Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer with exceptional skills, seeks justice while facing off against his past rival, mob leader Wilson Fisk, in New York City. Charlie Cox reprises his role as Daredevil alongside Vincent d’Onofrio as Fisk in this sequel series, “Born Again.” The show explores Matt’s struggles with identity and morality amidst intense action and new characters, while maintaining the gritty tone of its Netflix predecessor. The revival promises a compelling narrative for both old fans and new viewers.
Overview of the Series
Meet Matt Murdock, a blind attorney with remarkable abilities, who is dedicated to seeking justice through his vibrant law practice. In the shadows, former mob leader Wilson Fisk is on a quest for political power in New York City. As their intertwined pasts come back to haunt them, a showdown between the two is on the horizon…
Cast Highlights
It’s a costume that Matt Murdock never expected to don again. Seven years after the conclusion of the Netflix series, Charlie Cox returns as the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, reuniting with his formidable rival, Vincent d’Onofrio, portraying Wilson Fisk.
While familiar faces like Foggy and Karen are back, Born Again also introduces fresh talent: Margarita Levieva as a psychiatrist close to Matt, Michael Gandolfini as an ambitious young politician clashing with the Kingpin, and Hunter Doohan (from Wednesday) stepping in as the menacing supervillain Muse.
A Thrilling Sequel!
When Disney+ revealed plans to revive Daredevil, fans were left questioning the decision. After all, the Netflix series had set a high standard seven years prior and had effectively explored the narrative of this blind superhero. What new stories could this reboot unfold?
Marvel made a wise decision by adapting the Born Again storyline, where Matt Murdock sheds his identity following a traumatic experience, only to dive back into the role of his alter ego. This theme is the essence of the Disney+ series, which, despite several behind-the-scenes changes, serves as a direct sequel to the Netflix show…
Back in 2015, when Netflix and Marvel partnered to create series around the Defenders, the goal was to venture into darker and more violent territory compared to the family-friendly films. Daredevil paved the way for grittier superhero narratives.
Born Again continues this legacy, making a bold statement right from the first 10 minutes of episode 1 with a raw and intense long take that showcases our hero engulfed in his fury. Though he adheres to a no-kill rule—setting him apart from the Punisher—he finds himself on the brink of crossing that moral line.
As he contemplates hanging up his weapons, the lawyer must confront his inner demons and accept that he is not just Matt Murdock; he is Daredevil, and the city needs its vigilantes. While the premise may not be groundbreaking, it remains compelling.
Charlie Cox hasn’t lost any of his impressive acting prowess, and Vincent d’Onofrio continues to deliver a theatrical and commanding performance as the Kingpin. Even while donning a fat suit, he remains a formidable presence, with every punch striking fear into our hearts…
The action sequences, though occasionally inconsistent, feature standout moments: alongside the gripping long take in episode 1, the fight in episode 6, where Matt confronts a significant villain from Born Again (who appears later in the season, much to our dismay), is particularly memorable. Episode 9, however, is notably filled with intense violence (not for the faint-hearted).
Can Newviewers Keep Up?
New viewers might require a little time to acclimate to this universe, especially as the story dives in headfirst with the return of Bullseye (Wilson Bethel), the main antagonist from season 3, within the first few minutes. However, Born Again remains relatively accessible for those familiar with Marvel’s universe and comics, with cameo appearances from characters across the Marvel Television Universe sprinkled throughout.
Showrunner Dario Scardapane, who previously worked on The Punisher, took the opportunity in season 1 to lay a solid foundation and develop his characters before allowing their growth in season 2, which has already been greenlit. The weekly episode releases will make the series easier to digest compared to its Netflix predecessors.
Disney+ will debut the first two episodes this Wednesday, serving as a tantalizing preview.