Marvel has been relatively mum about the details pertaining to the planned live-action TV adaptation of "Jessica Jones" on Netflix, until the series' bosses talked about the show at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour.
The new series will focus on the life of former costumed crime fighter Jessica Jones, who opened her own private investigation firm after failing as a superhero.
Series showrunner Melissa Rosenberg described the show's heroine as an "incredibly flawed, damaged and interesting character regardless of gender." In Marvel's original comics series, "Alias" (no connection with the 2001 TV series), Jones is known for battling post-traumatic stress disorder while dealing with the cases of other superheroes who reach out to her for help.
Rosenberg also talked to Access Hollywood why she believes that "Breaking Bad" actress Krysten Ritter is the perfect choice to portray the role of Jessica Jones. The series showrunner shared that they conducted a lot of auditions, but Ritter stood out among all the hopefuls who read the main protagonist's part.
"Can you get to her level of depth, emotionally? Can you tell a story — an emotional, dark story? And can you deliver a line? It's both mine and Marvel's stock in trade — which is why we're a good match — to really find those moments of black humor, you know, levity. ... We knew going in, [Ritter] had those," Rosenberg explained.
She also had high praises for the 33-year-old actress, who managed to stay true to the demands of the role despite having to work on almost all the scenes of the series.
The showrunner also talked about how they deviate the upcoming series from "Marvel's Daredevil," the first installment in Marvel's cinematic universe on Netflix.
"We exist in a cinematic universe. The mythology of the universe is connected, but it will look very different. Tonally they're very different," Rosenberg stated. "If you pick up Bendis' 'Alias' and pick up 'Daredevil,' they're wildly different. That was my one concern. Would I have to fit in with 'Daredevil?' The answer was, 'No, we're hiring you for your point of view.'"
Aside from Jessica Jones and the Daredevil portrayed by Charlie Cox, the Defenders universe also includes Jones' love interest Luke Cage who will be portrayed by Mike Colter, as well as the Iron Fist.
"Marvel's Jessica Jones" is expected to launch on Netflix at the end of 2015.
