Mike Colter has once again addressed the possibility of returning as Luke Cage, offering his most candid and open response on the subject in years—while stopping short of confirming any official plans.
During a recent appearance on On That Note, hosted by Shawn Stockman, Colter revealed that he has had conversations with Marvel Studios regarding a potential return to the role he originated in Netflix’s Luke Cage. While careful not to disclose details, the actor acknowledged a noticeable shift in his own perspective.
“I’ve had conversations, and I’ll leave it at that,” Colter said. “I love the fans and I love that world. It’s been years now. I’m doing other projects, but now I think to myself, I have some unfinished business there.”
Colter’s comments mark a change in tone from previous years, when he often downplayed the likelihood of reprising the role. Following the cancellation of Netflix’s Marvel series in 2019, the actor consistently emphasized his desire to move forward creatively, noting that while he appreciated the character, he wanted to explore new opportunities.
In the interview, Colter explained that his earlier reluctance stemmed from a place of creative fulfillment rather than disinterest.
“When it wrapped, I loved playing Luke Cage, but I also love acting and doing different things,” he said. “So I was like, I’ll do something else.”
However, time and reflection appear to have reshaped that stance. Colter shared that he has also spoken with Luke Cage creator and showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker, further reinforcing that the conversations are rooted in creative consideration rather than nostalgia alone.
Colter also pointed to recent developments within Marvel’s television landscape as part of what makes the timing feel different. The return of Charlie Cox’s Daredevil in Daredevil: Born Again, along with the confirmed return of Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones in the show’s upcoming second season, has reignited interest in the broader street-level corner of Marvel’s live-action universe.
“I think Daredevil’s back, Jessica’s back,” Colter said. “We’re in a better position to see this come into fruition faster than we think. We’ll see.”
Colter first appeared as Luke Cage in Jessica Jones Season 1 before leading his own Netflix series for two seasons and joining The Defenders, the crossover miniseries that united Marvel’s street-level heroes. Since then, fans have continued to speculate about Cage’s future, particularly as Marvel Studios has gradually reintroduced characters from the former Netflix lineup.
Still, Colter made it clear that nothing is official.
“I was giving no one hope before,” he said. “I am giving hope at least.”
At present, Marvel Studios has not announced any plans involving Luke Cage, and Colter has not confirmed involvement in any upcoming projects. His comments reflect a personal openness rather than a formal return, signaling that while the door is no longer closed, it has not yet been reopened.
Daredevil: Born Again is currently streaming on Disney+, with Season 2 set to premiere in March 2026.