Series creator Cheo Hodari Coker revealed why Mahershala Ali's Cottonmouth was killed so early in Marvel's Jessica Jones.
Luke Cage centered on a criminal who, after a sabotaged experiment goes wrong, is given super strength and unbreakable skin. As a result, he decides to reform his life and protect the streets of Harlem and fight for his city as he confronts his past. The series starred Mike Colter, Simone Missick, Theo Rossi, Alfre Woodard, Ron Cephas Jones, and Rosario Dawson. One of the most beloved characters from season 1 was Ali's villain, Cottonmouth. However, the character met his end early in season 1, setting the stage for Willis "Diamondback" Stryker (Erik LaRay Harvey) to be the villain for the remainder of the season. Though Colter previously stated Cottonmouth's early death was planned before production, Coker has given more details as to why the character was killed off.
Series creator Coker revealed why Cottonmouth was killed in Luke Cage season 1. After a fan expressed how they felt the series made a mistake by killing the character so soon, Coker bluntly responded, "We only had him for 7 episodes. That's why he agreed to do the show." As a result, fans now truly know why the character and Ali were only on the show for just seven episodes of season 1.
Though fans were fittingly shocked when the character was killed in season 1, Ali has stated since that he was Ali has officially been cast as Blade in the Marvel film, landing the actor his second comic book role - both of which technically take place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Cottonmouth was easily one of the highlights in Luke Cage season 1 and is considered to be one of Ali's best roles. He brought charisma and pathos to the character, making him feel fully-formed as he waged war with Colter's titular character. Though the series killing the character off so early was initially a bold, surprising move, positioning Diamondback as the villain for the back half of the season proved to be a poor choice and far less compelling. However, now that Coker has cleared the air as to why Cottonmouth departed the series so early, it should be easier for fans to forgive season 1's sudden narrative shift. Regardless, fans of the series can revisit Ali's Cottonmouth in Luke Cage season 1 and continue to enjoy his performance.
Source: Cheo Hodari Coker