Daredevil: Born Again took time to establish its identity, but the result is a compelling return to the gritty tone that made the original Netflix series a fan favorite. Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio reprised their iconic roles as Matt Murdock (Daredevil) and Wilson Fisk (Kingpin), first appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe through Spider-Man: No Way Home and Hawkeye. These appearances required them to adapt to different story tones, but once they reunited for Born Again, the actors pushed to restore the raw intensity of the original show.
“Our jobs as actors are to service the story,” D’Onofrio told Gold Derby during a break from filming Season 2. “Every time I returned as Fisk, we leaned more into the darker side of him. Echo had more grit than Hawkeye, and we eventually realized a lighter tone wouldn’t work. That’s when we decided to shift back to what made Daredevil great.”
Around the sixth episode of Season 1, production paused for a major creative reset. This reboot aimed to align the series more closely with the darker, more grounded tone fans remembered. While Daredevil: Born Again retained the concept of dual leads, diverging from the solo-centered Netflix series, this decision added narrative depth.
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One of the show’s most intriguing elements is the rare interaction between Murdock and Fisk. The duo shared minimal screen time in Season 1, but when they did—such as the explosive diner meeting or the shocking moment when Daredevil took a bullet for Kingpin—the results were unforgettable.
According to D’Onofrio, this tension will persist in Season 2. He explained that their scenes are “sparse but intense,” promising viewers even more complex and dangerous encounters. The creative team remains committed to the idea that less frequent interactions between the two lead characters make their meetings more impactful.
Season 1 concluded with Murdock and Fisk fully reclaiming their alter egos. Daredevil aligned with a coalition of prosecutors, vigilantes, and reporters, while Fisk—now Mayor of New York City—launched a strict anti-vigilante task force. Unlike the original series, which reset every season, Born Again will continue its ongoing narrative into Season 2.
“We pick up right where we left off,” D’Onofrio said. “Fisk’s declaration of martial law doesn’t just fade—it escalates. A resistance begins to form around Daredevil. It’s intense and full of conflict.”
The concept of a villain like Kingpin rising to political power isn’t far-fetched in today’s world. D’Onofrio emphasized that Fisk’s influence doesn’t stem from his title alone. His followers obey because he makes it easy for them to abandon morality for gain.
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“It’s harder to be good than bad. Some people prefer shortcuts,” D’Onofrio said. “Fisk wants to expand his reach, and others follow because it’s easier than doing the right thing.”
Despite the characters’ pursuit of shortcuts, the production team took the hard road. After retooling the show’s direction, the cast and crew pushed forward with renewed focus. D’Onofrio praised the dedication of everyone involved.
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“This is a tough show to make. These characters live in both light and shadow. Writing for them is hard, acting them is harder. But everyone—from crew to cast—is giving their all.”
He also highlighted the strength of the supporting cast, noting how their performances elevate the entire production.
Season 1 of Daredevil: Born Again is now available for streaming on Disney+, with Season 2 promising more drama, darker conflict, and unforgettable character arcs.
