Marvel's interconnecting Netflix television series of shows was an equally impressive feat in pop culture as the Marvel Cinematic Universe it was set in. The six shows would become known as the Marvel "street-level heroes," or Marvel Knights after the similar team from the comics that also included Daredevil and Luke Cake. These series were incredibly successful for Netflix and popular with fans.
The end of phase 3 and the beginning of phase 4 of the MCU brings exciting opportunities. Fans have already experienced Marvel characters from the Sony and Fox universes making their way to the MCU. In Spider-Man: Far From Home, J.K. Simmons reprised his role as J. Jonah Jameson. In addition, Evan Peters has made appearances on the recent episodes of WandaVison as a version of Quicksilver, and Deadpool 3 is going be considered a part of the MCU. Combined with the fact the rights to these Netflix characters are back with Disney brings speculation that some Netflix actors may return to— and actually directly interact with— the MCU.
10 Charlie Cox (Matt Murdock/Daredevil)
Daredevil led the way in the Netflix series of shows. It was a masterclass in television, and each season of the show was a must-watch, setting the tone of the Netflix Marvel universe as a whole. Its stories and characters were some of the best seen in the MCU, especially Charlie Cox's take the lawyer-turned-vigilante.
Cox managed to perfectly convey the duality of the vigilante Daredevil and the lawyer Matt Murdock, as well as the conflict these identities bring. There are rumors he will turn up in the upcoming third MCU Spider-Man movie, to help defend Peter Parker/Spider-Man in court and maybe even team up with him as Daredevil.
9 Vincent D'Onofrio (Wilson Fisk/The Kingpin)
A highlight from Netflix's Daredevil was Vincent D'Onofrio's depiction of The Kingpin, Wilson Fisk. The main villain of the show was a force to be reckoned with, someone who very few dared to stand up against. Matt Murdock (as a lawyer) and as Daredevil would "both" go up against Fisk with brutal results.
The Kingpin is one of the greatest Marvel villains, especially considering most versions of the character do not have superpowers. Instead, his power comes from money and the corruption that can bring. Over the years Fisk has been a villain of Daredevil and Spider-Man across multiple media formats. It would be epic to see the two heroes team up to battle the villain in the MCU.
8 Jon Bernthal (Frank Castle/The Punisher)
There were three attempts at a live-action adaptation of The Punisher before the existence of the MCU and none of them quite matched up to Jon Bernthal's version of the anti-hero. He played the role of an antagonist and uneasy ally of Daredevil in the second season of that show before getting a successful show of his own.
The show managed to balance intense action with moments of reflection for Frank Castle. The character felt better developed than previous attempts as the audience could see the trauma the character was going through. It would be great to see this Punisher interact with Captain America and Spider-Man as they have in the comics.
7 Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones)
After the success and popularity of Daredevil, fans and critics were excited at what was to come next. Jessica Jones followed and continued the momentum for the Netflix like of Marvel shows. Krysten Ritter was the ideal actor to portray the emotionally manipulated— but equally tough— Jessica Jones. David Tennant's Kilgrave was the perfect villain for Jones, haunting audiences with his voice alone.
There is plenty of promise of a return to the MCU for Jones. It has been rumored that she could appear in several upcoming Disney+ shows. Her skills as a private detective would work in She-Hulk and/or Hawkeye shows. In the comics, Jones is close friends with Carol Danvers, so perhaps an appearance in a Captain Marvel movie or the Ms. Marvel show is not out of the question.
6 Mike Colter (Luke Cage)
Luke Cage was not only a great show in terms of its character and storytelling, but the show was also a significant moment of cultural importance in pop culture. It remains one of only a few examples of an African-American superhero headlining a TV series. Its cultural importances was matched with an incredible performance by Mike Colter, as the hero of Harlem.
With much of the MCU taking place in New York, it seems as though there are multiple opportunities for Cage to be involved, especially given the extent of his superpowers. In the comics, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage are married and work together. The Power Man and Iron Fist comic series has been highly successful as well. Either of those relationships/partnerships could work as a show and would bring multiple Marvel Netflix actors together in the same MCU project.
5 Jessica Henwick (Colleen Wing)
Jessica Henwick's Colleen Wing was a stand out of the otherwise disappointing Iron Fist show. The series was met with some controversy with its casting choice of Danny Rand. Things did turn around towards the end of the show, when Henwick's Wing took a more leading role, eventually becoming the Iron Fist herself.
Colleen Wing deserves a chance to be the MCU's Iron Fist. Wing had a closer relationship with characters and villains of the martial arts world. These relationships could be explored more with an appearance in the upcoming Shang-Chi movie. She could also be the Iron Fist in a Power Man and Iron Fist show. Or, perhaps it is time for her and Misty Knight to lead a Daughters of the Dragon show.
4 Simone Missick (Misty Knight)
Misty Knight is a police officer turned superhero crime fighter. Misty deserves just as much mention as Colleen Wing, as the pair were two of the most popular and important supporting characters on their respective shows. The two briefly teamed up in the Netflix series which gave hope for a Daughters of the Dragon series. However, Knight and her cybernetic arm may appear elsewhere first.
In the comics, Misty teams up with Sam Wilson in his run as Captain America. She even got a Captain America-style upgrade, when she took the shield and mantle while Wilson was away. The Falcon and Winter Soldier is coming this March. This could be an opportunity for Knight to return, or her return may be delayed for if and when Wilson officially takes the Captain America mantle in the MCU long-term.
3 Elden Henson (Franklin "Foggy" Nelson)
Foggy Nelson is the best friend of Matt Murdock, and their friendship is a core element in the Daredevil show. The pair formed the law firm Nelson and Murdock and work to get justice for the innocent. This would see them go up against corrupt figures, including Wilson Fisk.
It makes sense to bring Nelson into the MCU with Murdock, especially if it is for a legal matter such as defending Spider-Man/Peter Parker. There are other avenues for the character to return with or without his best friend, including She-Hulk as Jennifer Walters is also lawyer and could find herself working with or against Foggy.
2 Deborah Ann Woll (Karen Page)
Karen Page was a huge part of the downfall of The Kingpin in Daredevil. She is the former office manager of Nelson and Murdock. When that company was shut down, she became a reporter at the Daily Bulletin, initially intending to writing the true story of Frank Castle to defend the anti-hero.
The introduction of J. Jonah Jameson into the MCU invites other Marvel journalists to join the MCU. There is an opportunity to have Page and the Daily Bulletin complete against the Daily Bugle and defend Spider-Man and other heroes against Jameson, either with Page leading the way or working under a character like Robbie Robertson— who has also yet to be introduced to the MCU.
1 Rosario Dawson (Claire Temple)
Rosario Dawson's Claire Temple was the core of the interconnected series. Just as Nick Fury brought all the movie characters together, so did Temple with the various TV characters. appearing in all the shows and bringing the heroes together. It only seems right if any other Netflix actors return that Dawson does, too.
Dawson and Disney are on great terms as the actress has recently been a part of the flagship Disney+ show The Mandalorian where she played Ahsoka Tano. It has also been announced Dawson would return as the character in a series of her own.