ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR SJ CLARKSON SET FOR THE NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES "MARVEL'S THE DEFENDERS"

Clarkson Will Direct the First Two Episodes of the Highly Anticipated Series

Marvel Television and Netflix announced today that acclaimed film and television director S.J. Clarkson ("Marvel's Jessica Jones," "Vinyl, "Orange is the New Black"), will return to the Marvel universe to direct the first two episodes of the Netflix original series "Marvel's The Defenders." Clarkson will also serve as an Executive Producer on the premiere episode. The 8-episode limited series is slated to debut in 2017.

"Marvel's The Defenders" follows Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. A quartet of singular heroes with one common goal - to save New York City. This is the story of four solitary figures, burdened with their own personal challenges, who realize they just might be stronger when teamed together.

"S.J.'s take on the material is outstanding. We loved her work on "Marvel's Jessica Jones" and couldn't think of a more talented and accomplished person to helm the first two episodes of "Marvel's The Defenders," said Marvel's Head of Television and Executive Producer, Jeph Loeb.

The series stars Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, Mike Colter as Luke Cage, and Finn Jones as Danny Rand. It was recently announced that Academy Award and Emmy nominee and Golden Globe winner, Sigourney Weaver will also join the cast. Marco Ramirez (Marvel's Daredevil") and Doug Petrie (Marvel's Daredevil") are executive producers along with Drew Goddard ("Marvel's Daredevil," "The Martian"), Jeph Loeb ("Marvel's Jessica Jones," "Marvel's Daredevil," "Marvel's Luke Cage) and Jim Chory ("Marvel's Jessica Jones," "Marvel's Daredevil," "Marvel's Luke Cage).

"Marvel's The Defenders" is produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios for Netflix.

Clarkson is repped by WME and Curtis Brown.