DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN – A Successful MCU Comeback [REVIEW]

Ten years. That’s how long it has been since the debut of Netflix’s Daredevil, in which Charlie Cox first took on the titular role, winning over fans and becoming the definitive on-screen version of the character. Much to the understandable disappointment of those fans, the series was canceled after three seasons, and Cox’s Daredevil disappeared from the spotlight for a few years. Eventually, he made a cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home, followed by appearances in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Echo. But those were just appetizers before the real, triumphant comeback—Daredevil: Born Again, under the banner of Marvel Television.

While the connection between the Netflix series and the MCU was initially ambiguous, it later became clear that Marvel Studios considered it part of the cinematic universe. Born Again, however, was planned from the outset as an integral piece of the MCU puzzle. That doesn’t mean the new installment of Daredevil has lost its unique identity. On the contrary, the creators have managed to preserve the feel of the Netflix production, making it clear through dialogue that this is essentially a sequel to the decade-old series. At the same time, the show features direct references to other MCU characters—something that still feels almost surreal. Sure, we’ve seen Matt Murdock alongside Peter Parker, She-Hulk, and her family, but it’s still hard to believe that this version of Daredevil, with all its signature atmosphere, is now officially part of the MCU. And when Matt name-drops a certain someone in the dialogue… well, you’ll see for yourself.

Connections to the larger MCU are a bonus, but Born Again stands on its own thanks to an engaging plot, clever character development, and sharp dialogue. Just like in the Netflix series, many scenes revolve around character interactions, and the writing remains top-notch. Charlie Cox slips back into the role as if he never left the set of the original Daredevil. Whether portraying Matt Murdock or his vigilante alter ego, he continues to shine. Vincent D’Onofrio also delivers another stellar performance as Wilson Fisk. We’ve seen him in the MCU before (in Hawkeye and Echo), but there, he felt slightly different from the Fisk we knew. Here, he’s the Daredevil version of Fisk—though at a different stage in his life, which plays a crucial role in the season’s storyline.

Several other actors from the Netflix series also return: Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson as Karen and Foggy, Wilson Bethel as Bullseye, Ayelet Zurer as Vanessa, and Jon Bernthal as the Punisher. Thankfully, there were no recasts, which strengthens continuity with the previous show. Bernthal’s casting as Frank Castle was inspired from the start, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Some of the scenes featuring Punisher and Daredevil will likely go down as some of the most iconic Daredevil moments ever put to screen—especially considering the legendary rooftop conversation from season two of the Netflix series.

Since this is a Daredevil show, action scenes are a must. They don’t disappoint—they’re just as brutal as in the Netflix series, with fists flying, weapons drawn, and blood spilled. Daredevil’s fighting style and abilities are depicted in a slightly more “comic-book” fashion this time, further grounding him within the MCU. There’s even a hallway fight scene—though this time, it’s a one-on-one duel rather than a “Daredevil vs. everyone” brawl, making it less flashy but more dramatic given the circumstances.

The previous Daredevil series, while excellent, sometimes suffered from its 13-episode seasons feeling stretched out. Born Again’s first season has only nine episodes, making it more fast-paced, with events unfolding quickly. Despite the shorter length, the show manages to balance its main storyline—centered on Fisk’s machinations—with a few side plots that enrich the narrative. Some of these subplots might feel like they resolve too quickly, just as they start to gain momentum. However, their role is to complement the main arc, leaving a lasting impact on the characters and their motivations. One mid-season episode, in particular, stands out as a masterfully crafted, self-contained story.

The first season of Born Again is deeply satisfying, and I’m already eager to see where the creators take the story next. The finale is clearly designed to set up future events, and it remains to be seen whether its consequences will ripple through the broader MCU—logically, they should. One thing is certain: the opening sequence of the first episode will leave a strong impression, especially on fans of Netflix’s Daredevil. It’s one of the grittiest, rawest moments in the entire MCU, proving that Born Again stays true to the dark, grounded tone of Daredevil. Once you see it, you’ll be hooked—and you won’t be disappointed.