David Tennant joins Netflix’s AKA Jessica Jones

It should really come as no surprise by now that Marvel is willing to play on our love of specific actors to get at our hard earned money. Even though we’re hip to their game, we here at The Cultured Nerd were still tickled pink to learn that Doctor Who alumn David Tennant has been cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While he won’t be playing a hero, Tennant will still be bringing some nerdy star power to Netflix’s upcoming series, AKA Jessica Jones.

Referred to in the funny books as “The Purple Man”, Tennant will be playing Zebediah Killgrave, a villain who has the power to influence other people to do his bidding. A reoccurring villain for street level heroes, Killgrave is a perfect fit for this Netflix’s addition to the MCU. Being able to fill a person with lust, rage, envy, or fear, Killgrave is a terrifying enemy for any hero.

Such a multifaceted villain seems like a great fit for Tennant, who played the titular character in some of Doctor Who‘s best seasons. I’m a huge fan of both the actor and the character, and I’m excited to see what Tennant can do with the villain.

Showrunner Melissa Rosenburg seems to share my excitement:

“I’m so honored and excited by the prospect of David inhabiting this multifaceted character. 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.”

Netflix’s AKA Jessica Jones will air on Netflix some time in 2015 after Daredevil.