New details Alfre Woodard’s role in Marvel’s Luke Cage cast
Last month, it was revealed that Alfre Woodard (“Desperate Housewives,” “True Blood”) was in talks to join Marvel’s Luke Cage cast, which they have today confirmed.
“Alfre has an incredible, unique, and intimidating presence on screen that makes her perfect as a leader of the Harlem community,” said Executive Producer/Head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb. “We couldn’t be more excited that an actress as celebrated and talented as Alfre has decided to join us on this adventure.”
Woodard will play the role of Mariah Dillard, a local Harlem politician–and cousin to recently announced Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes (Mahershala Ali)–who is looking to bring a new era of change to the streets she grew up on. Her personal life and professional career are thrown into turmoil by both Harlem’s newest hero Luke Cage as well as her cousin Cottonmouth’s nefarious acts.
She joins a cast that includes Mike Colter as the title character, plus Theo Rossi (“Sons of Anarchy”) as the villain Shades, Frank Whaley (“Under the Dome”) as Detective Rafael Scarfe, and Simone Missick as Misty Knight.
After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage becomes a fugitive trying to rebuild his life in modern day Harlem, New York City. But he is soon pulled out of the shadows and must fight a battle for the heart of his city–forcing him to confront a past he had tried to bury.
Cheo Hodari Coker (Notorious, “NCIS: Los Angeles”) will serve as executive producer and showrunner of the anticipated series, Marvel’s Luke Cage. Coker is writing the first two episodes of the series that will premiere in 2016, everywhere that Netflix is available.
Created by Archie Goodwin and John Romita, Sr., Luke Cage is one of the most popular street level heroes in the Marvel Universe who possesses superhuman strength and impenetrable skin. He’s also a friend and frequent business partner with Danny Rand aka Iron Fist, who will also be getting his own series on Netflix.
