In a huge surprise, Marvel.com reported yesterday that previous timelord, David Tennant is joining Marvel´s AKA Jessica Jones as The Purple Man. Dr. Zebediah Killgrave was originally an enemy of Daredevil before turning his sights on Jessica Jones and her husband, Luke Cage. His purple skin produces pheromones that allow him to control any one he shares a room with. He’s crass and extremely manipulative as one could imagine. Tennant couldn’t be better cast opposite Krysten Ritter and Mike Colter.
The Purple Man has since been revealed to be linked to the history of Jessica Jones. During her past as the superhero Jewel, he used his powers to subdue her, forcing her to live with him while psychologically torturing her for several months. He ultimately sends her off to kill Daredevil, something I don’t think we’ll see here, but perhaps some variation thereof.
This means a distinctly darker AKA Jessica Jones then we were all expecting, and I welcome it.
Marvel and Netflix are proud to announce that David Tennant will star as the villainous Kilgrave in “Marvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jones,” an all-new 13-episode series premiering on Netflix in 2015 following “Marvel’s Daredevil.”
An enigmatic figure from Jessica’s past, Kilgrave’s reappearance will send shockwaves through the former super hero’s world.
Tennant will star opposite Krysten Ritter and Mike Colter, who will play Jessica Jones and Luke Cage in “Marvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jones.” The series was developed by Executive Producer/Showrunner Melissa Rosenberg.
“I’m so honored and excited by the prospect of David inhabiting this multifaceted character,” said Rosenberg. “He can deliver the most heart-wrenching moment to the driest of lines, and all points in between. He’ll make Kilgrave a truly original villain.”
“Anyone familiar with David’s work knows he brings an incredible level of dedication to any role he inhabits, a level we knew we would need from the man playing Kilgrave,” said Jeph Loeb, Executive Producer/Marvel’s Head of Television. “While most know him for his roles as a hero, we can’t wait to unleash a whole new side of this talented actor.”
Tennant rose to international fame as the Tenth Doctor in the BBC hit series “Doctor Who,” and most recently starred in “Broadchurch” and its American adaptation, “Gracepoint.”
After a tragic ending to her short-lived super hero stint, Jessica Jones is rebuilding her personal life and career as a detective who gets pulled into cases involving people with extraordinary abilities in New York City.
“Marvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jones” is produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios for Netflix.
For more information on “Marvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jones,” and the other exciting new Marvel Television series coming to Netflix, stay tuned to Marvel.com.