MCU fans all over are waiting on the edge of their seats forDaredevil: Born Againto air on Disney Plus, but what are they really hoping to see from the highly-anticipated reboot series? In 2015, Charlie Cox high-kicked his way into the hearts of MCU fans with his gritty take on Daredevil. His version of the character was equal parts brooding, sassy, and always ready to throw some punches. Then again, leaving a great impression wasn’t that hard since fans had already been severelydisappointed by the 2003Daredevilmovie.
The Netflix re-imagining of the blind superhero was exactly what the fans needed to re-spark their love for Daredevil and get them excited for more. Eight years later and fans are once again waiting with bated breath, only this time it’s Disney Plus taking a crack at the character. Most people are talking about what they think the Disney Plus reboot should keep from the Netflix series, so here are 5 thingsDaredevil: Born Againshould change instead!
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Daredevil: Funny Again
Charlie Cox in the NetflixDaredevilseries played Matt Murdock as a hero constantly struggling under the weight of a complicated storyline. While his ability to drop a witty quip was there, life wasn’t exactly his best friend – unlike Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson). It’s easy to forget that the comic-book version of this character was a lot more lighthearted. But, fear not! Cox’s return in theDaredevilreboot series as the disabled lawyer with a secret is already filled with more laughs and less sad.
In hisSpider-Man: No Way Homecameo, Matt catches a brick in the middle of trying to pretend that he’s totally not a superhero, just your friendly neighborhood lawyer from Hell’s Kitchen. His walk-of-shame inShe-Hulk: Attorney at Lawhas already gone down in hilarious infamy. It’s possible that the Disney Plus version of Daredevil is being inspired by the Mark Waid run of comics focusing on the character. After all, the #7 issue features Matt Murdock showing up to a Christmas party in a sweater that reads, “I’m not Daredevil!” IfDaredevil: Born Againkeeps that energy for the 18 episodes of its first season, fans are in for a good time.
Disney Plus Team-ups
Every day, fans get a nugget of information reminding them of why they’re so hyped for theDaredevilreboot series. One day it’s confirmation that Vincent D’Onofrio is reprising his role as the intimidating bulk of a villain that is Kingpin. The next day, it’s the promise ofa fan-favoriteDaredevillawyer buddypossibly making their first live-action appearance. Regardless, nothing is more titillating than the prospect of an MCU team-up of superheroes. Netflix understood this with their attempts to bring Luke Cage (Mike Colter), Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), and Iron Fist (Finn Jones) together as the Defenders.
Even then, the Daredevil of Netflix was more likely to run off on his own. These days, Matt Murdock is more of a team player, and, hopefully,Daredevil: Born Againcontinues what his MCU appearances have started. Pairing up with She-Hulk has him one step over from getting involved in Avengers-level shenanigans. He’s still in Peter Parker’s (Tom Holland) memory as the lawyer with the wicked reflexes that Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) recruited to help him post-identity reveal. It’s a regular who’s who when it comes to the street-level heroes Daredevil might fight alongside for long enough to call allies and maybe even friends.
DaredevilReboot Villains
Anyone who knows anything about the MCU understands that even the villains have flair. The same can’t be said of the antagonists of Netflix’sDaredevil. Compelling? Yes. Who can forget the Bullseye (Wilson Bethel) of season 3 who literally challenged Daredevil’s foothold in his NYC community? Unfortunately, it’s hard to showcase the lighter side of the masked vigilante when his opponents all have backstories ranging from mildly to deeply disturbing. One thingDaredevil: Born Againcan do to fix this is making way for a different kind of villain for him to face.
So far, Kingpin and The Punisher (Jon Bernthal)are returning as Daredevil foes. To balance out the hard-hitting nature of their performances, it might be interesting what Stilt-Man looks like being brought in for theDaredevilreboot series. Yes, Stilt-Man is an actual MCU villain who spreads fear by walking around on leg stilts like something out of a deranged circus. Exploring a more lighthearted villain is exactly what the Disney Plus version ofDaredevilneeds to maintain its own sense of fun. Mephisto, himself, might even make an appearance.
Disney Plus Brings Diversity toDaredevil
In many ways, theDaredevilthat Netflix brought to MCU fans was flawless. The set design, acting, editing, and music choices were signs that the people behind the project truly loved what they were doing. However, one thing that should be left behind: its representation of Asian characters. Madame Goa (Wai Ching Ho) was one of the founding members of the martial arts gang known as the Hand and Nobu Yoshioka (Peter Shinkoda) was one of its highest-ranking members.
They should’ve had more screen time with fans getting a chance to know their backstories and how they became involved with the main villains. Instead, like many Asian characters throughout the Netflix MCU shows, they were limited in their screen time and forced to act more as sideline characters. It was a reflection ofclaims made about Marvel Executive Vice President Jeph Loeb, in which he was said to have remarked, “[nobody] cares about Chinese people and Asian people.” Hopefully, Disney Plus takes inspiration from the success of thePakistani-American-led seriesMs. Marveland changes this ugly pattern inDaredevil: Born Again.
Higher Stakes inDaredevil: Born Again
The street-level nature of Daredevil’s vigilantism is what’s drawn so many to his story. Some superheroes operate on an international level and others take the fight to space. Netflix made a point to keep Daredevil grounded in realistic issues like gentrification, corporate greed, and backdoor deals with the uber-rich. These issues are still important, but many are ready to see theDaredevilreboot series take things up a notch. They want Disney Plus to plug him intothe galactic affairs of the larger MCUuniverse.
It’s a risky move as Daredevil should never lose his connection to his home or the community he shares it with. That doesn’t mean that he can’t hang with the big kids when it comes to fighting off the next big bad. Matt Murdock is dating the cousin of the Hulk and has even temporarily relocated to the West Coast. It’s honestly only a matter of time before Daredevil finds himself caught up in the multiverse of madness.
Daredevil: Born Againis scheduled to premiere on Disney Plus in early 2024.
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