In superhero television, Charlie Cox’s return as Daredevil in the new Disney+ series, “Daredevil: Born Again,” has been a highly anticipated event. The series, which also brings back Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, initially had plans that were starkly different from what fans will ultimately see. Originally, the show was not going to connect to the beloved Netflix series that ran for three seasons. However, major changes were implemented by Marvel Studios after reviewing the initial work on the new show.
At the Disney Upfronts, Cox revealed through ComicBook.com that “there would now be ‘a lot’ of crossover” in “Daredevil: Born Again.” D’Onofrio added that this crossover element was not part of the original plan but has now become significant: “It originally wasn’t going to be at all, but now it’s a lot.”
The industry-wide writers’ and actors’ strikes had a surprising benefit for the series. The production pause allowed Marvel Studios to reassess the direction of the show. Fan pressure and studio preferences also influenced this decision, as Cox noted, “I think it’s the [fans]. I think [it’s] the studio as well.” This led to a complete overhaul of the series, which now connects more deeply to the Netflix series.
The development of “Daredevil: Born Again” began in 2022 with Matt Corman and Chris Ord as head writers. Initially, the series was set for 18 episodes with a lighter, more episodic tone compared to the darker Netflix series. Filming started in March 2023 but was halted in June due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. During this break, Marvel Studios decided to change course, resulting in the dismissal of Corman, Ord, and the original directors.
Charlie Cox in Daredevil Born Again (Via Marvel)
Dario Scardapene was brought on as the new showrunner, with Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead as lead directors. The revamped series resumed filming in January 2024 and now aims to connect more closely with the Netflix continuity. This includes the return of characters like Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) and Franklin “Foggy” Nelson (Elden Henson), who were initially not included in the new series.
Both Cox and D’Onofrio expressed their excitement about the new direction. D’Onofrio emphasized the importance of connecting the new series to the original three seasons, stating, “During our restart of all the creative on Daredevil: Born Again, all the creatives got together and said, ‘Look, this is how we’ve got to do it now.'”
Another major change is the reduction of the episode count. Originally planned for 18 episodes, the series will now consist of nine episodes. This decision aims to create a more streamlined and cohesive story, contrasting the earlier plan that suited a more episodic approach.
“Daredevil: Born Again” is set to thrill fans with its renewed connection to the original Netflix series. The decision to overhaul the series promises a richer and more authentic continuation of Daredevil’s story, preserving the legacy of the original while forging a new path forward.
