Should Iron Fist be portrayed by an Asian American?

Should Iron Fist be portrayed by an Asian American?

A group of fans has made a petition asking Marvel Studios to change the race of the iconic character in his Netflix series. Are they right or wrong? Hit the jump for more information.

Editorial Opinion
By Urubrodi - Aug 05, 2014 04:08 AM EST
Filed Under: Iron Fist
Source: thenerdsofcolor

                                                                 



Marvel fans, the debate is on. A group entitled “18 Million Raising” has made a petition asking Marvel Studios to cast an Asian American actor in the leading role of the upcoming Netflix series’ Iron Fist. The main point of this request is to add more diversity into the ever growing MCU. These fans point out that the idea is not meant to displace the originating story of Danny Rand, but actually the opposite. An Asian American lead could still be all of what Iron Fist was in the comics: the son of a wealthy businessman; a student of a martial arts master; a seeker of revenge, and also bring something that the MCU sorely needs: diversity. Although, very controversial, it is true that most heroes presented thus far in the cinematic universe are white. Moreover, the only exceptions are not leading roles and represent mostly the African American people (War Machine, Nick Fury, Falcon). Even female characters did not get as much spotlight as they deserve, being restricted exclusively to Black Widow and to a certain extent Agent Carter. Unless Marvel risks an unlikely move by presenting Shang-Chi, Iron Fist might be the greatest opportunity to decrease disparities.

                                 

 
A supporter from this movement, Keith Chow, shares his thoughts: “Yes, I am proposing that a major comic book institution change the race of one of its popular characters as it transitions to a new form of media. In this case, I want Marvel Studios to cast an Asian American actor to play the lead in the upcoming Iron Fist show is is developing for Netflix. It seems logical enough to me, though as always, there are fans who are urging Marvel to resist changing his race.”, he said, “First, let’s get a couple of misconceptions out of the way. My call for an Asian American Iron Fist is not meant to displace Danny Rand from the story. It is, in fact, the opposite. In my mind, casting a young Asian American in the lead role does nothing to change his classic origin: He can still be the son of a wealthy businessman. He can still  accompany his family on an expedition to seek out K’un L’un. He can still train under Lei Kung, the Thunderer. He can still seek revenge against the man who killed his father. Danny being Asian American precludes none of these things.”
 
As expected this petition raised the reaction of some hardcore fans of the character. Some argue that by making him Asian American, the character would lose something important of his characterization, the fact his an outsider and faces a completely new cultural reality. Others think that by changing his race due to the fact that the character has a link with Asia, Marvel would be making an even more racist move. The purists ask only that Marvel stay true to the comics.
 
And what do you think? Should Marvel listen to this petition and add more diversity to their universe or is Iron Fist a character that is defined by his race and should remain as a white guy? Steven Yeun ( The Walking Dead ) could be a good choice for an Asian American take on the character while Jensen Akcles ( Supernatural ) would be ideal if they want to stay true to the comic. Share your thoughts below.
 
 
 
 
IRON FIST Star Finn Jones Wants To Return As Danny Rand; JESSICA JONES' Krysten Ritter Ready To Join MCU
Related:

IRON FIST Star Finn Jones Wants To Return As Danny Rand; JESSICA JONES' Krysten Ritter "Ready" To Join MCU

Is Finn Jones Teasing His Return As IRON FIST? MCU Fans Seem Convinced That's The Case
Recommended For You:

Is Finn Jones Teasing His Return As IRON FIST? MCU Fans Seem Convinced That's The Case

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.

This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. ComicBookMovie.com will disable users who knowingly commit plagiarism, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement. Please CONTACT US for expeditious removal of copyrighted/trademarked content. CLICK HERE to learn more about our copyright and trademark policies.

Note that ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

1 2
blackandyellow
blackandyellow - 8/5/2014, 5:06 AM
Iron Fist is Marvel's best character but Danny Rand isn't exactly iconic. I'd be okay with this. The important thing here is that only Americans can be superheroes.
Manogeek
Manogeek - 8/5/2014, 5:13 AM
nibs
nibs - 8/5/2014, 5:30 AM
Doesn't it seem just as racist to make this guy chinese simply because he knows karate?
Snotzo
Snotzo - 8/5/2014, 5:34 AM
It's a bit cliche and stereotypical to make the Kung-fu fighting superhero an Asian. Although pretty much all early ethnic characters were pretty based on stereotypes Shang Chi, Luke Cage looking at you.Danny Rand being a blond hair blue eyed Kung-fu master is cool, like Chuck Norris. However, I do agree I would like to see Asian superheroes so I wouldn't mind it.
GizmoEl
GizmoEl - 8/5/2014, 5:34 AM
They can easily make him Asian American and still have him be an outsider about his culture. Maybe he's adopted by a white family and wasn't involved in his own culture. Maybe he's part of a very liberal Asian family that doesn't care for Asian customs or traditions.
nibs
nibs - 8/5/2014, 5:35 AM
Maybe not. Pretty grey area I guess.
Ace101
Ace101 - 8/5/2014, 5:47 AM
IMO kind of pointless, i dont really care if most of the characters on screen are white, just stick to the comics and just embrace the characters regardless of what color skin they have. screw changing already established main characters just to add diversity, thats just an insult to both parties.
McGee
McGee - 8/5/2014, 5:48 AM
That depends.....


Are you okay with Wonder Woman packing meat?



McGee
McGee - 8/5/2014, 5:49 AM
...I just now noticed this dude has a peg leg...
DrKinsolving
DrKinsolving - 8/5/2014, 5:56 AM
@McGee

Haha, do you know the story behind that pic??
TheAmericanPatriot
TheAmericanPatriot - 8/5/2014, 5:59 AM
Sure why not? A white guy in a Asian setting has been played out so many times its almost its own genre. An Asian American Iron Fist living in K'un L'un, rediscovering his family roots, culture, and history is just as impactful. And people tend to forget that Asian Americans feel extremely aliented in Asia in general and are often treated as foreigners as well because most are so 'Americanized' they don't fit into the customs. Changing Danny Rands race makes no difference to the story of Iron Fist at all.

Personally, I would've perfer they did a Shang Chi Netflix show instead, and had paired Iron Fist and Luke Cage together as the Heroes For Hire. A 007-like spy thiller, with tons of betrayel, deception, and intrigue. Plus martial arts, revenge, murder, and romance is what would get in a Shang Chi show.
yossarian
yossarian - 8/5/2014, 6:01 AM
B&Y never tires of being wrong. DD is clearly their best.

I hope they cast Tiger Woods. He isn't doing shit these days.
McGee
McGee - 8/5/2014, 6:01 AM
No...but I'm very interested!
Pasto
Pasto - 8/5/2014, 6:01 AM
Asian Iron Fist?

NovaCorpsFan
NovaCorpsFan - 8/5/2014, 6:04 AM
An Asian called Danny Rand, let's see how that works out.
kinghulk
kinghulk - 8/5/2014, 6:05 AM
i feel like saying yes because they need more diversity but i also want to say no because then he is just another asian that knowns kung fu.
kinghulk
kinghulk - 8/5/2014, 6:06 AM
thamericanpatriot- perhaps shang chi could show up at some point?
TheAmericanPatriot
TheAmericanPatriot - 8/5/2014, 6:08 AM
And for people who say that they won't be able to relate to him if they change him and make him Asian. You can say goodbye to a Black Panther movie.
Klone
Klone - 8/5/2014, 6:24 AM
I'd prefer him to be an Asian American, much more actually.
TheAmericanPatriot
TheAmericanPatriot - 8/5/2014, 6:25 AM
@ kinghulk


Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's going to happen at some point in the show, Iron Fist vs Shang .
McGee
McGee - 8/5/2014, 6:25 AM
...that guy is the best dad in the world!
kinghulk
kinghulk - 8/5/2014, 6:37 AM
theamericanpatriot- i hope it does that would be really cool.
blackandyellow
blackandyellow - 8/5/2014, 6:50 AM
They could just make him half Asian to keep the Rand name.

Matt Murdock is the Hal Jordan of Marvel. Yeah, I said it.
yossarian
yossarian - 8/5/2014, 6:51 AM
I hope Will Smith Jr. or whatever that kid's name is gets the part. hahahahahahahahaha. I would buy every piece of merchandise sold and mail each piece to Gusto.
yossarian
yossarian - 8/5/2014, 6:52 AM
I guess I'd be buying 2 pieces of merchandise so B&Y can get some too.
yossarian
yossarian - 8/5/2014, 6:59 AM


He's a Pittsburgh hockey fan too!
blackandyellow
blackandyellow - 8/5/2014, 7:03 AM
Oh shit that's just wrong.
EhMaybeSays
EhMaybeSays - 8/5/2014, 7:03 AM
Jackie Chan
MercwithMouth
MercwithMouth - 8/5/2014, 7:06 AM
Do I think Marvel should change it just to appease the PC crowd? No

Do I care if they change his race? No

Do I think the Penguins are a quality hockey team? No

Is Daredevil the Hal Jordan on the Marvel universe? No

Is Gusto a pedophile? Yes

I believe I've answered all the relevant questions...
yossarian
yossarian - 8/5/2014, 7:16 AM
I know. I felt bad posting it.
kong
kong - 8/5/2014, 7:21 AM
A blue eyed, blonde haired, white guy who's also a kung-fu master. We don't see that a lot. That's almost even MORE diverse if you look at it from a certain point of view. IDC honestly, but Danny Rand? Might have to change one thing.
yossarian
yossarian - 8/5/2014, 7:21 AM


Looks like dad is a Pirates fan.
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 8/5/2014, 7:27 AM
I think it'd be pretty cool. I don't think it's necessary either way, but some diversity is always nice.
blackandyellow
blackandyellow - 8/5/2014, 7:57 AM
[frick] that. The Smiths aren't welcome in Pittsburgh.
1 2
View Recorder