The Defenders made a big splash at Comic-Con on Friday, dropping an action-packed trailer online and surprising those in attendance with the first episode of the series. The series is the culmination of Marvel’s Netflix output up to this point, complete with a teased cameo for The Punisher ahead of his own series on Netflix in the near future. Not only does the series combine all four of Marvel Studios current series into one super team — good parts and bad parts — it also brings in a villain that seems threatening enough to warrant a team-up.
Picture The Avengers, but with a grittier tone that’s walking the streets and isn’t afraid to curse or show an imperfect side. If Tony Stark and the team are all about the shawarma and fancy parties, The Defenders are fine with a random Chinese meal and cracking a beer on the subway.
Sigourney Weaver stands out as the main attraction in the trailer, possibly giving Marvel their latest great villain this year as the somewhat mysterious Alexandra, the power that is seemingly leading The Hand in an effort to tear New York to pieces. She also seems to have Elektra under her control and is putting her murderous talents to good use, leading to a surprise for Daredevil and a direct follow up to the events of the season two finale.
All and all the series looks to be a satisfying story for all involved. It was also accompanied by the news that Iron Fist will be receiving a second season to either disappoint fans and critics more or redeem itself. Considering how Danny Rand is treated in the trailers we’ve seen up to this point, you’d have to expect that the folks behind the show have heard the criticism.
Catch The Defenders when it premieres on August 18th.
(Via Netflix)