After a long wait and several behind-the-scenes shakeups, Daredevil: Born Again has brought Marvel’s street-level storytelling back to the spotlight. The Disney+ revival of the fan-favorite character premiered on March 4, 2025, with a fresh approach that honors the character’s Netflix legacy while firmly placing Matt Murdock within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Season 1 Overview: A Gritty Return to Hell’s Kitchen
Season 1 of Daredevil: Born Again consists of nine episodes, releasing weekly on Tuesdays—a deliberate departure from binge models. Marvel has opted for this rollout to build anticipation and allow time for each episode to be digested, debated, and dissected by fans. So far, the series has successfully reintroduced key characters, intensified the political intrigue surrounding Wilson Fisk, and raised the stakes with the return of iconic villains.
As of April 10, the show has aired eight episodes. The latest, titled “Isle of Joy,” shocked fans with a high-stakes assassination attempt at a lavish black-and-white ball. Bullseye (Dex Poindexter) breaks out of prison and nearly kills Mayor Wilson Fisk before Matt Murdock steps in—taking a bullet for his longtime nemesis. The scene was praised for its noir-style visuals and sharp pacing, and it sets up a tense finale that promises to reshape the Daredevil-Fisk dynamic.
Matt’s personal life is also spiraling. His romantic relationship with Heather Glenn is fraying, especially as Heather begins to suspect that Matt is hiding his double life again. Meanwhile, Vanessa Fisk proves she’s more than a political accessory by orchestrating a ruthless cover-up to protect her husband’s public image.
Jon Bernthal Returns as The Punisher
One of the biggest highlights this season has been the reintroduction of Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle. He appeared in episode four, and his presence instantly changed the tone of the series, pushing it into darker, grittier territory that fans of The Punisher Netflix series will appreciate.
Bernthal’s portrayal remains brutal and uncompromising, but it’s clear this version of Castle is reckoning with the consequences of his past. Marvel is reportedly developing a standalone Punisher TV special, further suggesting that the studio is leaning into the success of its more grounded, R-rated characters as part of a broader tonal shift within the MCU.
What We Know About Season 2
With just one episode left in Season 1, anticipation is already building for Season 2. Production is scheduled to begin filming in late February 2025 in New York City, with a targeted premiere window in early-to-mid 2026. Set leaks and casting calls have already hinted at the return of a major villain—speculation is swirling around characters like The Owl, Typhoid Mary, and even the long-awaited appearance of White Tiger.
Marvel Studios is reportedly tightening up creative control for Season 2 following the show’s tumultuous production history, which saw the original showrunners replaced in 2023 after internal reviews found the early material too procedural and lacking Daredevil’s signature grit. The new creative team, led by Dario Scardapane (of The Punisher fame), has been praised for restoring the show’s darker tone and deeper character focus.
Character Arcs & Critic Feedback
While Born Again has impressed with its action choreography and psychological depth, some critics have noted uneven writing for supporting characters—particularly Heather Glenn. Despite being a key part of Matt’s personal arc, her character is often relegated to reactive moments rather than being given agency of her own. Marvel has acknowledged this feedback, and showrunners have reportedly made script adjustments to give more weight to secondary characters in future episodes.
Still, the series has managed to reclaim its place in fan conversations and is widely considered a course correction for Marvel’s recent TV missteps. The political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and street-level grittiness that defined the original Daredevil series are back—and Marvel seems committed to building a broader street-level universe around it.
What Comes Next?
With Frank Castle back, Bullseye loose, and Fisk entangled in corruption and chaos, the groundwork is clearly being laid for a brutal Season 2. The final episode of Season 1 is expected to leave viewers with a major cliffhanger that tees up Daredevil’s next evolution—both as a masked vigilante and as a lawyer balancing morality in an increasingly corrupted city.
Marvel fans may not have to wait long to see more of Hell’s Kitchen. Echo Season 2 and the upcoming Punisher special could serve as narrative bridges before Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 drops in 2026, making this corner of the MCU one of its most compelling—and violent—yet.
Key Takeaways
- Daredevil: Born Again premiered on March 4, 2025, with two episodes and continues with weekly Tuesday releases at 9 PM ET.
- The first season contains nine episodes total and is officially part of MCU Phase Five.
- The series is exclusively available on Disney+ and follows a traditional weekly release format rather than a full-season drop.
Daredevil: Born Again Overview
“Daredevil: Born Again” is Marvel’s highly anticipated series starring Charlie Cox, set to premiere on Disney+ on March 4, 2025. The show represents the return of the beloved character Matt Murdock after his previous Netflix series ended in 2018.
Storyline and Character Focus
“Daredevil: Born Again” follows Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who fights crime at night as the vigilante Daredevil. The series draws inspiration from Frank Miller’s iconic comic storyline but adapts it for the MCU’s current landscape.
The show features Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, as the primary antagonist. Their complex rivalry forms the backbone of the narrative as Fisk attempts to rebuild his criminal empire while Murdock tries to protect Hell’s Kitchen.
The story explores the dual nature of Matt’s life – balancing his legal career with his vigilante activities. This duality creates tension as he struggles with his Catholic faith and moral code when confronting the brutal realities of crime in New York City.
Development and Production
Marvel Studios took over production after the original Netflix series concluded. The development process faced several challenges, including a significant creative overhaul midway through production in 2023.
The series features 9 episodes in its first season, with a double-episode premiere planned for March 4, 2025. The show will be available exclusively on Disney+ at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET.
Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio reprise their roles as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, maintaining continuity with their previous portrayals while adapting to the MCU’s tone. The production team aimed to preserve the gritty, street-level action that defined the original series while integrating it more seamlessly into the broader Marvel universe.
Significance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
“Daredevil: Born Again” marks the full integration of the character into the main MCU continuity. After brief appearances in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “She-Hulk,” this series gives Daredevil his proper MCU spotlight.
The show establishes a darker, more crime-focused corner of the MCU. It explores themes of justice, corruption, and redemption that aren’t typically addressed in Marvel’s more fantastical projects.
This series potentially opens doors for other street-level heroes to join the main MCU narrative. By focusing on urban crime rather than world-ending threats, “Daredevil: Born Again” diversifies the types of stories the MCU can tell.
The connection to previous Marvel Netflix shows remains somewhat ambiguous. While keeping beloved actors, the series may selectively reference past events while establishing its own place in current MCU continuity.
Cast and Crew Information
“Daredevil: Born Again” brings together familiar faces and fresh talent for its highly anticipated Disney+ debut on March 4, 2025. The cast and creative team combine veterans from previous Daredevil iterations with exciting newcomers to the Marvel universe.
Returning Cast Members
Charlie Cox returns as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, reprising the role that made him famous in the original Netflix series. His portrayal of the blind lawyer with heightened senses continues to be the cornerstone of the show.
Vincent D’Onofrio is back as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, the imposing crime lord whose menacing presence defined the earlier series. His complex villain remains one of Marvel’s most compelling antagonists.
Fans will be delighted to see Deborah Ann Woll return as Karen Page, the investigative journalist who became an essential part of Murdock’s inner circle. Elden Henson also reprises his role as Foggy Nelson, Matt’s best friend and law partner.
Jon Bernthal makes his return as Frank Castle/The Punisher, bringing his intense vigilante character back into Daredevil’s world.
New Additions to the Cast
Michael Gandolfini joins the series in a significant role, though details about his character remain somewhat guarded. His addition has generated considerable buzz among fans.
Nikki M. James enters the Marvel universe as a new character who will interact with the established players in Hell’s Kitchen. Her character is expected to bring fresh dynamics to the show’s narrative.
The late Kamar de los Reyes filmed scenes for the series before his passing, marking one of his final performances. His involvement adds poignancy to the production.
Several other newcomers round out the expanded cast, reflecting Marvel’s commitment to building a richer, more complex world for this Disney+ revival.
Creative Team Behind the Series
Dario Scardapane serves as the showrunner for “Daredevil: Born Again,” bringing his vision to the beloved character. His approach aims to honor what fans loved about the original series while moving the story forward.
Marvel Studios has taken full control of production, unlike the Netflix iteration which was produced by Marvel Television. This shift brings the series firmly into the MCU proper.
The creative team includes directors and writers who have worked across various Marvel projects, ensuring continuity with the broader universe. They’ve promised a darker, grittier tone that remains true to Daredevil’s roots.
The production team has emphasized that while the series will maintain connections to previous Marvel shows, it will also forge its own identity. This balance of old and new extends to both the storytelling and visual approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Viewers eager to catch Marvel’s latest series have many questions about its premiere and schedule. Here are answers to the most common questions about the highly anticipated return of Matt Murdock.
When is the release date for Daredevil: Born Again on Disney Plus?
Daredevil: Born Again premiered on Disney+ on March 4, 2025. The first two episodes were released together on this date, giving fans a double-dose of the Hell’s Kitchen vigilante right from the start.
The show’s evening release time is set at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time (6:00 p.m. Pacific Time), following Disney+’s standard release schedule for new content.
How many episodes are there in the first season of Daredevil: Born Again?
The first season of Daredevil: Born Again consists of 18 episodes. This makes it one of Marvel’s longest Disney+ series to date.
The extended episode count allows for deeper character development and more complex storylines than typical Marvel streaming shows.
Can we expect a second season of Daredevil: Born Again?
While Marvel has not officially announced a second season, the show’s title “Born Again” suggests potential for continuation. The significant investment in production and the character’s popularity point toward possible future seasons.
Marvel typically evaluates viewer numbers and reception before confirming additional seasons of their streaming shows.
What is the release schedule for Daredevil: Born Again episodes?
New episodes of Daredevil: Born Again release weekly on Tuesdays. The show began with a two-episode premiere on March 4, 2025.
Episodes 5 and 6 will drop on March 25, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The weekly schedule allows viewers to discuss and speculate between episodes, building anticipation throughout the season.
Who is included in the cast of Daredevil: Born Again?
Charlie Cox returns as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, reprising his role from the previous Netflix series. Vincent D’Onofrio also returns as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin.
The cast includes several returning favorites alongside new characters who will expand the street-level corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Is Daredevil: Born Again a continuation of the previous Daredevil series?
Daredevil: Born Again functions as both a continuation and a soft reboot. It acknowledges events from the previous Netflix series while integrating the character into the broader MCU.
Viewers can enjoy the show without having seen the previous series, though watching the original Daredevil provides helpful context and character background. The show includes enough information for newcomers to understand the story.
