Marvel fans got a major thrill earlier this year when Luke Cage made a surprise appearance in the Season 2 finale of Daredevil: Born Again. Now, Mike Colter, the actor behind the unbreakable hero, is opening up about what it means to slip back into the role—and why he never gave up hope.
In a recent chat with Collider, Colter admitted that while the possibility of returning wasn't always at the front of his mind, it was always simmering in the background. "Yeah, it was in the back of my mind somewhere," he said. "It wasn't in the forefront. I wasn't actively campaigning or worrying about trying to revisit it because actors get into the business wanting to play different characters."
Colter, who is currently promoting his new CBS legal drama Cupertino, explained that he doesn't get too attached to any single role. "I'm not really obsessed with one particular character over the other," he said. "It's nice to have the opportunity to play characters and move around and come back, but it was in the back of my mind."
He also credited his Daredevil co-star Charlie Cox for keeping the flame alive. "I knew Charlie was actively campaigning," Colter said, "so when he got the show picked back up, I thought, 'Well, there's a chance.'"
For Colter, the real motivation to revisit Luke Cage has always been about the fans. "It wasn't at the forefront of my mind, but I really enjoyed playing the character," he said. "I probably enjoy it as much for the fans than anything. I think the diehard Luke Cage fans and Marvel fans enjoy these characters, so it's bringing a bit of joy to their lives. That's where I am on it right now. I love doing it for the people."
Set photos have already confirmed that Colter will be back for Season 3, alongside Finn Jones as Iron Fist—essentially reuniting The Defenders years after their Netflix shows ended. Colter compared the comeback to a legendary band getting back together, recalling a time he met Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. "I met Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin years ago when I was working at a restaurant," he said. "It was like, 'Oh, my gosh, it's Robert Plant.'"
He drew parallels to other iconic reunions, like Oasis after 20 years or ABBA returning for a one-off show. "There's always someone who wants to see that greatness," Colter said. "I don't care how long it takes, we will wait. And if they come back, we will be there. That's how I feel about The Defenders and Luke Cage. If you bring it back, somebody will be interested in seeing it."
With Marvel's small-screen slate already buzzing—including the recent cancellation of Wonder Man and the scrapped Blade movie—the return of Luke Cage is a bright spot for fans. And while Colter's future as the hero seems secure, he's keeping his focus on the joy it brings to audiences.
For more on Daredevil: Born Again Season 3 and other Marvel updates, stay tuned to Collider. And if you're curious about other returning favorites, check out our coverage of Slow Horses' new season or Henry Reagan's return in Boston Blue.
