In 2015, Daredevil premiered on Netflix, setting a new standard for superhero television with its dark, gritty tone and stellar performances by Charlie Cox (Matt Murdock/Daredevil) and Vincent D’Onofrio (Wilson Fisk/Kingpin). However, after three seasons, the show was abruptly canceled in 2018 as Marvel ended its Netflix partnership. Now, seven years later, Daredevil has been revived in Daredevil: Born Again, a Disney+ series that brings the fan-favorite hero back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While the revival is highly anticipated, it comes with its own set of challenges.

The Legacy of Netflix’s Daredevil

The original Daredevil series stood out for its grounded storytelling and serious tone, drawing comparisons to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy. The first season was particularly impactful, showcasing Matt Murdock as a blind lawyer with superhuman senses and a moral struggle rooted in his Catholic faith. Despite a weaker second season with too many plotlines, the third season redeemed itself before the show’s untimely cancellation. Fans have since regarded Daredevil as one of Marvel’s most daring and mature efforts.

The Revival: Daredevil: Born Again

Marvel Studios announced Daredevil: Born Again in 2022, with Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio reprising their roles. The show debuted on Disney+ on March 4, 2025, featuring a storyline loosely inspired by Frank Miller’s iconic 1986 comic arc but significantly deviating from its plot. The series picks up a year after the death of Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson), with Matt Murdock abandoning his vigilante persona to focus on his legal career. However, Wilson Fisk’s rise as New York City’s mayor forces him to don the Daredevil suit once again.

Strengths and Challenges

What Works:

• Strong Performances: Cox and D’Onofrio deliver compelling portrayals of their characters, anchoring the series with emotional depth.
• Action Sequences: The fight scenes are intense and avoid over-reliance on CGI, staying true to the gritty style of the original series.
• Nostalgia Factor: Returning characters like Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher provide continuity for longtime fans.

What Doesn’t Work:

• Troubled Production: The series faced significant delays due to Hollywood strikes in 2023 and underwent a creative overhaul mid-production. These issues resulted in pacing problems and disjointed storytelling.
• Bloated Narrative: With multiple subplots—including a serial killer storyline and a bank heist—the show struggles to maintain focus. Characters and plotlines are introduced abruptly and sometimes sidelined.
• Tone Clash: The series attempts to balance the darker tone of Netflix’s Daredevil with the lighter style of Disney+ MCU shows like Ms. Marvel, leading to tonal inconsistencies.

Caught Between Two Eras

Born Again reflects Marvel’s broader struggle to reconcile its Netflix-era darker storytelling with its current Disney+ approach. While Netflix’s Daredevil thrived on adult-oriented narratives, Disney+ has leaned toward more family-friendly fare. This tension is evident in Born Again, which tries to cater to both audiences but often falls short.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity?

While Daredevil: Born Again has its moments of brilliance, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The series struggles under the weight of conflicting styles and an overstuffed narrative, leaving fans yearning for the focused storytelling of its predecessor. Daredevil remains one of Marvel’s most compelling characters, but this revival underscores the challenges of bringing him back to life in a changing superhero landscape. For now, Hell’s Kitchen feels less vibrant than it once was.