Now that Season 1 of Marvel's Jessica Jones is in the can, that can only mean one thing...Marvel's Luke Cage is getting ready to shoot! We already know that Mike Colter is starring as the title superhero, and that he will first be introduced in Jessica Jones. We also know that Krysten Ritter is starring as Jessica, and will transition into Luke Cage once that series gets off the ground. What we haven't heard is any further casting for the third of Marvel's four planned Netflix series. But it sounds like that will change soon enough. Deadline reports that acclaimed actress Alfre Woodard has taken on a major role, with more announcements coming in the near future.

Alfre Woodard is reportedly playing a key character that goes by the name Minetta. She is a powerful woman involved in the local political scene in Hell's Kitchen. She will have an important impact on Luke Cage's life. The current speculation is that this is an altered version of the Marvel comic book character Black Mariah.

Black Mariah is a classic character who serves as a villain to both Luke Cage and Iron Fist (the fourth in the planned Marvel Netflix series). She was depicted in the original stories as being a professional criminal and a drug dealer. At this time, neither Marvel nor Netflix have commented on the character, or if she has any true roots locked into the comics. Luke Cage follows a wrongfully accused man who is granted super strength during a sabotaged experiment. He escapes prison and becomes a superhero for hire.

Cheo Hodari Coker is executive producer and show runner for Marvel's Luke Cage. The show is being produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios and Netflix. Alfre Woodard is an Oscar nominee and Emmy winner who recently appeared on NBC's State of Affairs. She also had a recurring role on the summer series The Last Ship. She can currently be seen in the feature film Mississippi Grind.

At this time, Marvel's Luke Cage does not have a set premiere date, but it will debut sometime in 2016, followed by Marvel's Iron Fist. Marvel's Jessica Jones doesn't yet have a confirmed premiere date, but it will be premiering before the end of 2015. And Marvel's Daredevil Season 2 is already shooting in New York, and will return in spring next year. All four shows are set to converge in the epic miniseries event The Defenders, which will premiere on Netflix sometime in 2017. What do you think? Is Alfre Woodard a perfect choice for Marvel's Luke Cage?