Finn Jones’ Response to Why Critics Don’t Like Netflix’s “Iron Fist” Makes No Sense

Unlike other Netflix Marvel shows, Iron Fist is just not getting the love, and actor Finn Jones knows why.

Iron Fist is the latest in Netflix and Marvel’s partnership. The show has a March 17th release date and, judging by the current reviews for the first six episodes, it’s not that good. Of course, such a reception clearly came as a shock to the cast and crew of Iron Fist.

Daredevil has an 87% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Jessica Jones was able to get 93% while Luke Cage season 1 got 96%. On the other hand, Iron Fist holds a 14% rating.

“Well I think there’s multiple factors. What I will say is these shows are not made for critics, they are first and foremost made for the fans,”  he told Metro UK. “I also think some of the reviews we saw were seeing the show through a very specific lens, and I think when the fans of the Marvel Netflix world and fans of the comic books view the show through the lens of just wanting to enjoy a superhero show, then they will really enjoy what they see. I think it’s a fantastic show which is really fun and I think it stands up there with the other Defenders’ shows without a doubt.”

I understand Finn Jones commenting on the critic’s opinions. However, the way he goes about it makes him sound childish, and yes, more of a mess than he already is. He said that critics couldn’t appreciate Iron Fist because they aren’t fans. I would stand by his opinion, but the same critics had no trouble loving the previous superhero shows.

The most recent comment he made took it further. He told Radio Times that critics are against Iron Fist because of Donald Trump and the political environment around the President. “I’m playing a white American billionaire superhero, at a time when the white American billionaire archetype is public enemy No. 1, especially in the US,” he said. “We filmed the show way before Trump’s election, and I think it’s very interesting to see how that perception, now that Trump’s in power, how it makes it very difficult to root for someone coming from white privilege when that archetype is public enemy No. 1.”

I know! He needs to stop and accept that Iron Fist just might not be a good show. I don’t think a majority of critics or the general public have so much resistance (as Finn states) against fictional white male characters. Arrow, The Flash, Supernatural, and other numerous shows with white male leads are doing just fine. Even comic book characters that fit the white billionaire archetype such as Tony Stark and Batman still have a huge following.

It all comes down to the story. While Marvel comic books have become a lot diverse than before, making Kamala Khan, Amadeus Cho, Riri Williams, etc. take up iconic mantles, their comic books wouldn’t have sold without a good story. And yes, I do think that even if the team behind Iron Fist had gone with an Asian-American actor to play Danny, it still wouldn’t have been liked by critics (and possibly the audience) without an engaging story.

What do you think of Finn Jones’ comments about Iron Fist’s reception? Are you looking forward to it? Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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