One of the most confusing aspects of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is the status of the Netflix shows, including Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders, and The Punisher. While these series were produced by Marvel Television and released on Netflix, they are not considered canon within the broader MCU.
The non-canonical status of these shows can be attributed to a few key factors. Firstly, the Netflix shows were produced by Marvel Television, a separate division of Marvel Entertainment, whereas the films and other TV shows within the MCU are produced by Marvel Studios. This division between Marvel Television and Marvel Studios led to a lack of direct integration and crossover between the Netflix shows and the rest of the MCU.
Secondly, the tone and content of the Netflix shows differed significantly from the family-friendly nature of the MCU films. The Netflix shows delved into darker and grittier storytelling, exploring mature themes and featuring more graphic violence and adult-oriented content. This tonal difference made it challenging to seamlessly connect the Netflix shows with the rest of the MCU.
Additionally, while the Netflix shows occasionally referenced events from the MCU films, the opposite was not true. The events of the Netflix shows were never acknowledged or directly impacted the larger MCU narrative. This lack of reciprocal integration further reinforced the non-canonical status of the Netflix shows.
Furthermore, the cancellation of the Netflix shows by Netflix itself further solidified their non-canonical status. In 2018 and 2019, Netflix decided not to renew the various series, effectively ending their run. This decision, coupled with the lack of future appearances or references to the Netflix characters in other MCU projects, suggests that they are not considered part of the official MCU canon.
It is worth noting that while the Netflix shows are not canon within the broader MCU, they still have a dedicated fanbase and are regarded as their own separate universe within the Marvel multiverse. This allows fans to enjoy these shows as standalone stories, even if they do not directly tie into the larger MCU narrative.
Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders, and The Punisher, despite being Marvel properties, are not considered canon within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The division between Marvel Television and Marvel Studios, tonal differences, lack of integration, and cancellation of the Netflix shows all contribute to their non-canonical status. Nevertheless, these shows still hold a special place in the hearts of fans and can be enjoyed as their own separate universe within the Marvel multiverse.