The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen has officially returned to the MCU—and he’s bringing hell with him. The season one finale of Daredevil: Born Again dropped this week on Disney+, and if there’s one thing it made clear: nothing is safe. Not Red Hook. Not Manhattan. And definitely not Matt Murdock.
The show’s brutal, uncompromising final episode sets up a second season that’s already in production and teases a street-level future for the MCU that could reshape everything from Spider-Man to Thunderbolts.
Here’s a look at the five biggest ways Daredevil: Born Again sets the table for season two—and beyond:
What’s Next?
1. Martial Law in New York City
Wilson Fisk’s transformation from criminal kingpin to corrupt mayor is now complete. By declaring martial law and sealing off Red Hook, Fisk has effectively created a lawless empire—and Daredevil is public enemy #1. This sets the stage for a second season where Matt Murdock is fighting for his life, his city, and maybe even his soul.
The ramifications should reach far beyond this series. Will other heroes step up to stop Fisk? Will New York’s lockdown bleed into Spider-Man: Brand New Day or Thunderbolts? The answer may depend on just how long Fisk remains in power.
2. Rise of the Shadowland?
A version of the infamous Shadowland arc from the comics may be brewing. Set photos from season two already revealed Matt’s darker, ninja-inspired suit, hinting at a storyline where he potentially builds a new base of operations (and influence) within the chaos of Red Hook. While we may not get a full adaptation yet, the seeds are clearly being planted.
3. The Devil Needs Allies
The final scene of Matt returning to Josie’s bar was a symbolic homecoming. But rather than being greeted by Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, or even Spider-Man, he’s surrounded by civilians and good cops. The absence of major MCU heroes underscores how alone Matt really is—and how dangerous Fisk has become.
Still, this leaves room in season two for appearances from the wider street-level roster. Expect Jessica Jones, Echo, White Tiger (Angela Del Toro), and yes, maybe even Moon Knight to start circling Daredevil’s orbit.
4. The Punisher Returns
Jon Bernthal’s return as Frank Castle was one of the finale’s most talked-about surprises. In typical Punisher fashion, he arrives just in time to mow down Fisk’s Anti-Vigilante Task Force—and then promptly disappears. A mid-credits scene shows him escaping custody, setting up his next chapter in an upcoming Marvel Studios Special Presentation and an inevitable reunion with Daredevil in season two.
5. Vigilantes Assemble
If Born Again season one was about Matt rediscovering his place in the world, season two is shaping up to be a war—and Daredevil won’t be fighting it alone. With New York under siege and Fisk’s grip tightening, the call for backup feels imminent. The groundwork has been laid for a broader team-up, including the return of Elektra, the Daughters of the Dragon, and maybe even the teen heroes of Ms. Marvel (though tonal alignment might be a stretch).
The big question? Will we finally get a proper Defenders reunion?
With Daredevil: Born Again pulling no punches and leaning into the grittier, more adult tone that fans loved in the original Netflix series, Marvel Studios seems ready to let Hell’s Kitchen burn—and let its heroes rise from the ashes.
Season two can’t come soon enough.
Stay tuned to Reel 360 News for more updates on the MCU, Marvel Studios streaming series, and all things street-level superheroics.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
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