Marvel has a tendency to overshadow its talented actors, as they are often confined to a single role within the immensely profitable entertainment empire. While Jessica Henwick has shown her versatility in a diverse range of movies and TV shows, fans of Marvel believe that her character in the MCU did not receive the recognition it deserved.
Almost every project within the Marvel Cinematic Universe reaches a certain level of cultural significance. The presence of the Marvel logo implies certain expectations and a consistent level of quality. However, only a handful of entries within the franchise have been received poorly enough to be deemed forgettable. Among the lowest-ranking projects, just above Hellstrom, is Iron Fist.
Who did Jessica Henwick play in the MCU?
Jessica Henwick stars as Colleen Wing in Iron Fist, The Defenders, and Luke Cage's second season. Colleen Wing, created in 1974 by Doug Moench and Larry Hama, comes from a lineage of samurai and has mastered their techniques through her grandfather. She frequently collaborates with Iron Fist and has worked alongside the X-Men, Spider-Man, and Daredevil. Colleen's notable friendship with Misty Knight, a no-nonsense cop with a bionic arm, is a memorable storyline. Though not a top-tier Marvel hero, Colleen Wing remains iconic among fans.
Henwick's portrayal of Colleen Wing in Iron Fist was praised for its faithfulness and intensity. Despite criticism of the show, Henwick received recognition as one of its standout performers. Colleen Wing was seen as a compelling character in the series, and Henwick's performance was widely acclaimed. Her portrayal also included impressive action scenes within the Defenders universe. However, the negative reception of Iron Fist overshadowed her contributions. While fans eagerly anticipate the return of other characters like Daredevil and Punisher, Colleen Wing's significance is unfairly overlooked. Critics of the time recognized the appeal of Jessica Henwick's portrayal and believed she deserved better.
What are Jessica Henwick's other movies and TV shows?
The Marvel Netflix universe concluded in 2018, and since then, Jessica Henwick has taken on various intriguing and distinct roles. One of her most significant appearances post Iron Fist is likely in The Matrix: Resurrections, where she assumes the role of Bugs, the captain of the hovercraft Mnemosyne. Bugs, who was once a Matrix citizen, witnessed Neo's suicide attempt and his ability to levitate hundreds of feet in the air. She leads some of the film's finest action sequences and holds a unique position in the franchise. Henwick notably decided to forego auditioning for Shang Chi in favor of reading for the role of Bugs. In 2020, Henwick also featured in the horror film Underwater, the adventure flick Love and Monsters, and the well-received dramedy On the Rocks. Additionally, she appeared as a CIA handler in The Gray Man and played a put-upon assistant in Glass Onion, both of which were produced by Netflix. Later this year, she is scheduled to appear in Cuckoo and The Royal Hotel.
Prior to her involvement in the MCU, Henwick had a supporting role in Game of Thrones. In the show, she portrayed Nymeria Sand, one of Oberyn Martell's Sand Snakes, who briefly ruled over Dorne. Shortly after the Marvel Netflix universe concluded, she lent her voice to Alexia, the Leader of the Amazons in the animated series Blood of Zeus. Furthermore, Henwick starred in Blade Runner: Black Lotus, where she played the role of Elle, a formidable replicant warrior. Her upcoming projects include Twilight of the Gods, an animated adaptation of Norse mythology co-directed by Zack Snyder.
How can Jessica Henwick return to the MCU?
Assuming Jessica Henwick expresses interest in returning, the next project for Colleen Wing becomes evident. Although Wing had the opportunity to collaborate with Misty Knight, the potential Daughters of the Dragon series never materialized. The return of Jessica Henwick and Simone Missick would undoubtedly be embraced by the fanbase. With a vast wealth of source material available in the comic books, their chemistry as performers was exceptional, making them the standout aspect of their previous show.
Jessica Henwick's illustrious filmography showcases immense versatility, with notable roles in some of pop culture's biggest ventures. Recently, Henwick made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed short film "Bus Girl." While there are numerous exciting new opportunities for her to explore, MCU enthusiasts would be thrilled to see her reprise the role of Colleen Wing. It would be a delight to witness her portray the character in a series that avoids the fate of being swiftly criticized, canceled, and ultimately forgotten.