Marvel Studios has revealed its newest hero, and it’s a bold, fresh twist on a familiar name. The first female Iron Fist is officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, voiced by actress Jona Xiao in the animated Eyes of Wakanda — a Black Panther spin-off set to premiere on Disney Plus on August 1.
It’s not the Iron Fist most fans are used to. And it’s not a replacement either. Marvel’s move here is something else entirely: a new take, rooted in lore, expanding the Iron Fist legacy while keeping Danny Rand’s return a possibility down the road.
No, This Doesn’t Replace Danny Rand — And That’s Important
The announcement quickly sparked confusion online. Is this the end for Finn Jones’ Danny Rand? Is Marvel rebooting Iron Fist after the lukewarm Netflix reception?
Short answer: no.
This Iron Fist is appearing in an animated anthology series — not live-action — and Marvel hasn’t said anything about scrapping the original. In fact, with Daredevil: Born Again slowly gathering steam, it’s still very possible that Finn Jones could return in some form if the Defenders are brought back together.
For now though, Eyes of Wakanda exists in its own corner, telling stories that take place outside the current MCU timeline.
A New Setting, A New Fist
So who exactly is this new Iron Fist? Marvel hasn’t officially named her character, but fans have theories — and they make a lot of sense.
One popular guess is Wu Ao-Shi, a female Iron Fist from 16th-century China, introduced in Marvel Comics back in 2006. She was the first woman to wield the power of the dragon Shou-Lao, and her backstory fits the vibe of a globe-spanning anthology like Eyes of Wakanda.
It’s also been confirmed the show will explore different time periods and locations through Wakandan history. That makes Wu Ao-Shi the most likely candidate, especially since the series is set before modern MCU continuity.
Plus, Xiao’s casting as the “MCU’s 1st ever female Iron Fist” — her own words — makes it clear we’re looking at something unique and foundational.
Jona Xiao Brings the Fire
The casting announcement came straight from Xiao herself, who shared the news on Instagram, calling the role “a dream come true” and saying she’s “so stoked” to bring the character to life.
Xiao’s name might not be instantly recognizable, but her resume is impressive. She’s appeared in The Flash, Gifted, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Spider-Man: Homecoming (briefly), and she’s known for bringing strength and energy to her voice roles.
One of her biggest strengths? Emotional nuance. If this Iron Fist is truly Wu Ao-Shi, a warrior with a tragic edge, Xiao could be the perfect match.
Eyes of Wakanda Moves Up the Release Date
Originally expected later this year, Eyes of Wakanda has been bumped up and will now hit Disney Plus on August 1. That’s just days away, and fans are buzzing with anticipation — especially with the Iron Fist reveal now out in the open.
Marvel hasn’t shown much footage from the show, but it’s described as a collection of tales from Wakanda’s past, focusing on warriors who retrieved vibranium artifacts scattered around the world. Think What If…? meets Black Panther — but more grounded and history-focused.
The anthology format also means we’re not locked into a single timeline or character. One episode could be set in ancient Wakanda, another in Ming Dynasty China, another on a pirate ship. It’s Marvel letting its animators stretch their legs.
Past Female Iron Fists — And This One’s Place Among Them
Though this is the first time we’re seeing a female Iron Fist in the MCU, Marvel Comics has introduced a few over the years. Here’s a look at some:
| Character | Era | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Wu Ao-Shi | 16th century | First female Iron Fist, fought pirates, fiery arrows |
| Pei | Modern day | Young girl trained in K’un-Lun, appeared in Immortal Iron Fists |
| Colleen Wing | Modern day | Acquired the Iron Fist temporarily, Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon |
At the very least, it confirms Marvel is serious about expanding the legacy of its classic characters and not just sticking to the versions fans already know.
What It Means for the Bigger Picture
It’s easy to shrug off animated projects as side content, but Marvel’s been putting real weight behind these shows. What If…? ended up affecting Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and X-Men ’97 is considered canon-adjacent at this point.
So does this Iron Fist matter?
It might. Even if this character stays in animation, her presence plants a seed. It means the Iron Fist mantle is flexible, and it opens the door for a more diverse, expansive approach to superhero legacies.
And for fans still hoping for Danny Rand’s return, don’t worry — the door’s still wide open.
