In 2026, pop culture has developed a curious habit: looking backward to move forward. From fashion revivals to anniversary reboots, the industry is collectively throwing it back to 2016, a year that quietly defined a generation of fandom. Back then, Luke Cage, starring Mike Colter in the titular role, was built as a crucial piece of Marvel’s street-level universe on Netflix. 

But by 2019, every Marvel show had been canceled, and by 2022, the entire slate vanished from the platform. It felt abrupt and unfinished. Which raises the question fans have been asking ever since: could Luke Cage come back?

That question has new life now, thanks to Colter himself.

During an appearance on Shawn Stockman’s On That Note on YouTube, Mike Colter acknowledged that a return is very much on the table. He confirmed that conversations have taken place and suggested the door is no longer closed. While careful not to promise anything concrete, the actor made it clear that the idea of reprising Luke Cage is no longer something he dismisses outright.

"I would say we're in a better position to see this come into fruition faster than we think," he stated. "We'll see."

Nearly a decade after its debut, the interconnected world of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist, Luke Cage may be preparing for its own long-awaited return. Colter went on to explain that when the show originally ended, his hesitation came from a desire to keep growing as an actor rather than staying tied to one role. Colter revealed that he has discussed Luke Cage’s future with series creator Cheo Hodari Coker and pointed directly to recent developments.

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As Colter himself put it, things now seem positioned to move “faster than we think.” And the timing feels anything but accidental.

Fueling speculation further, Colter and Iron Fist star Finn Jones were both spotted in New York around the same period that Daredevil: Born Again season two was filming, which was May of 2025. While coincidences exist, Marvel history suggests they are rarely meaningless. Born Again returns in March 2026, following a first season that officially confirmed the Netflix-era characters as canon within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

With Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Jon Bernthal already reinstated, the structural groundwork for Luke Cage’s return is firmly in place. Ultimately, Marvel’s street-level universe thrives on continuity, character chemistry, and long-term payoff. Bringing Luke Cage back would not just be a nostalgic gesture, it would complete a story interrupted mid-sentence.

As 2026 continues its cultural rewind, one thing is clear: Marvel is no longer running from its past. Whether Luke Cage is next remains to be seen, but for the first time in years, the idea feels less like wishful thinking and more like a matter of timing.

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What do you think? Should Luke Cage return to the MCU, and if so, how should Marvel reintroduce him? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.