Seven years after Netflix canceled Iron Fist, Marvel has surprised fans by revamping the Living Weapon in a new and culturally rich direction. “Eyes of Wakanda,” an animated Black Panther spin-off now streaming on Disney+, introduces a brand-new Iron Fist—Jorani. This change not only addresses past criticisms but marks a turning point for Marvel’s handling of legacy characters.
Iron Fist’s Second Chance
Iron Fist’s history in the MCU has been rocky. The original Netflix show faced backlash for casting and shallow storytelling, missing an opportunity to honor the cultural roots of the hero’s powers. Fans had mixed feelings about Danny Rand’s version and about “white savior” tropes in Hollywood.
With “Eyes of Wakanda,” Marvel shakes things up. This animated series explores the Hatut Zeraze, Wakanda’s elite spies, as they travel through time to recover precious vibranium. The story is bold: in 1400 AD China, a Wakandan operative clashes with none other than the Iron Fist—but this time, the hero is portrayed as Asian, voiced by Jona Xiao.
A Vibrant Historical Journey
Rather than simply nodding to Black Panther’s world, “Eyes of Wakanda” goes global and historical. Episodes feature Basha—a young Wakandan agent—traveling from Africa to Asia in search of lost vibranium. Along the way, she faces powerful guardians and has to outfight the new Iron Fist. This deeper look at international connections gives the story a richer, more inclusive feel.
Marvel’s move to set part of the action in historical China bridges the myth of K’un-Lun with Wakanda’s own high-tech mystique, allowing two cultures to shine without overshadowing each other.
Passing the Mantle—A New Kind of Iron Fist
The show explains the Iron Fist’s mystical power as a legacy—one passed through generations by those who defeat the dragon Shou-Lao in K’un-Lun. By making Jorani Asian, Marvel aligns the character’s fictional roots with the culture and histories that inspired Iron Fist in the first place.
This shift is more than representation. It’s about authenticity—showing the Iron Fist role as something bigger than any one person. The new series uses this to drive the plot and highlight how legacies evolve, setting up a much stronger foundation for future Iron Fist stories across the MCU.
Animation Brings New Energy
One of the biggest critiques of the Netflix series was its lackluster fight scenes. Animation solves this. “Eyes of Wakanda” uses dynamic animation and well-choreographed battles to show Iron Fist’s full potential. Dragon-shaped power, glowing fists, and epic wuxia-inspired action look great, allowing Marvel’s creative teams more freedom than ever.
Broader Impacts Across Marvel
Marvel’s “Eyes of Wakanda” fits a larger pattern of expanding representation and weaving divided franchise threads together. After the live-action success of “Black Panther” and the animated hit “X-Men ‘97,” Marvel aims to unify its universe—across TV, streaming, and animation—with improved inclusivity and bolder storytelling.
The show’s focus on multicultural heroes and teams gives fans a taste of Marvel’s broader strategy: revisit familiar legends, but let a new generation of characters and cultures lead the way.
Fixing a Legacy, Building a Future
Iron Fist’s return—and cultural reset—signals more than a single series. It paves the way for diverse Marvel stories, potential future spin-offs, and crossover episodes that reach past boundaries imposed by older Hollywood thinking. By focusing on authenticity and shifting the spotlight to previously sidelined cultures, Marvel recognizes mistakes and takes real steps toward positive fandom change.
The new Iron Fist isn’t a footnote or quick fix; Jorani sits at the story’s center, her legacy intertwined with Black Panther lore. This approach resonates, especially for viewers who want to see heroes that look like them and stories that reflect a global audience.
What’s Next for Iron Fist and Wakanda?
Industry watchers expect more integration between Marvel’s animated shows and the core MCU. With positive audience response, “Eyes of Wakanda” could mean more appearances for Jorani—maybe crossing into other animated projects or a future cameo in live-action productions. The series’ strength is in its worldbuilding: it gives Marvel the space to introduce fresh takes on classic roles, while uniting old and new fans.
To contact Us click Here .
Discover more from Marvel Updates
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.