Marvel's Luke Cage: Mike Colter Is Out, But Who's In?

It's been rumored that though Luke Cage may join the MCU, Mike Colter will not. This leaves fans asking, "who will be the new Hero of Harlem?" Any of these lucky 7 would be great choices to bring the Power Man to life in the MCU.

7. Sinqua Walls

Rich Polk / Getty Images / Via imdb.com

He's got the look. He's certainly got the resume. And we know from Once Upon A Time that he can rock a baldy. Is that enough to pull off Luke Cage, though? Well, if that's not enough, he also has the acting chops and the physique. He has an everyman quality that will serve the role well. After all, Luke Cage is not Tony Stark. He could very well be your average beat cop, bodega owner or construction worker. He just happens to be a superhero. Walls has that quality. The only drawback, however, is that Walls gives us polished pretty boy. Can he give us Luke Cage's edge?

6. Trevante Rhodes

Via gq.com

Now, let's be honest. With Mr. Rhodes in the role, the women of Harlem will want coffee. THEY WILL WANT COFFEE. That said, Rhodes is also a solid actor, which is most important. Yes, actors need to look the part, but they also need to bring the craft, the talent, the skill. Rhodes has proven himself in films like Moonlight and Bird Box. At 30, he's the youngest on this list, which will allow him to grow with the part. His Cage would also lack some of the world-weariness people tend to write into Black male characters. His Cage would be a quieter, more introverted character. However...lol however... that sly smile and knowing look? He's not world weary, but he damn sure ain't green. He'll play a solid, reluctant, complicated, noble hero.

5. Thomas Q. Jones

Via blackenterprise.com

*Sigh* Chile, I quit. Just google him... body ody ody ody... Thomas Q. Jones is a unique one. He's got raw, natural talent. As Comanche in the Netflix Luke Cage series, Jones brought credibility to the cast. Out of all the major players, he's the one who was most believable as a dude from the hood who'd served time. He also possesses a dignity and work ethic that could bring balance to the character. This could take the character in a whole other direction...in a great way! Jones is about as authentic as they come and in real life is a good guy. This would be an earnest, connected portrayal. Also delicious.

4. Y'Lan Noel

John Salangsang / John Salangsang/Variety/Shutterstock / Via deadline.com

At 5'10, Noel is one of the shortest on this list. He's not the imposing, towering figure we all picture Luke Cage to be. That said, what he lacks in stature, he more than makes up for in presence. As we saw in The First Purge, Noel can carry a film. And if "get you a man who can do both" were a person... RANGE.

This guy radiates the swag, energy, warmth and authenticity you'd expect from a man of Harlem. Colter very much gave Harlem transplant from Harvard. Noel gives you Harlem native who got a scholarship to Harvard, chose to go to Howard and came back to Harlem after graduation.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by John Salangsang/Variety/Shutterstock (9767348a)

Y'Lan Noel

Insecure Fest, Los Angeles, USA - 21 Jul 2018

3. Yahya Abdul Mateen II

Via essence.com

My opinion? Mateen is one of (if not the) the best actors on this list, but I think he's a longshot for the role. Mateen has given us at least two high profile superheroes already (well one hero and one villain): Doctor Manhattan and Black Manta. There's no rule against three, though, is there? Even still, I don't know if Marvel would take on someone so known in the genre. He's got the range. He has a comedic flair. He can be layered, pained and aspirational all at the same time. He can be Luke Cage.

2. Morris Chestnut

Via deadline.com

Now, hear me out... who says the MCU's version of Luke Cage has to be a spring chicken? The Morris? The Chestnut? Yes sir, yes ma'am. His acting chops are well documented and he most certainly has the pedigree. If the MCU existed in the 90's he would have been the obvious choice. The MCU has made very interesting casting choices and has not shied away from casting older actors as superheroes. Guess what? It works! Don Cheadle, Robert Downey Jr.? These were inspired choices. And let's be honest. He's 52, but ya'll know he's giving 39/40. And we KNOW he can kick ass. Just ask Taye Diggs...lol

1. Ser'Darius Blaine

Via imdb.com

Best known for his role as "Fridge" in the rebooted Jumanji series, Blaine is perfect for this. Some may say that the 6'1 Jumanji star may be better suited for a hero like Cyborg, due to his lighthearted demeanor, but that's what will make him an excellent Luke Cage. Colter's version lacked the emotional range and dimensions that make Luke Cage Harlem's Hero. Blaine is my top choice. He's a fresh, unexpected casting choice and he can handle the role. He will make Luke Cage jump off the page and make him a modern, multi-dimensional, human hero.