The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is heating up, and with the returns of Daredevil (Charlie Cox) and Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), many are looking toward the remaining Netflix heroes to see who is next in line to make a comeback. Reports have come out that the Punisher (Jon Bernthal) is set to make a comeback in Daredevil: Born Again, which leaves many to wonder if the “Immortal” Iron Fist may return to combat street-level crime as well.

Here, we are going to provide the reasoning for why this may be the case, but not in the way you’d think. After taking a moment to look at where Danny Rand was left at the end of the Iron Fist series, we will be turning to Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick) and seeing how she can fill the role of Iron Fist when combating crime in the streets of Manhattan.
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Danny Rand Is Traveling Abroad

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When we last saw Danny Rand, he had defeated his former companion Davos (Sacha Dhawan), in a battle to determine the fate of the Iron Fist power. We’ll check back in on the power in a moment, but first, we need to look at what was in store for Danny after this fateful battle. Danny would elect to leave New York behind and go on a global adventure, seeking out the secrets of the Iron Fist’s history alongside his brother, Ward Meachum (Tom Pelphrey). The last scene of Danny would see him in Asia, taking out some thugs with bullets, seemingly empowered by the Iron Fist energy.

Back in New York, In order to ensure Davos wouldn’t be the new recipient of the Iron Fist, Danny helped Colleen Wing receive the power instead. After defeating Davos, Colleen would keep her promise to use the power to help her community, later being seen stopping bank robbers by infusing her chi into her signature katana.

Related: Iron Fist Star Finn Jones Opens Up on Marvel Show’s Shortcomings

Colleen Wing Is the Natural Successor

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In terms of the story leading us to this point, Colleen Wing was the natural successor in different aspects. From the narrative standpoint, Wing is one of the first people to show Danny any form of kindness. While their friendship proved to have a rocky start, they would soon bond over their shared moral code as well as their passion for martial arts. Sharing a relationship through different stages (Platonic, romantic, educational, and Platonic again), the two would part ways and follow their own paths.

While this close bond to Danny put Colleen in a position to accept the power, her place in the lineage of the Iron Fist was preceded by her ancestor, Wu Ao-Shi, “The Pirate Queen.” While this is only a brief footnote, it is considered that this history may have a hand in how Colleen is able to master her chi at a much faster rate than Danny had.

The New Heroes for Hire

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In the comics, the duo of Luke Cage and Iron Fist were often known as Heroes for Hire, a team that would help save the day for a price. While the duo weren’t heartless in their approach, they often cited that superheroes have bills to pay too. Even if they work pro bono, the name caught on and was often used when referring to the pair.

With Danny traveling and Luke having his own concerns, Colleen Wing will have to look elsewhere if she ever needs assistance. And where better to look than her new friend Misty Knight (Simone Missick)? The two have often worked together in supporting the Defenders, but now Misty has some improvements to her prosthetic arm, and Colleen is the new bearer of the Iron Fist. Together, these two could become the new power duo to protect the streets of Manhattan.

Related: Finn Jones Wants to Bring Iron Fist to the MCU in Heroes for Hire Show

Continuing the Rise of the Heroine

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It’s no secret the MCU has had narrative moments that have helped launch the feminine heroes to a level equal, if not higher, than their male counterparts. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) has proven worthy of the name Thor. Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) has followed in the footsteps of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.). Shuri (Letitia Wright) has taken the mantle of the Black Panther. And Jen Walters (Tatiana Maslaney) has proven more capable of controlling herself than her cousin when it comes to being a Hulk.

Were the MCU to reintroduce an Iron Fist, it would make sense for them to pick up where they narratively had left off. While it would still be interesting to see Danny and his brother on their adventures through Asia, the image of Colleen taking on the mantle of Iron Fist and turning it into something wholly her was empowering and can provide a compelling tale for viewers. Whether she’s taking on a new Steel Serpent or finally coming face to face with the third personality of Typhoid Mary (Alice Eve), the only person Wing may have to prove anything to is herself.