Is Eyes of Wakanda introducing a new Iron Fist to the MCU? Exploring speculations

Eyes of Wakanda is just five days away. The four-episode miniseries is a prequel series that will tie into the history of Wakanda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). One of the most exciting aspects of the Disney+ series is the return of Iron Fist. However, the Iron Fist seen in the animated prequel series is not Danny Rand, played by Game of Thrones' Finn Jones.

Considering it is a prequel show, it is likely that the Iron Fist, voiced by Jona Xiao in Eyes of Wakanda, is from a different time than Finn Jones' Danny Rand, as seen in the Netflix Marvel Universe. Voice actress Jona Xiao herself confirmed that she is voicing Iron Fist in the animated series on July 26, 2025, through an Instagram post with the following caption:

"So stoked to reveal I’m playing the MCU’s 1st ever female Iron Fist! Catch Marvel's 'Eyes of Wakanda,' dropping on Disney+ August 1st! If you had the Iron Fist, what would you punch first? (Wrong answers only.)"

Does the new Iron Fist in Eyes of Wakanda suggest that Finn Jones will not return as Danny Rand in the MCU?

The simple answer to the question is no. As mentioned earlier, the animated series takes place in the past in the MCU. Thus, the Iron Fist voiced by Jona Xiao might be one of Danny Rand's predecessors. It should be noted that the Finn Jones-led series is still regarded as the weak link in the Netflix Marvel Universe. Even if Iron Fist Season 2 is considered an improvement over the first season, it is still looked down upon.

Jones, for his part, asked for a second chance as Iron Fist in the MCU at Mexico's LaConve anime convention this April:

"I’m very aware of the critiques of the character and my role in it. My response to that is ‘give me a f***ing chance, man.' I’m here, and I’m ready, and I wanna prove people wrong."

Considering Krysten Ritter is returning to the MCU with Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, fans are hoping that Luke Cage and Danny Rand follow suit. Until then, all we have is the Iron Fist appearing in Eyes of Wakanda.

What is the animated series about?

As mentioned before, the upcoming animated series is a prequel that follows Wakandan spies attempting to retrieve stolen Vibranium artifacts across the world. Each of the four episodes takes place in a different time. More importantly, the series will flesh out Wakanda's past in the MCU.

The show's synopsis reads:

"Marvel Animation’s new action-adventure series 'Eyes of Wakanda' follows the adventures of brave Wakandan warriors throughout history. In this globe-trotting adventure, the heroes must carry-out dangerous missions to retrieve Vibranium artifacts from the enemies of Wakanda. They are the Hatut Zaraze and this is their story."

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Eyes of Wakanda will stream on Disney+ this Friday on August 1, 2025. Considering the series is set in the MCU, it will provide context for the two Black Panther movies, making fans excited for the series.

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