The return of Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 is already confirmed. But Marvel Studios is looking much further ahead. With the show officially renewed for Season 3, scheduled to start filming in early 2026, the big question is whether Matt Murdock will finally reunite with the rest of his old team.
Recent rumors suggest that Mike Colter (Luke Cage), Finn Jones (Iron Fist), and Rosario Dawson (Claire Temple) are all being considered for future episodes. While Marvel has not confirmed any of these names, the Head of Streaming for the studio has admitted that bringing back the Defenders is something they are actively “exploring.” Here is a breakdown of what is confirmed, what is rumored, and where these characters stand right now.
Jessica Jones Leads the Way in Season 2
Before discussing Season 3, it is important to look at what is already happening. Krysten Ritter is officially returning as Jessica Jones in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2. This is not a rumor. Multiple entertainment outlets, including Deadline and Variety, have confirmed her involvement.
Her role makes sense for the story. At the end of Season 1, Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) declared martial law and used his power as Mayor to hunt down vigilantes. Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) decided to fight back by gathering allies. Jessica Jones, a private investigator with super strength and a deep distrust of authority, fits perfectly into that resistance story .
However, Jessica Jones is just one piece of the puzzle. The original Netflix Defenders team also included Luke Cage and Iron Fist. If Matt is building a team to take down the Kingpin, leaving out the two heavy hitters seems like a missed opportunity.
Marvel Officials Confirm They Are ‘Exploring’ Returns
The strongest evidence that more Netflix heroes are coming does not come from leaked set photos, but directly from Brad Winderbaum, the Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation at Marvel Studios.
In a recent interview, Winderbaum was asked directly about the potential return of Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist. He admitted that bringing these characters back is something the studio is “very much exploring” .
“I can’t say much, but I’ll tell you that it’s so exciting to be able to play in that sandbox… it is certainly something that is creatively extremely exciting and that we are very much exploring.”
— Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios
Winderbaum also pointed out the challenges. He explained that unlike a comic book, where you can simply draw any character you want, live-action television requires coordinating with actors, managing schedules, and handling the massive scale of production. Still, the fact that he used the word “exploring” instead of “denying” is significant. It confirms that conversations are happening behind the scenes .
Luke Cage and Iron Fist: The Actors Are Ready
While Marvel Studios is handling the logistics, the actors themselves have already made their positions clear.
Mike Colter, who played Luke Cage, has repeatedly stated that he is open to returning. He has mentioned in past interviews that he would be happy to continue the story, especially since his series ended on a cliffhanger after two seasons.
Finn Jones, who played Danny Rand (Iron Fist), has also expressed interest in coming back. Although the Iron Fist series received mixed reviews, Jones has said he feels there is unfinished business with the character. He has also kept in shape and remained active in the martial arts community, suggesting he is ready to step back into the role if Marvel calls .
Since both actors are willing, the only remaining obstacles are scheduling and the creative direction Marvel wants to take. With Season 3 now greenlit, the timeline is finally open enough to fit these characters into larger story arcs.
Claire Temple: The Connective Thread Returns?
Another name that keeps appearing in recent reports is Rosario Dawson. According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, Dawson has held talks with Marvel to reprise her role as Claire Temple .
In the original Netflix series, Claire Temple was the glue that held the Defenders together. She was a nurse who patched up Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist at various points. She also had romantic storylines with both Daredevil and Luke Cage. Her presence made the universe feel connected.
Richtman claims that Dawson is also in discussions to appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. If Claire Temple is returning to the big screen first, it makes sense that she would also appear in the street-level world of Daredevil: Born Again.
Dawson herself has already hinted at her willingness to return. In February 2024, a fan asked her on X (formerly Twitter) if she would ever play Claire Temple again. Her reply was simple:
“Of course! #unfinishedbusiness.”
— Rosario Dawson
It is important to note that Marvel has not officially confirmed Dawson for Season 3. However, the combination of her public interest and private rumored talks makes this one of the more likely returns down the line.
Why Season 3 Is the Perfect Time for a Reunion
Daredevil: Born Again Season 3 is scheduled to begin filming in March 2026, with production expected to last through the summer . This timeline gives Marvel Studios ample room to cast and schedule guest stars.
Season 2 already has a packed roster with Jessica Jones and The Punisher. Adding Luke Cage and Iron Fist to that same season might make the story feel overcrowded. By saving them for Season 3, Marvel can give each character proper attention.
The story is also heading in a direction that demands a team-up. Mayor Fisk is actively attacking vigilantes. In the comics, when the Kingpin goes after superheroes, they usually band together. Bringing in the full Defenders team for Season 3 would be a natural progression, not a forced cameo .
Additionally, Brad Winderbaum hinted that “collisions are inevitable” when discussing these characters. He seems to view the Defenders characters not as one-time nostalgia acts, but as ongoing parts of the Marvel street-level universe .
What Is Still Missing?
Despite all the rumors, there are still major gaps in information. Marvel has not yet placed Mike Colter or Finn Jones on any official call sheets. There are no production listings for these actors, and no paparazzi photos have surfaced of them near filming locations.
The Claire Temple rumors, while persistent, rely heavily on a single industry reporter. Until Disney+ or Marvel Studios issues a press release, Dawson’s return remains in the “strong possibility” category rather than the “confirmed” column.
Furthermore, even if these characters return, it is unclear if they will receive their own solo shows again. Jon Bernthal is getting a Punisher special presentation, which is a shorter format than a full series. Luke Cage and Iron Fist might return in similar one-off specials before uniting with Daredevil in Season 3.
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The Bottom Line on the Defenders Returns
The return of Jessica Jones in Season 2 proves that Marvel is willing to bring back the Netflix cast. Brad Winderbaum has publicly confirmed that the studio is actively exploring ways to bring back Luke Cage and Iron Fist. Rosario Dawson has expressed interest in returning, and rumors suggest talks are happening.
No, Marvel has not issued a formal press release. But the difference between a rumor and a confirmation is sometimes just timing. With Season 3 filming just weeks away, official announcements could arrive at any moment.
For now, the outlook is positive. The door that was closed when Netflix canceled these shows in 2018 and 2019 is now wide open. Daredevil: Born Again Season 3 is the perfect place for the Defenders to finally assemble again.
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