It’s not surprising that Marvel has fans across the globe. This, in turn, means that the superhero universe receives tremendous love from people everywhere. However, where there’s appreciation, there’s also criticism – the classic yin and yang situation! Something similar happened to Marvel’s Luke Cage, starring Mike Colter.
Marvel’s Luke Cage was released in 2016 and proved to be a stepping stone toward diversity in Hollywood as it featured a cast of majorly Black actors, including Mahershala Ali. While this may be a reason to celebrate for some, the series faced some serious backlash for not having adequate white representation. The controversy has recently resurfaced, but don’t worry; showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker has the perfect response to the backlash.
Marvel’s Luke Cage Creator Gives His Two Cents on the Controversy
A few days ago, an X user who makes “cultural critiques” took the liberty of pointing out that the 2016 Marvel series, Marvel’s Luke Cage, saw the titular character fight more Black villains than white. While the user stated that this was just a mere observation on his part, it didn’t take long before people started correcting him in the replies. The vast list of Marvel fans defending Luke Cage also included none other than the showrunner, Cheo Hodari Coker, himself.
On 31st January, Coker took time out of his schedule to clear the air and stated that he was simply trying to keep Black people employed. The Ray Donovan writer replied,
I was trying to keep Black people gainfully employed. LOL. Just saying… https://t.co/sJG2TTzXbq
— Cheo Hodari Coker (@cheo_coker) January 31, 2024
Representation in the film and television industry has become a hot topic of discussion recently, with many viewers vouching for its importance. Marvel’s Luke Cage played its part in bringing representation to the screens. However, looking at all the backlash it has received, it looks like you just cannot make everyone happy!
This Is Not a First for the Show
The above-mentioned “observation” is not the first of its kind. Believe it or not, the Mike Colter-starrer faced much worse backlash when it was released. Viewers even went as far as to say that the new Marvel show was nothing sort of racist due to a lack of white representation. However, some stood steadfast behind the show and threw the extremely popular comedy series, F.R.I.E.N.D.S, under the bus to prove a point.
LMAO at white people vexing at the lack of white characters on "Luke Cage", now you know what watching "Friends" felt like.
— This Ken is depressive. (@TheBlackHermit) October 4, 2016
If we could just take a moment to talk about the prominent villains in Marvel’s Luke Cage – Cottonmouth, Diamondback, “Black” Mariah Stokes, and Bushmaster – the characters were played to perfection by Mahershala Ali, Erik LaRay Harvey, Alfre Woodard, and Mustafa Shakir, respectively. Every single character provided the show with an element that made Luke Cage what it is.
Having white villains could prove to put the series at a disadvantage, and it simply might not work for the show. As pointed out by many X users, the series was based in Harlem in the 1970s, a time when the population of the city was majorly Black. People pointed out that Luke Cage wasn’t a CIA or FBI Agent, and he was simply trying to keep the streets clean, thus contradicting OP’s point of Harlem having white crook agencies back in the day. Take a look at what the users have to say in support of the show,
Luke Cage wasn’t a CIA or FBI Agent. He was a man from the streets trying to clean up his neighborhood. So it would be statistically accurate for him to be fighting against mostly Black people. Especially in Harlem
— Burakku Flash (@BurakkuFlash) January 31, 2024
harlem population is mostly black, therefore its a logical conclusion that bad guys there would be mostly black. that would be like complaining a superhero in montana is fighting mostly white people lmfao
— Josh (@balancedoutt) January 31, 2024
Who else lived in Harlem back then? Lmao. Clearly you never been there
— KingsBlood (@KBG_Garrett900) January 31, 2024
Wait so you’re mad there weren’t enough yt ppl and this particular piece of black media? My lord we done complained ourselves in circles cause what? 😭
— Tiabeanie Mariabeanie (@theothamutha) January 31, 2024
I genuinely hate how some of us have to always center white people in everything. Everything is in relation to what about the whites… chill this was a Black centered hero we can be heroes and villains. It's ok.
— Crown (@Blkcrown1) January 31, 2024
Currently, Luke Cage stands at an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and we can’t help but give some credit to the brilliant Black representation in it.
Marvel’s Luke Cage is available to stream on Disney+.
