The integration of non-MCU characters into the Marvel Studios fold is a complex process, and actor Charlie Cox, known for his role as Daredevil, has experienced the intricacies firsthand. Interestingly, the star of the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again didn't believe that Marvel Studios would consider rebooting Matt Murdock's story for the MCU!
Cox recently made an appearance at the Wales Comic Con where he spoke about the prospect of his character returning. The Daredevil: Born Again star pointed out that he didn't think it would be possible to bring back Matt Murdock.
"I really thought that ship had sailed, you know? I thought it was over," Cox said at the event (via Geektown's YouTube channel). "It had been a couple of years since [Netflix's Daredevil had been cancelled]. What I didn’t know was there was an embargo on that. So, there was an amount of time – I think it was probably two years – after the show was canceled before Disney and Marvel could approach us."
He also pointed out that Vincent D'Onofrio was being crazy when his co-star spoke about the then-announced reboot.
"So, during that time, I didn’t know that. I just thought it was over. And Vincent, who plays Wilson Fisk, him and I would chat occasionally on the phone. And he would kind of say, 'I’m sure they’re gonna bring us back.' I’d be on the phone being, like, 'Mate, the guy’s delusional! He’s got to let it go.'"
Daredevil, along with other Marvel shows like Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Punisher, was part of the Defenders Saga on Netflix, running for three seasons from 2015 to 2018. In 2022, these shows were removed from Netflix as the distribution rights reverted to Disney, leading to their cancellation. Luckily, the studio was eager to bring back Daredevil and brought Cox back in Spider-Man: No Way Home as well as She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.
What we know so far about Daredevil: Born Again
Cox, who portrayed Daredevil, is set to reprise his role alongside Vincent D'Onofrio, who played Wilson Fisk, in the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again. This revival brings back key characters but omits some fan favorites, such as Foggy and Karen, and sees the recasting of Wilson Fisk's wife, Vanessa.
Despite the excitement surrounding Daredevil's return, the process of integrating these characters into the MCU is not without its challenges. Daredevil: Born Again, a continuation of the Daredevil storyline, is highly anticipated by fans, but the release date is yet to be announced.
The complexity of transitioning characters from non-MCU properties into the broader Marvel Studios universe involves considerations such as casting decisions, story continuity, and audience expectations. While Cox and D'Onofrio's return is celebrated, the absence of certain characters and changes in casting indicate the need for adaptations to fit within the larger MCU framework.
Fans eagerly await Daredevil: Born Again, hoping for a seamless integration of these beloved characters into the Marvel Studios narrative. As the MCU continues to expand its storytelling across various platforms, the challenges and opportunities of incorporating characters from different corners of the Marvel universe remain a fascinating aspect of this evolving cinematic landscape. Moreover, the series is undergoing a creative overhaul with new directors being brought in for the reboot.
Daredevil: Born Again does not have a release date yet. However, the first season of the upcoming series, which will consist of 18 episodes, is expected to premiere on Disney+ sometime next year.
