When Marvel’s Iron Fist first landed on Netflix in March 2017, the reaction was loud and clear. Critics called it the weakest link in Marvel’s chain of street-level heroes. Fans debated its slower pacing and the fight scenes. Nine years have passed since that debut, and with Daredevil: Born Again returning for its second season, it is the right moment to give Danny Rand another shot.
If you are planning to watch the new episodes of Daredevil: Born Again, which continue the story of Matt Murdock, you might want to go back and watch Iron Fist. Here is why this show, once considered a misfire, is actually worth your weekend binge.
The Show That Fans Love to Debate
When Iron Fist season 1 came out, the expectations were high. Marvel had already released Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage. Those shows set a high bar for gritty, realistic superhero storytelling. Iron Fist followed Finn Jones as Danny Rand, a billionaire who returns to New York after being missing for 15 years. He claims to be the “Iron Fist,” a warrior sworn to fight the mysterious Hand organization.
The reviews were mixed. Many viewers pointed out that the fight choreography in the first few episodes looked slow. Some felt the writing did not give Danny Rand a clear personality, making him seem unsure of himself rather than a confident warrior. The show also had to deal with a complicated comic book history involving the “white savior” trope, which made the conversation around it more sensitive.
But looking back now, with nine years of distance, the harsh criticism seems a bit too strong. While Iron Fist was not as good as Daredevil season 1, it was also not the disaster some made it out to be.
Why the Pacing Actually Works for a Binge
One of the biggest complaints in 2017 was the pacing. The first season of Iron Fist takes its time. Unlike Daredevil, which throws you into action immediately, Iron Fist spends a lot of time setting up Danny’s return to his family company and his struggle to prove who he is.
If you are binge-watching today, this slower start is actually a benefit. You do not have to wait a week for the next episode. You can watch the first few episodes back-to-back and let the story build naturally. The show picks up speed around the middle of the season. By the time the action ramps up, the character work has already been done. The show also avoids the common problem found in other Marvel Netflix shows, where the story starts to drag around episode 7 or 8.
The Supporting Cast Steals the Show
While Finn Jones took most of the heat from critics, the people around him delivered solid performances. Jessica Henwick played Colleen Wing, a martial arts instructor who becomes Danny’s closest ally. Many fans thought she was the best part of the show. Rosario Dawson also returned as Claire Temple, the nurse who connects all the Netflix Marvel heroes.
The interactions between Colleen and Claire are some of the most natural moments in the series. They provide a grounded perspective that Danny’s mystical backstory sometimes lacks. If you are watching to prepare for Daredevil: Born Again, seeing how Claire connects to Danny gives you a better picture of how these characters all know each other.
How It Connects to Daredevil Born Again
This is the most important reason to watch Iron Fist now. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has confirmed that the Netflix shows are canon. Daredevil: Born Again season 2 is currently scheduled to premiere on Disney+ in early-to-mid 2026. It will bring back Charlie Cox as Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin.
But that is not all. Rumors and social media activity strongly suggest that the rest of The Defenders are coming back. We already know Krysten Ritter is returning as Jessica Jones for the second season of Born Again. Recently, Mike Colter (Luke Cage) and Finn Jones both posted on social media confirming they are in New York City, sparking speculation that they might join the show.
According to industry insiders, even if Finn Jones does not appear in a full scene during season 2, his return is likely to be teased. Since Daredevil: Born Again season 2 is setting up Matt Murdock building a team to fight Mayor Wilson Fisk, it makes sense for the other Defenders to show up.
If you have not watched Iron Fist, you might miss the context of Danny Rand’s history with the Hand, his relationship with Colleen Wing, and his specific dynamic with Luke Cage (they became close friends in the comics and later in The Defenders series). Watching the show now ensures you understand the full picture when these characters reunite.
Season 2 Was a Major Improvement
If you only watched the first season and stopped, you missed out. Iron Fist season 2, which came out in September 2018, was a significant step up. The showrunners changed, and the pacing became much tighter. Finn Jones looked more comfortable in the role, and the fight scenes improved dramatically.
Unfortunately, Netflix canceled the show shortly after the second season premiered in October 2018. The show ended on a cliffhanger that set up a major change for Danny Rand’s character. That cliffhanger never got resolved. With the character potentially returning in Daredevil: Born Again, that unresolved story might finally get a proper ending.
A Chance to See the Full Story
Iron Fist ran for two seasons and 23 episodes. It also played a big role in The Defenders, the mini-series where Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist teamed up. If you are only watching Daredevil: Born Again, you are only seeing one piece of the puzzle.
The Defenders saga tells a connected story about New York City’s street-level heroes. Iron Fist introduces the mystical side of that world. It explains the Hand organization, which was the main villain in Daredevil season 2 and The Defenders. Without watching Iron Fist, the Hand’s motivations and the stakes of The Defenders feel incomplete.
What Finn Jones Says About Returning
Finn Jones has spoken openly about his desire to return to the role. In a recent interview, he addressed the mixed reception to his character. He said he is very aware of the critiques but is ready to prove people wrong. He expressed a strong willingness to come back and show what he can do with the character.
With the creative team behind Daredevil: Born Again (including showrunner Dario Scardapane, who worked on The Punisher) focusing on the darker, more grounded tone fans loved from the Netflix era, there is a real opportunity for Jones to redeem the character.
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How to Watch Before the New Season
Iron Fist is available on Disney+. You can watch it alongside the other Marvel Netflix shows. If you want to prepare for Daredevil: Born Again season 2, you do not necessarily need to watch all 23 episodes of Iron Fist, but watching the first season and The Defenders will give you the core information about Danny Rand.
If you have time, watching season 2 gives you the best version of the show and sets up where the character might go next.
Daredevil: Born Again season 2 is set to release in early-to-mid 2026 on Disney+. The first season is currently streaming. Whether Finn Jones appears in the second season or is simply teased for the future, now is the time to catch up on his story.
Also Read: The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2 Episode 6 Release Date Time And Streaming Details
Check back with VvipTimes for more updates on the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the cast of Daredevil: Born Again.
