While speaking with EW about the upcoming Marvel/Netflix original series, The Game of Thrones actor gave us a bit of insight on how he is preparing for the role of Danny Rand, aka, Iron Fist.
“At the moment I’m in the physical preparation for the role. Every day for the last month, I start my day with about two and a half hours of martial arts – which is kung fu and wushu mixed with a bit of tai chi, and other stuff as well. In the afternoon I’ll do weight training with a trainer to bulk me up and get my physically right for the part. And in evenings I’ve been doing meditation classes and learning buddhist philosophies.”
Jones also delved a bit into what initially drew him to the character of Rand and what appeal he will have on the screen.
“I love the character. What really drew me was the character and the story. I really enjoy how he’s a superhero with a real heart but has spiritual elements as well. I think it’s going to be an exciting character to play because there’s this contraction of on one hand he’s from a very wealthy family, he’s a billionaire, on the other hand he’s been in this world of K’un-Lun for a long time where he’s learned kung fu and buddhist philosophy. There’s a contradiction in those elements that’s going to be really fun to play.”
First appearing in Marvel Premiere #15 in 1974, Iron Fist was created by Roy Thomas and Gil Kane, and has been featured in numerous Marvel Comics titles. Often occupying pages with the kung-fu master of Kun Lun are fellow heroes Luke Cage aka Power Fist, Colleen Wing, Matt Murdock aka Daredevil and Misty Knight (to name only a few). Originally created as a means to capitalize on the wuxia action film craze of the mid-1970s, Iron Fist has since become a staple fan favorite of true believers across the globe.
Iron Fist will be the fourth series scheduled in what has been a thus far stellar run for Marvel Television. The series will see Daniel Rand returning to New York City after being missing for years. There, he fights against the criminal element corrupting New York City with his incredible kung-fu mastery and ability to summon the awesome power of the fiery Iron Fist.
Scott Buck (Dexter, Rome and Six Feet Under) is signed on to act as showrunner as well as executive producer.
Marvel’s Iron Fist will be available for streaming in it’s entirety on Netflix not long after Marvel’s Luke Cage, which premieres some time in 2016. Following the lot will be the mini-series event Marvel’s The Defenders, which will see Rand, Cage, Jessica Jones and Matt Murdock aka Daredevil finally unite.
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