Daredevil is back folks! Ten years after Charlie Cox first donned the red suit as the "Man Without Fear" he's back for Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+. Fans have been waiting and the first reviews are in . Is this revival hitting the mark? Is the cast delivering? Let's dive into what critics are saying and who you can expect to see in Hell's Kitchen.
Critics Are In: Daredevil: Born Again is Bloody Brutal and Thoughtfully Scripted Says Early Reviews
Good news Daredevil devotees! Many early reviews for Daredevil: Born Again are seriously hyped. Critics are praising the show for being exactly what fans wanted a true return to form. Some are even saying it feels like "coming home" if you were a fan of the original Netflix series. The mix of superhero action and legal drama that made the first Daredevil series work seems to be back and maybe even better this time around.
Reviewers are highlighting a darker tone a cast completely comfortable in their roles and a story that gives Daredevil new reasons to fight for justice. It’s being called a "breathtaking example" of how to bring back a beloved hero and make it feel fresh and relevant.
Not All Praise: Some Critics Find Daredevil Revival "Trapped" and "Inconsistent"
However it's not all perfect scores across the board. Some critics feel Daredevil: Born Again sticks too closely to the original formula. While satisfying in moments it might also feel a bit predictable or lacking in true innovation. One review mentioned it being a "good enough copy" but missing some of the exhilaration of the original.
Other criticisms include the show feeling "incoherent" or "herky-jerky" possibly due to mid-production overhauls. Some point out pacing issues with too many subplots and inconsistencies in the fight choreography with some action sequences not living up to the high bar set by the Netflix series. So while there's plenty of positive buzz it's worth noting that some feel the revival might not quite reach the heights of the original in every aspect.
Meet the Cast Returning and New Faces in Daredevil: Born Again
One thing most critics agree on is the strength of the cast. Let's break down some of the key players in Daredevil: Born Again:
- Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil: The man himself is back! Reviews consistently praise Cox's performance. He's called a "phenom" in the role with this season giving him even more room to shine as both Matt Murdock the lawyer and Daredevil the vigilante. Critics note we get to see more of Matt's everyday life showcasing Cox's charisma beyond just the action.
- Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin: Kingpin is back and just as menacing. D'Onofrio's portrayal is highlighted as a major reason to watch. He's described as channeling a Marlon Brando vibe with a hint of Hannibal Lecter creating a villain who is both genteel and explosively rageful. Some even call his Kingpin "the most terrifying villain in all of the MCU."
- Matthew Lillard (Season 2): Exciting news for Season 2! Matthew Lillard is joining the cast in a role that is still under wraps. This marks Lillard's MCU debut and adds another layer of intrigue to the show's future. Speculation is already running wild about who he might be playing.
- Kamar de los Reyes as Hector Ayala/White Tiger: Daredevil: Born Again introduces the groundbreaking Latino character White Tiger played by Kamar de los Reyes. Critics praise de los Reyes' performance for bringing humanity and culture to the role. Sadly de los Reyes passed away before the show's release making his portrayal even more poignant and potentially "iconic." The show will explore White Tiger's storyline including a traumatic event and his defense by Matt Murdock in court a storyline straight from the comics.
Gritty and Violent Tone Intact: Daredevil Stays True to Its Roots on Disney+
For those worried that moving from Netflix to Disney+ might soften Daredevil's edges fear not! Reviews confirm Daredevil: Born Again retains the gritty and violent tone fans expect. It's rated TV-MA and features graphic language and "grisly violence." Fight scenes are described as "bone-breakingly brutal and bloody" even "upping the ante tenfold" in terms of brutality compared to the Netflix series. The action choreography is top-tier and visceral making you "feel the punches." Long takes and seamless cinematography throw you right into the heart of the battles.
Crossovers and MCU Connections: Ms. Marvel and the Wider Universe
Daredevil: Born Again does connect to the wider MCU but reviews suggest these crossovers feel "organic and unobtrusive." There is mention of a "small-scale crossover" with a Ms. Marvel character specifically Ms. Marvel's dad Yusuf Khan. However opinions are divided on how well these crossovers work. Some see them as reminders of the expansive MCU while others find them "lame" or tonally dissonant with Daredevil's darker world. It seems the show is trying to balance its standalone gritty nature with its place in the larger Marvel universe a tightrope walk that may not fully satisfy everyone.
Is Born Again Better Than Netflix Daredevil? Debate Begins Among Critics
The big question is Daredevil: Born Again better than the original Netflix Daredevil? Reviews are mixed on this. Some boldly claim it's "not just the best MCU series but the best comic book TV show ever made" even rating it higher than The Penguin. Others while positive are more measured calling it a "very good copy" that might lack some of the original's "creativity and exhilaration." Ultimately it seems Born Again successfully captures the essence of what made the Netflix Daredevil beloved while making some improvements but whether it surpasses the original is still up for debate and likely depends on individual fan preferences.
Key Cast of Daredevil: Born Again (So Far)
- Charlie Cox: Matt Murdock/Daredevil
- Vincent D'Onofrio: Wilson Fisk/Kingpin
- Matthew Lillard: (Season 2 - Role Undisclosed)
- Kamar de los Reyes: Hector Ayala/White Tiger
Get Ready for More Daredevil: Season 1 Arrives March 4th with Season 2 Already in the Works
Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 is almost here premiering on March 4th. And for those already hooked good news Season 2 is confirmed and production is expected to begin soon with Matthew Lillard joining the cast. Charlie Cox himself has teased that what he's read of Season 2 is "so cool and so different and so sinister" raising excitement even further. So get ready to return to Hell's Kitchen because Daredevil is back for the long haul!