Hers) bear witness, showing some surprise at Cage’s abilities. Check out the clip below.

Marvel's Luke Cage | Clip: The Show Off | Netflix

A June premiere

According to a tweet on Tuesday, March 6, from the official Luke Cage account, the nigh-invulnerable defender of Harlem will be making his small-screen return on June 22.

Step up. I am Harlem and Harlem is me. pic.twitter.com/nCgSY2EK4n

— Luke Cage (@LukeCage) March 6, 2018

A return set in Iron

It’s unknown how many episodes of Luke Cage will feature Finn Jones’ character, Danny Rand, but a new photo from the season reveals that the kung fu master will indeed have a presence in the second solo series for star Mike Colter’s steel-skinned protagonist. The photo debuted at Entertainment Weekly, but the article that accompanied it is light on details regarding the extent of Iron Fist’s presence in the series.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Given the long history of Iron Fist and Luke Cage as hero partners in Marvel’s comic-book universe, it’s no surprise that their live-action counterparts are sharing more screen time down the road.

After meeting each other in The Defenders team-up series, Luke Cage and Iron Fist seemingly parted ways. However, Iron Fist promised to help Misty Knight (Simone Missick) recover from the injuries she suffered in that series — so his role in Luke Cage could be as simple as checking in on Misty at the hospital.

Cage casting

We do have confirmation that Colter will return for the second season as Luke, along with Missick as Misty (boasting a new toy, too), Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple, Alfre Woodard as Mariah Dillard, and Theo Rossi as Shades. Newcomers to the series that have been confirmed so far include Mustafa Shakir (The Deuce) as John McIver, a character described as “a natural leader, brimming with charisma, whose mission is focused on Harlem and vengeance,” as well as Gabrielle Dennis (Insecure, Rosewood) as Tilda Johnson, a “brilliant, holistic doctor with a complicated history in Harlem where, as much as she tries to stay far from trouble, it seems to always find her.”

Lucy Liu was previously announced as the director of the second season premiere of Luke Cage.

Updated on May 7: Added the first trailer for season 2.

Editors' Recommendations

A veteran journalist with more than two decades of experience covering local and national news, arts and entertainment, and…
Everything we know so far about Arcane season 2

Audiences are hyped to see Netflix's animated masterpiece Arcane continue where it left off with its second season. Based on Riot Games' ever-popular video game, League of Legends, this award-winning streaming series became a surprise hit when it first premiered, appealing to fans of the classic game and newcomers to the franchise.
And after season 1's shocking cliffhanger ending, fans just can't wait for more episodes to drop on Netflix. But as everyone is forced to be patient, in the meantime, they can at least read everything that is clear about Arcane season 2 so far.

When does Arcane season 2 release?

Read more
The Super Mario Bros. Movie: everything we know so far

We might be living during a golden age for great video game adaptations. Following the surprise success of Sonic the Hedgehog and its sequel, and with the critically acclaimed The Last of Us about to wrap its first season and a second one on the way, this seems to be the perfect time to adapt a beloved video game property. Fortunately, Illumination Entertainment has us covered with the upcoming The Super Mario Bros. Movie, an adaptation of, arguably, the most popular and recognizable video game IP.

Details about the movie remain surprisingly scarce. However, the wait is almost over, as The Super Mario Bros. Movie premieres in a month, meaning audiences will finally get to see their favorite Italian plumber in all his high-jumping, pipe-entering, fire-ball-shooting glory. In the meantime, here's everything that's been revealed and a few things you can expect from the highly-anticipated movie.
When does The Super Mario Bros. Movie come out?

Read more
Everything we know about Captain America: New World Order so far

Though Steve Rogers has now vanished from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios is currently in production of Captain America: New World Order. This upcoming blockbuster will serve as the fourth film in the Captain America franchise, as well as a sequel to the Disney+ miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. 
Little is known about the plot of this third sequel. Nevertheless, Disney recently shared some juicy details about the film at the company's D23 Expo, revealing characters old and new that will make appearances. Of course, it will be a long time before the film lands in theaters, but for now, here's a list of everything that has been revealed about Captain America: New World Order.

The film will focus on Sam Wilson

Read more