Thank God! Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again marks the highly anticipated return of Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk in a series that brings the street-level stakes and raw intensity that made the original Daredevil show a fan favorite. Premiering on Disney+, this reboot of the Netflix series delivers a gritty, action-packed story that pulls its characters deeper into their morally complex and violent world.
A Story Driven by Consequences and Conflict
Set in a New York City simmering with tension, Born Again finds Matt Murdock focusing on his legal career rather than his vigilante alter ego—but how long can that last? Meanwhile, Fisk, once a feared crime lord, is working to redefine himself as a political figure. But when their pasts come back to haunt them, both men are forced into a collision course that neither can escape.
This new series embraces what made Daredevil one of Marvel’s most compelling characters—his internal struggle between justice and vengeance. As Cox points out, Murdock and Fisk have “come up in the world”, but with that rise comes greater risks and more to lose. The pressure builds until the inevitable explosive confrontations that are just as psychological as they are physical.
Hard-Hitting Action Rooted in Character
One of Daredevil’s defining traits has always been its visceral, hand-to-hand combat, and Born Again continues that tradition. But rather than relying on flashy, over-the-top sequences, the series crafts tension-filled, brutal encounters that feel earned. As Brad Winderbaum, Head of Television at Marvel Studios, explains, the action “is all born out of character… Nothing is done arbitrarily.”
That philosophy means that fight scenes feel less like obligatory spectacles and more like emotional eruptions, where every punch carries weight and consequence. These are characters who live in a dangerous world, and violence is often their only currency for survival.
A Darker, More Grounded Marvel Story
While the Marvel Cinematic Universe has long been known for high-flying, galaxy-spanning adventures, Daredevil: Born Again stays firmly on the ground, capturing a gritty realism rarely seen in the franchise. The show leans into its noir roots, treating New York as a medieval kingdom filled with power struggles, deception, and shifting alliances.
Winderbaum describes Born Again as a series that “capitalizes on storytelling risks,” allowing it to explore darker themes without losing the heart of the characters. Unlike Marvel’s more family-friendly offerings, this series embraces a TV-MA rating, making it a mature, intense experience without feeling forced or gratuitous.
A Welcome Return for Daredevil’s Core Cast
In addition to Cox and D’Onofrio’s powerful performances, the series brings back fan-favorite characters like Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), tragic character Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson), and Frank Castle/The Punisher (Jon Bernthal). Their return helps ground Born Again in the world of its predecessor while allowing the show to carve a fresh path forward.
Newcomers like Nikki James as former NYC DA Kirsten McDuffie and Margarita Levieva as therapist Heather Glenn, Matt’s new love interest, help expand the world, offering new perspectives and conflicts for Murdock to navigate.
Final Verdict: A Strong Start for the New Era of Daredevil
Marvel fans have been waiting for Daredevil’s return, and Born Again delivers on that promise. By balancing intense action, layered storytelling, and a deep respect for its characters, the series feels like a true continuation rather than a reboot. With its mature tone, sharp writing, and gripping performances, Daredevil: Born Again proves that street-level storytelling still has a powerful place in the Marvel universe.
For those who loved the Netflix-era Daredevil, this feels like a worthy successor—one that keeps the best of what came before while embracing new possibilities. Born Again isn’t just about Matt Murdock’s journey—it’s a testament to the staying power of one of Marvel’s most compelling heroes.
Bottom Line: Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again takes us back to Hell and we love it!
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
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