In 2013, Netflix and Marvel Studios agreed to produce a series of interconnected shows based on a quartet of street-level fighters. Between 2015 and 2019, the streaming service launched Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist. The characters from these programs came together for 2017's The Defenders. A sixth program, Punisher, was released in the same year.
All of these shows were met with critical and fan success. Both parties wanted more. However, Disney+ intervened. The introduction of the new streaming service guaranteed that future Marvel television series would be on their platform. In fact, with the release of WandaVision, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki, Disney+ introduced Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With this success, the Netflix heroes are put on the back burner. There's a chance that they can still be folded into the MCU proper, but it's also possible that it's too late.
10 CAN: They're Already In The MCU
The Netflix shows collectively known as the Marvel Knights are already part of the MCU. They acknowledged events in the movies and television shows that aired around the same time. Though much has happened since their appearances, they still fit into the MCU's continuity.
In fact, the best way to reintroduce them is through their experiences with The Snap and Blip. Since nothing was mentioned about them between Infinity War and Endgame, producers have the power to place them as Thanos' innocent victims.
9 TOO LATE: The MCU Already Has A Plan In Motion
On the other hand, these street-level heroes no longer fit in the MCU's plans. Other than a new Hawkeye series, there aren't any street-level heroes scheduled to appear on the big screen or Disney+. Even the Shang-Chi film is based on mysticism rather than street fighting.
Furthermore, many MCU fans expect grandeur when it comes to their live-action programs. They don't want shows where the characters' powers are implied instead of spotlighted. In other words, they want a WandaVision instead of a Jessica Jones.
8 CAN: They Can Be Part Of Phase Five
Though the Netflix heroes are seemingly part of the MCU, they are their own entity. Instead of placing them in the already crowded Phase Four, they should be the signature characters in the next group of movies and TV shows.
It's the best way to highlight these characters and their environment. The way they appeared on Netflix can also be done on Disney+ with a second Defenders movie to pull everything together.
7 TOO LATE: They Can't Be Retconned Due To Fan Backlash
Though the fan base for these Marvel Knights shows will still be there, the MCU creators might have to retcon these characters. However, this will cause backlash from those fans that are waiting for their return. Since they can't please everyone, producers will most likely go with the versions that draw in the largest audience. This means a possible end to the heroes' grittier and darker personas.
6 CAN: Add Them To The Next Avengers Lineup
At some point in comics history, each member of Netflix's Marvel lineup has been part of the Avengers. Even the Punisher became a member of the Savage Avengers in 2019. It seems like the right move to add them to a future lineup. This is promising since the next film isn't set in stone yet. A better idea is to create another Avengers franchise for these characters. Something that includes the original quartet and has the Punisher in a supporting role.
5 TOO LATE: They're Too Dark For The MCU
It can be said that the MCU is a dark place. After all, one person eliminated half of the galaxy's population with a snap. However, that darkness is only temporary. The Marvel Knights portion of the MCU features even darker themes.
It's filled with violence and other adult matters that aren't fit for family viewing. The goal of the MCU is to produce material that caters to several age ranges. Lightening things up could work, but it takes away from the original concepts behind the Netflix shows and the comic books that inspired them.
4 CAN: They Add A New Layer Of Street-Level Heroes
This is similar to the idea of adding these heroes to MCU's Phase Five. However, it needs to be deftly incorporated for a seamless fit. One way to do this is to introduce the characters within the confines of the Hawkeye or Ms. Marvel streaming shows. Both heroes are as close to street-level as the current crop of characters gets.
3 TOO LATE: The Scope Of The MCU Is Galactic
When the MCU consisted of Earth-bound heroes like Iron Man and Captain America, it seemed logical to have a series of programs based on street-level characters. Now, the MCU has gone way beyond this concept. They're galactic in scope. Additionally, they delve heavily into mysticism and alternate universes. The Marvel Knights don't have a place in this environment.
2 CAN: Dr. Strange Can Lead This Team Of Defenders
Dr. Strange seems to be taking over as the MCU's main hero. With his appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home and his own feature, it makes sense for him to gather the Marvel Knights together as a new incarnation of The Defenders.
This group actually got together in volume five of the Defenders comic book series in 2017. Thus, the idea isn't so far-fetched.
1 TOO LATE: There's No Room To Start Over
Truth be told, there's no room in the schedule to fit in these characters from the Netflix universe. Their characterizations, use of powers, and darker personalities don't fit well in the MCU's Phase Four or future releases. In the end, Marvel should renegotiate to place them back on the streaming platform. If that can't happen, then it's time for them to retire.