Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil: Born Again is an upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series set to premiere on Disney+, serving as a revival and continuation of the gritty Netflix Daredevil series. The show will follow blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who returns to his vigilante activities as Daredevil, while his arch-nemesis, Wilson Fisk (Kingpin), is elected mayor of New York City, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict. The narrative is expected to be a dark, action-adventure crime and legal drama, designed for a mature audience.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe series is rated TV-MA primarily due to its graphic and brutal violence, which includes severe bloodshed, broken bones, gruesome injuries, and on-screen deaths. Fight sequences are expected to be intense and impactful, featuring gun violence and hand-to-hand combat.
The show features 'graphic displays of violence, especially via the show's fight sequences which often result in severe bloodshed, breaking of bones, and some gruesome injuries and on-screen deaths.' Specific examples cited include a character throwing many knives at civilians with implied fatalities, a character's elbow cracking and blood seeping through clothes during a fight, and a character's head being smashed against a table resulting in blood spray. Kingpin is also depicted beating a character to death with 'blood splattering all over his clothes.' Jon Bernthal's Punisher, known for his lethal methods, also returns.
Profanity
HighDaredevil: Born Again contains frequent and strong profanity, including the consistent use of the F-word. This level of language is noted to be more pronounced than in the original Netflix Daredevil series.
The series 'does not hold back on its use of profanities including the F-word which is used throughout the season and numerous times in most episodes.' Matt Murdock himself uses the F-word, for example, saying 'F**k it' in episode 6 before donning the Daredevil suit and 'F**k you' to Bullseye in episode 8. Other common curse words like 'sh*t' and 'a**hole' are also frequently used.
Scary & Intense Content
HighDaredevil: Born Again features a dark and intense atmosphere, with a plot involving menacing villains like Kingpin and Bullseye, and a 'horrifically artistic serial killer' named Muse. The series begins with a significant character death, setting a somber tone and contributing to the overall high intensity.
The show is described as 'bold, brutal & timely' with 'content that may disturb.' Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) is portrayed 'amassing power and 'flexing his darkness' to 'basically gaslight a city.' The antagonist Muse is introduced as a 'horrifically artistic serial killer.' Foggy Nelson is 'killed in the opening minutes of the first episode' by Bullseye, immediately establishing a 'somber and dark tone.'
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumMarvel Studios is actively casting for four transgender characters who are reported to have important roles in at least one episode of Daredevil: Born Again. Speculation suggests these characters could be clients Matt Murdock represents or individuals impacted by Kingpin's influence. Additionally, Hunter Doohan, a gay actor, has been cast in the series as Bastian Cooper.
Marvel is 'currently searching for actors to portray four transgender characters who will play a significant role in at least one episode' of the series. One speculative plot point suggests Matt Murdock might take on a case involving these transgender characters. Hunter Doohan, who is openly gay, has been cast in the role of Bastian Cooper.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumWhile the series will not feature explicit nudity, it includes scenes with kissing and making out. Matt Murdock will have a new primary love interest in Heather Glenn, and the dynamics of their relationship will be explored.
The season confirms 'no nudity in the season.' However, there are scenes where 'characters kiss and make out.' Matt Murdock's new love interest is Heather Glenn, a therapist with whom he has differing views on vigilantism.
Substance Use
MediumThe series depicts drug use in various forms and includes instances of alcohol consumption. Given the show's gritty urban setting and criminal themes, discussions of drug trade and addiction are likely to be present. The character Heather Glenn, Matt Murdock's new love interest, has a history of alcoholism in the comics.
There is 'drug use within the show depicted in various ways'. Heather Glenn, Matt Murdock's new love interest, experienced 'deep depression and alcoholism' in the comic source material. The Netflix series, which Born Again aims to emulate in tone, also explored themes like the 'heroin trade and manufacturing.'
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe central premise of Daredevil involves Matt Murdock acting as a vigilante, which is an inherent act of rebellion against legal authority. With Wilson Fisk as mayor, his implementation of an Anti-Vigilante Task Force directly pits institutional power against Matt's resistance, showcasing themes of defiance and confrontations with corrupt authority figures.
Matt Murdock's double life as Daredevil signifies operating outside the law. Wilson Fisk, as the newly elected mayor, creates an 'Anti-Vigilante Task Force (AVTF),' which Matt Murdock actively resists by forming an alliance of his own. Matt is depicted confronting and 'taking down two corrupt cops.'
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe series generally aims for a grounded tone similar to its Netflix predecessor, largely downplaying overt supernatural elements. However, some mystical components are present, notably through the character Hector Ayala/White Tiger, whose powers are derived from a 'mystical amulet.'
Hector Ayala / White Tiger possesses enhanced powers originating from a 'mystical amulet.' Despite this, the series is expected to maintain a 'similarly grounded tone' to the original Netflix Daredevil, which tended to 'downplay the more supernatural/zany elements.'
Anti-Christian Themes
LowMatt Murdock's Catholic faith is a fundamental aspect of his character, which the series explores through his internal struggles. While some early fan speculation suggested a potential lack of religious themes, the show ultimately portrays Matt wrestling with his beliefs and feelings of alienation from God, rather than presenting overtly anti-Christian messages or mockery.
Matt Murdock 'lives his life with the teachings that the Catholic church gave him but removed from the rigidness that the church can provide.' He is shown to be 'wrestling with his faith' and feels he has 'alienated himself from God' following traumatic events. While some rumors initially suggested the series 'lacks the original's religious themes,' more in-depth analysis confirms his belief in the 'Christian concept of grace' and his ongoing internal spiritual conflict.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
TV-MA. The series is rated TV-MA (Mature Audience), which is equivalent to an R-rating in some international classifications. This rating is given due to graphic violence, frequent strong language including the F-word, implied sexual activity, and depictions of substance use, making it unsuitable for individuals under 17 years old.
Additional Notes
The series underwent a significant 'creative overhaul' to align its tone more closely with the critically acclaimed Netflix Daredevil series, moving away from an initial lighter, episodic approach. This shift is indicative of a commitment to mature storytelling. The first season consists of 9 episodes. Jessica Jones is confirmed to appear in Season 2.
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