Charlie Cox Was Surprised By One Aspect Of Daredevil: Born Again
The star of Daredevil shares his shock at the unexpected intensity of the upcoming Disney+ series, signaling a darker direction for the MCU character.
With the long-awaited return of Daredevil on Disney+ in Daredevil: Born Again, Marvel fans are eagerly anticipating the first solo series for the hero since his appearances in the larger MCU. Set to release on March 5, 2025, the nine-episode series promises to dive deep into Matt Murdock’s world, exploring his struggles, battles, and the morally complex universe he inhabits. Early teasers have shown that Daredevil: Born Again may bring a level of darkness and violence that differs from the usual MCU fare, a tone that has already caught the attention of viewers—and the show's lead, Charlie Cox.
Cox, who reprises his role as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, admitted in a recent interview with SFX Magazine that he was "hugely shocked" by the intensity of the series. While expecting the show to be somewhat toned down, Cox revealed, “I was expecting it to be dumbed down quite a lot, and that has not been the case at all. There are a couple of scenes that I find difficult to watch, and I don't remember feeling that way previously." His comments align with the darker, grittier vibe conveyed in the series' trailer, which hints at a continuation of the brutal combat and mature themes that made the original Netflix Daredevil series so popular.
Fans who followed the character's Netflix run will be familiar with the intense, visceral fight scenes and the moral complexities that Daredevil faced. It’s a characteristic that made the show stand out in the Marvel universe. The concern heading into Daredevil: Born Again was that the series might tone down its edge to fit within the broader, more family-friendly MCU. However, both the trailer and Cox’s comments suggest the show is staying true to the character's roots, offering a more mature and violent portrayal of Daredevil that fans have come to expect.
In recent years, Marvel has begun to experiment with more mature content, as seen with the success of Deadpool and the upcoming Deadpool 3, both featuring R-rated content. The immense success of these films, including Deadpool 2 grossing over $1 billion at the box office, has proven that there is a substantial demand for superhero stories that cater to a more adult audience. With Daredevil: Born Again, Marvel has the chance to replicate this success on Disney+, offering viewers a compelling mix of thrilling action and deep, tense character development.
At a time when the MCU is transitioning into a new phase with fresh characters and stories, the debut of Daredevil: Born Again could be pivotal. For both Marvel and fans, it’s essential that this new era starts strong, especially with a character as beloved as Daredevil. Early indications suggest that the series will stand out not just for its action, but for its commitment to a darker, more adult-oriented tone. This could be exactly what fans need after the lighter, more comedic offerings from Marvel's previous phases.
As the series draws closer to its premiere, the excitement surrounding Daredevil: Born Again continues to build. The combination of Charlie Cox's returning performance, the unexpected level of intensity, and the potential for a new direction within the MCU has already made this series one of the most anticipated Marvel projects in recent years. Fans are eager to see if the show lives up to its promise and whether the darker tone will resonate with both long-time Daredevil fans and MCU newcomers. With the stage set for a gritty and action-packed return, Daredevil: Born Again is shaping up to be a thrilling new chapter in the MCU’s vast universe.