Summary
Daredevil: Born Againis undergoing creative changes after Marvel Studios decided the show wasn’t working. In response, Kingpin actor Vincent D’Onofrio and the original series' showrunner, Steven DeKnight, shared their opinions on the turbulence surrounding the show’s development.
Netflix’sDaredevilshow ran for three seasons on the streamer and garnered a dedicated fanbase that balked at the series’ eventual cancelation. However, things would soon look up when Marvel Studios announced it intended to develop its own series based on the character and integrate him into the MCU, as indicated by character cameos after the announcement. While fans weren’t sure whetherDaredevil: Born Againwas a reboot or a continuation, the anticipation for the project ramped up regardless.
While filming and production onDaredevil: Born Againwere in full swing before coming to a halt due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes that kicked off earlier in the year, it was recently revealed that Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige had scrapped the current plans for the show in favor of a major overhaul, which includedMarvel Studios firing several people working onDaredevil: Born Againin a bid to save the show. Steven DeKnight, who served as the original showrunner for the Netflix series, took to social media to express his condolences to those affected. “Steven DeKnight is actually sad to hear this news. Despite my feelings of corporate shenanigans, I was truly excited to see what the new creative team was whipping up. My heart goes out to all who were affected by this decision. Tomorrow is a better day,” he posted, responding to another user drawing his attention to the situation.
While DeKnight, who has previously supported the new show whileclarifying comments on Disney’sDaredevilscam, framed the move as regretful, not everyone saw it the same way. Vincent D’Onofrio, who portrayed the character Wilson Fisk (aka prolific crime boss The Kingpin) in the NetflixDaredevilseries and is attached to reprise the role for Disney Plus, had a more positive outlook on the move, taking to his own social media account to reassure fans. “Every cool project I’ve been involved with has evolved constantly during pre-production, production and post," he wrote. “It’s just reported on these days as if it’s big news. It’s not. It’s simple a bunch of creatives doing their best to get it right. It’s a constant in this business. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Frankly I’d be worried if we were settling for less.”
While the chaotic nature ofDaredevil: Born Again’sproduction is discouraging, it makes sense that things wouldn’t go smoothly, as thechallenge of fitting Marvel TV shows into the MCUis a well-known struggle for the company. Although, regrettably, the show will be delayed and some involved in the project lost work, fans will likely agree with D’Onofrio’s assessment that the final result of the messy process will justify the situation. Marvel Studios sees it that way, with Feige’s insistence on a restart likely predicated on rightly viewing Daredevil as a major asset to the MCU if re-integrated correctly.
The time spent in development will do the series some good, especially since the showrunners have to findwaysDaredevil: Born Againcan improve on the Netflix showthat brought so much positive attention to the character. How well this shuffling of scribes and directors will play into that mission, and if it justifies the appreciable delay that results, remain to be seen.
Daredevil: Born Againwill be released on Disney Plus.
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