Alexandra Reid

"You are my last hope. You have seen death, my child, and like me you have conquered it!"

- Alexandra to Elektra "Go on, my child. Serve life itself!"

- Alexandra

Alexandra Reid is the main antagonist of the 2017 Marvel Netflix series, Marvel's The Defenders.

Alexandra is the leader of the five founding members of the criminal organization known as the Hand. By using ancient teachings of the Chi, Alexandra and her four disciples have managed to advance their life far beyond the normal lifespan and are even able to resurrect the dead. After finally having found the Black Sky, the weapon the Hand has been seeking for ages, Alexandra decided to use the last resources of the Hand to reanimate her. This, however, meant that no further resurrections were possible and soon after Elektra was reanimated, Alexandra was diagnosed with a lethal sickness.

She was portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, who also portrayed Warden Walker, The Big Guy and the Director.

Past
Alexandra was one of the five heretics of K'un-Lun. After the Elders decided to study the Chi in order to heal, the heretics decided that this power was better used to regenerate themselves and thus achieve immortality. For this heresy, Alexandra and the other heretics Gao, Murakami, Sowande and Bakuto were banished from K'un-Lun indefinitely. Together, they formed the organization known as The Hand - each of them leading a factions that operates autonomously. Alexandra was their leader from the beginning and after they dispersed, each member returned to their homeland where they built their reputation and power over the time of generations.

Centuries later, during a trip to a Turkish restaurant she frequented, Alexandra was suddenly visited by White Hat, an associate of the Hand who informed her that the Black Sky - the Hand's ancient goal - had finally been found. Alexandra immediately set off to a Hand hideout where she was presented with the corpse of Elektra Natchios. White Hat informed her that resurrecting Elektra would use the rest of the Hand's resources and he asked her whether Alexandria was sure that they should proceed. Alexandra confirmed that she had never been more sure of anything and thus, the Hand prepared Elektra's resurrection.

Using the Hand's ancient knowledge, Elektra was brought back from the dead while Alexandra supervised the procedure. As Elektra returned to the world of the living without any memories of her former life, Alexandra calmed down the frightened woman and held out her hand. When she realized that Elektra had clearly panicked, Alexandra claimed that this was her home now and that the Hand were her new family. In her fear, Elektra attacked Alexandra who used advanced fighting skills to dodge her blows and to overpower her. After she managed to hold Elektra down and to calm her, Alexandra started to teach and groom Elektra into an assassin of the Hand. She revealed to Elektra that while her language and instincts would eventually come back to her, her memories would never return. During their sessions, Alexandra also mentioned death and the lack of anything on the other side, revealing that she too had once died and been to the other side. She claimed that death is frightening and that she did not want to pass to the other side ever again.

Alexandra also had Elektra trained in combat, allowing her to choose her weapons from an impressive armory. While Elektra chose her weapons, Alexandra mentioned that it would not matter which weapon Elektra picked because in the end, she was the weapon. After Elektra's fighting skills had advanced sufficiently, Alexandra decided that she was "ready" and pitted her in a fight to the death against ten of the Hand's warrior. Elektra emerged victorious and Alexandra rewarded her with a Hand attire, revealing that it was Elektra's purpose to become their enforcer.

Marvel's Iron Fist
Alexandra's arrival in New York is teased in Marvel's Iron Fist. Bakuto, the leader of a faction of the Hand, mentions that he is working for someone that wants to meet with Danny Rand very much. Bakuto attempts to blackmail Danny into coming with him, however, Danny frees himself and kills Bakuto without ever having met Alexandra.

Advancing the plans
"It's just a city. You'll get used to watching them fall..."

- Alexandra to Elektra

After finally arriving in New York, Alexandra enters a medical facility where two nurses lead her to the MRI. After Alexandra has disrobed for the procedure, a doctor arrives and tells her that she is dying - almost every of her major organs is on the brink of collapsing. Alexandra asks what can be done to treat it but the doctor replies that even for someone with Alexandra's resources, there is not much to be done. Alexandra asks the doctor how much time she has left and the man replies that it can vary between months and weeks. Alexandra is then brought to the MRI machine so that her sickness can be further analyzed. After her examination, Alexandra heads to Central Park where she feeds the pigeons. While sitting, an elderly woman sits next to her. Madame Gao states that Alexandra always liked that park and Alexandra replies that it is a wonder that the park still exists and that humanity has not torn it down yet. After a brief conversation, Gao tells Alexandra that the contact at the mayor's office is ready and that it will take a few months until they can enter the final phase. Alexandra, however, who does not have that much time left, tells them that they need to advance their plans, which takes Gao aback. Gao warns Alexandra that it took great effort to arrange all and that advancing the plan will not go quiet or unnoticed. Alexandra claims that she is ready to take this risk and Gao promises to inform "the others". Alexandra then walks off and leaves it to Gao to finish feeding the birds.Back at home, Alexandra sits down at her apartment's garden. After night has fallen, Gao visits her once more and reveals that she did as Alexandra asked. She asks whether Alexandra is sure that this is the right way, but Alexandra dismisses her without answering. After Gao is gone, a hooded figure suddenly appears behind Alexandra. While a massive earthquake suddenly moves through New York, Alexandra and the other woman watch. The hooded woman, revealed to be a resurrected Elektra Natchios, seems shocked and Alexandra turns around and reassures her that it is only a city and that Elektra will get used to watching them fall.

After listening to a private classical concert, the leader of the Philharmony Alexandra just donated a massive amount of money to claims it would be an honor to host Alexandra at their next gala. Alexandra replies that she always preferred a more intimate setting. The woman and Alexandra then have a conversation about music until Madame Gao enters the room. She reveals that there has been a complication in the plan because there is a wall in their way blocking the access to the asset the Hand means to obtain. It is engraved with writings of K'un-Lun which seemingly cannot be torn down. Gao advises to rethink the plan and Alexandra replies that while Gao was always someone to quickly rethink, Alexandra is a bit more stubborn. Alexandra claims that if "they" wanted to keep "it" away from the Hand, they would have destroyed "it". Alexandra deduces that the wall is not a wall but a door and accordingly, it can be opened. As Gao begins to understand, Alexandra claims that sentiment like this was always the mistake of their ancient enemy.

First meeting with the Defenders
"Everyone else on your side is dead. You know who I am, I know who you are so let's skip the war-time banter. Time is not something I can afford to waste. Not for your benefit but for mine I'm taking the blinds off. Try not to bite, old friend, it's undignified. Stick... We have so much to talk about..."

- Alexandra to Stick

Alexandra heads to a abandoned warehouse, where she is holding a captive. While walking towards the column the blindfolded man is chained to, she loudly states that they both know who the other one is, also claiming that everyone on the captive's side is dead. She claims that they will skip the war-time banter because she has no time for that and removes the man's blindfold, calling him an old friend. After Stick, her captive, acknowledges her presence, Alexandra slyly states that the two of them have a lot to discuss. She then demands information from Stick, claiming that the war is over anyways. Stick replies that as long as the Iron Fist is alive, nothing is over. Alexandra asks where exactly the Iron Fist is but Stick refuses to talk. Alexandra reveals that they won't torture Stick for information. Stick claims that they will never find Danny Rand and that Alexandra will have to look over her shoulder for the rest of her life - which apparently will not last much longer. Alexandra slaps him for this and then has Elektra brought into the room. Alexandra reveals to Stick that she "took" one of his friends and made her her own. Once Stick recognizes Elektra, Stick tries to talk to her but Alexandra replies that the Elektra he knew is gone and that only the Black Sky remains. She draws a sword and aims it at Stick's chest, once more demanding that he tells her where the Iron Fist is. Stick viciously replies that he would rather die than let Danny join Alexandra's army and Alexandra is taken aback by that, surprised that Stick believes that she wants the Iron Fist to join her. She states that after a lifetime of serving K'un-Lun, Stick still doesn't know the purpose of the Iron Fist. Stick admits it but claims that he still knows who he is. He then suddenly rams his head into Elektra, disarms Alexandra and uses her blade to cut off his own hand in order to free himself from his chains. After a brief struggle with Alexandra and Elektra, Stick flees through an air vent.

Meanwhile, Danny Rand has found one of the companies that is actually a front for business of the Hand. He interrupts a meeting of the company's CEOs and accuses them of being Hand but mid-speech he is interrupted by Alexandra who has entered the room behind him. She reveals herself as being the one "in charge" but invites him to continue his rant against them. While he threatens that Rand Enterprises is building a case against the company, Jessica Jones and Matt Murdock, both investigating the Hand as well, meet in the lobby of the same building. Danny claims that the days of the Hand are over and that they cannot hide anymore but Alexandra claims that they are hardly hiding. He states that he has come to expose the Hand, stating that he is the Iron Fist - weapon of K'un-Lun - and that he is fulfilling his destiny. Alexandra picks up on that, asking him how K'un-Lun is these days. Angry, Danny states that Alexandra and the Hand will lose everything just like he did but Alexandra replies that he did not lose everything yet. In this moment, the aidé behind Danny aims a silenced pistol at his head but Danny disarms and overpowers her. The sound of the silenced gun is heard by Murdock through his advanced senses and he sets out to the penthouse. At the penthouse, Alexandra meanwhile states that she has crossed paths with Iron Fists before but this time, it is different because this time, she won't kill Danny. At this point, all CEO's draw weapons and after Alexandra tells Danny that it won't be wise to use the aidé as a shield - the men will rip through her to get to Danny - the CEO's attack him.

Just as Danny is about to be overpowered, Luke Cage suddenly storms into the room and assists him against the Hand. Together with Jessica and Matt, they are able to flee the room. Meanwhile, in the penthouse, Alexandra looks over the bodies of her fallen henchmen and tells Elektra, who enters behind her, to deal with the invaders. The group manages to flee nonetheless and even defeats Elektra - whom they now know to be alive.

Dealing with the Defenders
"I can see you've formed a kind of bond here. An while that might give you some comfort I promise you, it's temporary. They will disappoint you. They will not make you stronger. And if I might give you some advice, the more connections you have, the easier it will be to break you."

- Alexandra to Danny Rand

After her fight with Murdock, Elektra questions whether the Black Sky is all she is. Alexandra consoles her and tells her that the woman Elektra was died long before she arrived at the Hand. Although Elektra seems satisfied at first, it seems like she is still questioning her identity after Alexandra has left the room.

Alexandra next meets with Murakami, an old associate and one of the leaders of the Hand. She meets him in his penthouse where she tells him that the Hand's resources are depleted and that his hobby - hunting dangerous animals in close combat - might lead to his final death. Murakami is not worried, claiming that all of them should fear death in that case. Alexandra claims that the Iron Fist has come to New York and Murakami replies that he has already heard that - and that the Iron Fist escaped the Hand. He claims that the problem with Alexandra's leadership always was that she never got her hands dirty herself. Alexandra further tells Murakami that the Iron Fist has allies, very exceptional ones, whom they need to defeat together. She reveals to Murakami that Gao and Suwande are with her on this and that the remaining member of the Hand's leadership is already on his way to New York. Murakami replies that he always knew they would reunite some day but that he did not expect the circumstances to be this dire. He then asks about the Black Sky, the last one to be resurrected by the Hand. Alexandra assures him that Elektra is more powerful than expected. Murakami then agrees to go to war for Alexandra and asks her whether she will join the fight herself. Alexandra replies that, as always, she will do what is neccessary.

The next day, Alexandra is having a dress fitted when she is suddenly overcome by a faintness - a result of her sickness. She stumbles to a drawer where she stores her medicine. After taking the pills, the weakness slowly passes and Alexandra makes a phone call to someone, claiming that there has been a change of plans and that she has other business that night.

While Murdock, Rand and Cage, who have fled to a nearby chinese restaurant and have barricaded themselves, meet with Stick and are informed about the Hand and its leaders, Alexandra suddenly appears in the restaurant. She states that she thought it would be a good idea to talk this over like adults. However, the group remains unconvinced. Alexandra apologized to Danny for his abrupt exit from her company but Danny wants to hear none of it. He accuses her of having tried to kill him but Alexandra assures him that while she may have tried to kill his companions, she always had the greatest respect for the protectors of K'un-Lun. Danny replies that her respect means nothing to him and that his only purpose is taking her down. Alexandra reminds him that he has repeatedly failed to do so and that he should consider alternatives. Stick interrupts her and orders her to stay what she wants. Alexandra states that she wants what she has always wanted - to end death. To this, Luke Cage replies that Alexandra sure does kill many people in her noble quest. Alexandra approaches him and claims that she does not think the two of them have been properly introduced. Cage tells her that he prefers it to stay this way. Alexandra then claims that she sees that the group has formed some bond. She assures them that this is temporarily. She tells Danny that his friends will not make him stronger and that they are bound to disappoint him. She also gives Danny advice - the more friends he has, the easier it will be to break him. When Stick asks what Alexandra wants with Danny, she replies that she cannot disclose that. However, she will tell them what she is willing to do for him. Alexandra says that she will assemble all her organization has to offer and reminds Stick of the last time all the fingers of the Hand came together. She mentions the dense population of New York and implies that Danny could save millions of lifes by just coming with her. She states that she might even let the others in the room go free. Danny ultimately refuses Alexandra. Slightly amused, Alexandra states that the group is like Stick, the only language they understand is violence. In this moment, Elektra storms into the room and the group prepares to fight. Before the battle can commence, however, Jessica Jones returns and drives a car through the wall and into Elektra. She sides with her team and together, they ready themselves as Elektra gets back up and Alexandra leaves the restaurant.

The rest of the Hand soon turn up and the battle begins again. While all members of the Hand fight the Iron Fist and his friends, Alexandra waits in her car. After Danny and his friends have fled, Alexandra seems afraid of how her fellow leaders will react.

Losing the trust of the Hand
After the lost battle, Alexandra heads to Elektra's rooms where Elektra is honing her blades. The moment Alexandra enters, Elektra turns around and holds her blade to Alexandra's throat. Alexandra remains calm and states that it is truly impressive that Elektra knows so much about combat - more than can be learned in one lifespan. She claims that the same thing had been said about herself, to which Elektra replies that Alexandra trained her well. Alexandra then moves the blade from her throat and reveals to Elektra that she had a daughter in her first life - before she made the pilgrimage to K'un-Lun and founded the Hand. The girl died before Alexandra learned how to defeat death and Alexandra was deeply saddened. However, now she sees that she was not meant to raise that daughter but she was meant to raise the Black Sky. She tells Elektra that this was the life Elektra was chosen for to lead - to fight and kill the Hand's enemies - and that if she does not fulfil this purpose, she has no use for Elektra.

They are interrupted by Murakami who reveals to Alexandra that Sowande has been taken by the Iron Fist and his friends. Alexandra reminds him that the five of them have braved all kinds of dangers over the years and that Sowande will find his way back to them. She then tells Murakami to inform the others that reinforcements from South America will arive soon and that they will expand their search for the Iron Fist together. Murakami claims that there is another matter to discuss, refering to the disobedience of Elektra during the battle, but Alexandra says that they will talk later.

A meeting between the remaining leaders of the Hand is called in. Alexandra arrives together with Murakami, who informs the group that Daredevil has joined the Iron Fist, unaware that Murdock and Daredevil are the same people.

Gao is shocked to hear this and asks if the news are true, given that Daredevil has not been sighted for months now. Murakami confirms that this is true as he saw it with his own eyes. Bakuto is not impressed; while Daredevil might be a good fighter, the leaders of the Hand are too. Murakami replies that it is not his fighting skill that worries him, but Daredevil's relationship with Elektra Natchios. Gao confirms that Elektra and Daredevil fought side by side but Murakami claims that their bond was even stronger - they were in love. Thinking back to the moment that Elektra attacked him, Murakami claims that she might not have been protecting her kill but her old love, which would mean that the Black Sky is not the empty vessel they were promised. Alexandra asks whether he believes that the Black Sky has failed them but Murakami states that he believes that Alexandra herself has failed them. He claims that Alexandra made a wrong decision and because of that, they are all vulnerable now. Alexandra states that she has never felt stronger than with Elektra by her side but Murakami reminds her that all this is not about her but all of them together. Gao and Bakuto join in and remind Alexandra that they created the Hand so that the five fingers could work together. Gao states that they already lost Sowande but Alexandra assures them that he will be back. The others, however, are not convinced and Bakuto states that for the first time, death is a real possibility. Alexandra states that maybe this was what they all needed, a reminder that every one of them was expendable. The leaders reply that his counts for Alexandra as well and that they seem to have different goals. While Alexandra is afraid of dying, Murakami, Gao and Bakuto simply want to live long enough to go home. Murakami states that the time has come to make a plan without the Black Sky - or their "fearless leader".

Faithless Hand
After the meeting, Alexandra heads to Elektra's room to have a talk with her but finds that Elektra has left.

After Sowande's head has been delivered to the Hand, Gao, Murakami and Bakuto are all shocked and angry by this loss, believing that they could have prevented it. After Alexandra holds a brief eulogy, she wants to return back to business while Gao and the others are still mourning. The three also get angry with Alexandra and themselves, claiming that they did not even try to find Sowande. Alexandra coldly states that they should not pretend to mourn Sowande, to the outrage of the other three who are honestly mourning their oldest friend. Alexandra reminds them that they should not act like their time together has all been peaceful, there has been fighting between Hand factions multiple times. Alexandra claims that now more than ever it is time to show unity. Murakami angrily replies that they were unified until Alexandra brought in the Black Sky. The three want to know where Elektra is and Alexandra, not telling them that Elektra has gone rogue, claims that she thought it would be best to have her isolated. Gao then breaks the disagreement, claiming that their goals are in allignment and that they should honor Sowande by fulfilling the future they planned together. Gao claims that Alexandra already has brought them far and that they should trust her to see the plan through till the end. Gao openly claims that she will keep following Alexandra. After the end of the conversation, Alexandra retreats to her room, having suffered more faintness fits due to her sickness. In her room, she is visited by Gao. Gao claims that after all the time they have known each other, Gao has never seen Alexandra like this. She claims that Alexandra's position is one of great power but it is also a burden as much as a blessing. Gao explains that this is why she has convinced Bakuto and Murakami to follow Alexandra's lead just now. Gao says that she has one condition, however, they will find and capture the Iron Fist without the Black Sky. Gao claims that their brothers speak the truth, the Black Sky has always been Alexandra's vision and Alexandra has failed with it. Alexandra is frustrated that the others do not see in the Black Sky what she sees in her, telling Gao that Elektra has a strength Gao or Alexandra can only dream of. Gao accepts that this might be the case, however, Murakami and Bakuto would never see that. Alexandra states that these two want her seat at the table and Gao accepts this smiling, claiming that just as Alexandra said, war between Hand factions has happened before. Alexandra sternly reminds Gao that Gao was the one to lead said revolt. Gao claims that the past is the past but right now, Gao might be Alexandra's only ally. She states that their mutual time is not over yet and that Alexandra should think about Gao's proposal, claiming that they could strike this very night.

Alexandra heads to the cemetary where he finds Elektra near her own grave. She claims that Elektra Natchios died because the devil of Hell's Kitchen let her. She claims that Murdock might try to manipulate her again. After having gotten Elektra's attention, Alexandra reveals to Elektra that she is dying and that she used the last of the resurrection substance to bring back Elektra. Elektra promises that she won't let Alexandra die and that the two of them will serve life once all this is over.

Capturing the Iron Fist
"In the end - and this is the end - you'll do what everyone else does for me... You'll serve!"

- Alexandra to Danny While Alexandra is dining alone, she is visited by Murakami who has brought wine and claims that he felt he needed to make amends. He reminds her that he originally did not want to leave K'un-Lun with her. He reveals to her that it was not that he wanted to stay in K'un-Lun, he simply did not want to leave with her. Alexandra claims that she is still waiting for her apology. She states that they were meant to fight this war together and Murakami confirms this, claiming that this is why he wanted her last meal to be a good one. Alexandra realizes that he has come to kill her and claims that it is foolish that he came to face her alone. Before it comes to blows between the two, Elektra enters the room, dragging Danny Rand after her and thus securing the Hand the Iron Fist. Murakami leaves the room wordlessly, telling the other members to meet Alexandra in the boarding room. Alexandra welcomes Danny at the Hand, this time for good. She reveals that the motivation of the Hand is to return to K'un-Lun. Danny bitterly tells her that he saw that Alexandra and the Hand destroyed the city but Alexandra replies that Danny only saw what he wanted to see. Alexandra claims that the two of them are not so different and that they have the same home. She adds that whether he wants it or not, Danny will serve her. After Danny has been led to a cell, Alexandra turns to the other Hand leaders. Murakami still argues that nothing has gone as planned. The three argue what step should be taken next, with Bakuto stating that the retrieval of the substance is of paramount importance. Gao claims that the need to take care of Danny's allies who will come looking for him. She warns her team not to underestimate them but Alexandra tells the Hand not to underestimate her. Alexandra orders Elektra to kill all of Danny's allies and sarcastically states that she is happy the team is onboard with her plan. However, she reminds them that it was her who neutralized the enemy and brought them the Iron Fist while they succumbed to chaos and conflict. While Alexandra is ranting on, she is suddenly stabbed in the back by Elektra. To the shock of the other members of the Hand, Alexandra falls to the ground dead and is beheaded by Elektra, preventing any possible resurrection. While the others watch on in horror, Elektra tells them that they work for her now.

Trivia

 * All of Alexandra's aliases throughout the years have began with the letter A. This might hint that her real name starts with A.
 * Since Alexandra is the leader of The Hand, she is essentially the true main antagonist of the MCU Netflix-verse.

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Alexandra Reid (Marvel Cinematic Universe)