The Defenders only had so long to rest up after production, as Jessica Jones immediately returned to work for a long-overdue second season. Less clear was when Daredevil Season 3 or Luke Cage Season 2 might shoot, but mounting evidence suggests that the latter is headed back to Harlem soon, and with a new villain in tow.

Keep in mind that Luke Cage news has been relatively quiet since the Season 2 renewal in December, and it seems unusual that showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker would have completed writing and begun casting within such a short time. That said, rumors started to swirl this week when “TIARA” signs (Season 1’s production code-name) popped up in New York, while reliable filming outlets like On-Location Vacations had trouble verifying them:

Whether or not Luke Cage Season 2 has imminent designs on production, star Simone Missick at least seemed to tease preparation for it over Twitter, if not a role in Jessica Jones Season 2:

What’s more, That Hashtag Show now purports to have obtained an early casting breakdown for Season 2, in the process implying that “Byron” might stand in for Marvel villain “Bushmaster”:

BYRON: 30 – 45, 6’0 or taller, Jamaican, but open to Black Caribbean or African Descent. The smartest man any room, the most effortlessly powerful man in any situation. A natural leader, brimming with resentment but focused on justice. Physically fit and wildly intelligent. Speaks with a native accent from Jamaica / Caribbean / Africa, etc.* SERIES REGULAR

TAMARA: mid-20’s – early 30’s, African American, female, earthy. A brilliant, confident business owner who prides herself on her independence.. As much as she tries to stay far from trouble, it seems to always find her.* ACTORS MUST BE STRONG SINGERS. SERIES REGULAR

THS has a track record that spans everywhere from announcing Finn Jones as Iron Fist to declaring Joss Whedon the Flash-Supergirl musical director, but it’s at least worth considering. Not to mention, Marvel hasn’t made clear its plans for series beyond The Defenders, including what other seasons would join Jessica Jones on the 2018 calendar.

We’ve reached out to Marvel and Netflix for any possible clarification, and will update if anything shakes out.

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