Even with Captain America and The Avengers on the horizon, Marvel Studios is looking further into the future with plans for an Iron Fist adaptation.
Deadline reports that screenwriter Rich Wilkes has been tapped to write the script for “Iron Fist,” based on the martial arts-inclined superhero of the same name.
Wilkes is best known for helping to launch the Vin Diesel-starring action franchise “xXx.” He also wrote the screenplays for “Airheads” and “The Jerky Boys.”
“Iron Fist” focuses on Danny Rand, the son of a wealthy businessman who becomes a martial arts expert trained in the mystical city of K’un L’un. After defeating a dragon called Shou-Lao the Undying, Rand is bestowed with the power of the Iron Fist, an ancient force that turns his hands into indestructible weapons. Rand is just one of many heroes who have operated under the Iron Fist moniker.
News of development on an “Iron Fist” movie isn’t entirely surprising given Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige’s previously expressed desire to bring Danny Rand to the big screen. Additionally, Marvel once tried to launch an “Iron Fist” film alongside Artisan almost ten years ago. Star Wars and X-Men actor Ray Park was attached to play Rand at the time. Park expressed his continued interest in the role as recently as a year ago.
“I actually want to be Danny Rand — I want to be Iron Fist,” he said last year. “I’ve been blond before. I’ll work on the American accent as well.”
Now, if we hear word on a Luke Cage movie, we can all start counting the days until Marvel’s next big movie initiative — a “Heroes for Hire” crossover!