Female Marvel character Iron Fist, Jona Xiao, explains her newfound pride in her Asian heritage
Jona Xiao Makes History as the First Female Iron Fist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
In a groundbreaking move, Jona Xiao has been revealed as the first female Iron Fist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), appearing in the third episode of the animated series Eyes of Wakanda on Disney+. This series, a captivating exploration of the global legacy of Wakandan vibranium, premiered on August 1, 2025.
The role of the Iron Fist, a protector of the mystical city of K'un-Lun, was not initially disclosed during Xiao's audition. However, the character she portrays in Eyes of Wakanda is part of a long lineage of guardians, and her episode features a thrilling battle involving her character and a CIA agent from Wakanda.
Before the role was announced, Marvel described Xiao's character as a "strong, badass female." This portrayal marks a significant departure from Colleen Wing, who was a female Iron Fist in the earlier Netflix Iron Fist series but is not part of the current MCU continuity.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe, where Eyes of Wakanda and Xiao's potential Iron Fist role are set, is produced by Disney. The series, known for its secrecy, kept the reveal of Xiao's Iron Fist role under wraps until after she had received the script.
It is worth noting that Eyes of Wakanda delves into the history of Wakanda and the mystical city of K’un-Lun, where the Iron Fist powers originate. The character voiced by Xiao is likely based on Wu Ao-Shi, a legendary female Iron Fist from the 16th century in Marvel Comics, fitting with the show's setting long before Danny Rand’s time as Iron Fist.
While Xiao's Iron Fist role in Eyes of Wakanda is a significant development in the MCU, it is not directly related to the Spider-Man: Homecoming series. The Marvel animated series, Eyes of Wakanda, presents episodes set in different times and places across the Marvel universe, offering fans a diverse and exciting journey.
Jona Xiao's character in Eyes of Wakanda not only extends her entertainment repertoire but also represents a cultural shift in the representation of the Iron Fist, blurring the lines between movies-and-tv and comic book culture. Her thrilling battle in the series adds an intriguing layer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's exploration of global legacies and mystical cities.
