Marvel’s blind vigilante has made a comeback to the silver screen in “Daredevil: Born Again”, now streaming on Disney+, marking a decade after the original “Daredevil” series debuted on Netflix. British actor Charlie Cox leads this darker and more complex revival by reprising his role as lawyer Matt Murdock by day, and Manhattan’s vigilante-cum-superhero Daredevil by night.
Created by Dario Scardapane, the series picks up on Matt’s everlasting conundrum, where he struggles with the emotional and physical toll of his dual life as a lawyer and masked vigilante. The show centres on the lead character’s inner turmoil this time, as he tries to leave Daredevil behind while facing the re-emergence of Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio. Fisk’s return also coincides with his election as the mayor of New York City, further complicating Matt’s struggle to distance himself from vigilantism.
The series opens with the holy trinity from the original show, including Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), as they leave their law firm to celebrate the retirement of Cherry (Clark Johnson), a former NYPD officer. However, the celebration turns into a bloodbath when Bullseye (Wilson Bethel), a psychopathic former FBI agent, storms the venue, leaving a trail of cold bodies in his wake. Though Matt attempts to stop him, the night ends in tragedy, shattering his world.
A year later, Matt has distanced himself from his alter ego and started a new law practice with attorney Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James) and Cherry as an investigator. Despite his efforts to live a normal life, Matt’s anger resurfaces when he learns of Fisk’s return. His internal struggle deepens as he begins a relationship with therapist Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), whose views on vigilantism conflict with his own.
This revival has explored how time and trauma reshaped the characters, especially the volatile marriage between Fisk and his wife, Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer). Their fractured relationship is marked by power struggles, political ambitions, and diverging leadership styles. The dynamic between the two characters also adds an unpredictable layer to the show’s narrative, leaving viewers uncertain whether they are working together or against each other.
Revivals often struggle to justify their return, but “Daredevil: Born Again” avoids this pitfall by offering a thoughtful continuation of its characters. With its darker tone, strong performances, and nuanced storytelling, the series has presented a fresh perspective on Matt Murdock’s journey while honouring the legacy and the worldbuilding of the original show. It will consist of nine episodes, with new episodes to be released weekly.
