As Iron Fist moves closer to production, casting announcements are starting to trickle in concerning who’s taking part in the latest Marvel Netflix series. Finn Jones joined last month as Dany Rand himself, while his fellow Game of Thrones actor Jessica Henwick was added over a week ago as the eponymous hero’s ally, Colleen Wing. Today brings the news that Lord of the Rings actor David Wenham has been cast as Harold Meachum.
Described as a “ruthless corporate leader,” Wenham’s Harold Meachum was partners with Danny Rand’s parents before their deaths, and as Iron Fist progresses, viewers will learn how Harold is involved in both Danny’s past and future. Head of Marvel Television Jeph Loeb also mentioned that Wenham also had the necessary gravitas for the show as Danny “unravels the secrets in Rand Enterprises.” so Harold will be a big corporate player. Harold’s daughter Joy and his brother Ward were also rumored last month to be appearing in the series, but there’s no official word yet on their involvement.
In the comics, Harold accompanied Danny Rand and his parents, Wendell and Heather, on their expedition near the ancient city of K’un-Lun, and he used that opportunity to kill Wendell Rand in order to seize his company. Heather and Danny fleet from Harold, but Heather was soon eaten by wolves while protecting her son. Danny survived and found his way to K’un-Lun, spending the years afterwards training as a martial artist. Harold was eventually rescued, but his legs had to be amputated after he was stuck in the blizzard. When Danny came back to the United States, Harold had to contend with him potentially seeking revenge, though that didn’t end up being the case.
It appears the Iron Fist series will go in a similar direction with the character, as a image was included in the announcement of a New York Bulletin newspaper with the headline “Harold Meachum Gravely Ill.” While it’s doubtful we’ll see Harold be a physical threat to Danny in Iron Fist, it does sound like he’ll be one of the show’s main antagonists.
David Wenham is arguably best known for playing Faramir in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. His other credits include the 300 movies, Public Enemies, Australia and Top of the Lake, and he’ll be seen next year in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales as Scarfield. Iron Fist will follow Danny Rand returning to the United States after years of studying martial arts in K’un Lun. Danny will use these skills to battle New York City’s criminal underworld, with the power of the Iron Fist giving him an advantage over his opponents.
Iron Fist is scheduled to begin shooting in the coming months, and we’ll keep you apprised about when the series is premiering on Netflix.
