The MCU’s Daredevil: Born Againmight never be able to reach the brutal intensity of a moment in the original Netflix show that shocked audiences. Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again, a highly anticipated revival set to reintroduce Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock in the MCU timeline, aims to expand Daredevil’s story within a new context. This new series comes with heightened expectations, as the Netflix Marvel series, particularly Daredevil, were known for a level of graphic violence and mature storytelling that was unique in the Marvel catalog.
Marvel's original Netflix shows like Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and, of course, Daredevil, all had darker, grittier tones than typical Marvel projects, bringing intense violence and mature themes. The Daredevil series was one of the standouts, with a rawness that felt unmatched. Daredevil: Born Again has a lot to live up to, not only in the story but in its willingness to embrace the same brutal, unforgiving tone that made the original show so memorable.
Daredevil Season 1, Episode 3 Brought A Truly Shocking Moment Of Violence Into Its Story
In season 1, episode 3 of the original Daredevil series, a truly shocking and brutal scene took the show to new heights of graphic intensity and cemented its mature tone. The moment centers on John Healy, a hitman whom Daredevil has captured and pressed for information on Wilson Fisk, known as Kingpin. After intense physical and psychological pressure, Healy reveals Fisk’s name to Daredevil, an act of betrayal he knows will have severe consequences.
Daredevil
:
Born Again
is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on March 4, 2025 as part of the MCU's Phase 5.
What follows is an incredibly disturbing twist — rather than facing Kingpin’s wrath, Healy chooses a horrific escape. In one of the most gruesome and unexpected moments of the series, Healy throws himself head-first onto a metal spike, impaling his skull and ending his life instantly. This moment was certainly surprising, but also illustrated the kind of brutal world Daredevil operates in.
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Daredevil established a universe where even the most hardened criminals fear Fisk enough to take their own lives rather than face his punishment. The scene was unflinching in its depiction, with graphic visuals and a suddenness that was shocking. This early display of intense violence set the tone for the rest of the series, establishing Daredevil as one of the most mature and visceral entries in the Marvel universe.
Kingpin's Build-Up Will Be Hard For Daredevil: Born Again To Match With Its Own Story
One of the most compelling aspects of the original Daredevil series was its slow, suspenseful build-up to Kingpin and Daredevil’s meeting. Across the first season, Fisk was introduced gradually, with hints of his control over Hell’s Kitchen and a growing sense of dread about his influence and ruthlessness. He was a shadowy figure at first, a powerful presence that remained elusive, which allowed the tension to build naturally. When Daredevil and Kingpin finally faced off, the moment felt earned, the culmination of an expertly crafted suspense arc.
In Daredevil: Born Again, the build-up will be significantly different due to Fisk’s return already being somewhat established in the MCU, notably in Hawkeye and Echo. In fact, Echo’s ending revealed Fisk’s plans to run for mayor, giving a clear sense of where his ambitions lie. However, with the pair already acquainted and new storylines revolving around Fisk's political aspirations, Born Again will have to work harder to create the same gripping suspense that was pivotal to the original series.
Without this anticipation, the new series may find it challenging to achieve that same intensity in the build-up between Daredevil and his greatest adversary. The original show took its time in establishing the stakes and the danger Fisk posed, leaving the audience on edge with each encounter. Daredevil: Born Again may need to take a different approach, emphasizing Fisk’s political power and the ripple effects of his corruption, but it will be difficult to replicate the raw fear that the original series cultivated with such precision.
The MCU's Latest Releases Mean Daredevil: Born Again Could Try Matching Up To The Original Series' Level Of Violence
In recent years, the MCU has become slightly more daring in its depictions of violence, creating a pathway for Daredevil: Born Again to explore darker themes and more graphic scenes than ever before. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe has typically leaned toward a more family-friendly tone, some of its recent releases have pushed the boundaries of what’s acceptable in mainstream superhero storytelling. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, for instance, featured Scarlet Witch annihilating the Illuminati in an unsettling sequence, proving that the MCU isn’t afraid to explore disturbing moments even without intense gore.
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Likewise, Moon Knight and Werewolf by Night introduced darker themes and stylized violence that hinted at the potential for future Marvel projects to expand beyond their usual limitations. Deadpool & Wolverine, however, was a triumphant, fully R-rated Marvel movie, proving that the franchise is not tied to its younger audience. With these precedent-setting choices, Daredevil: Born Again has a real chance to embrace a level of violence closer to that of the original Daredevil series.
Daredevil is a Netflix original series starring Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock. The TV show ran for three seasons before being canceled by Netflix, despite being critically praised. Kingpin was the main antagonist in seasons 1 and 3 and also introduced Jon Benrthal's Punisher in season 2. Daredevil was followed by Disney+'s Daredevil: Born Again.
After Charlie Cox's cameo appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home and supporting role in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Daredevil: Born Again gives Matt Murdock his first show set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Daredevil: Born Again, composed of 18 episodes, serves as the spiritual successor to Netflix's three-season Daredevil series and adapts its characters to the MCU's main continuity while establishing a new beginning for the superhero lawyer.
Custom image by Richard Craig
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