Daredevil: Born Againis theMarvel Cinematic Universe’s first TV series of 2025, and the project continues some threads from previous releases. The idea of having to do homework to enjoy theMCU’s new releaseshas become one of the most criticized aspects of the franchise. However, witha shared universe that has been going strong for 17 years and counting, that has come to be expected. Still, with an elevated number of projects in recent years now that Marvel Studios has added live-action series, Special Presentations, and animation to the MCU, the criticism has grown.
While certain projects do not have to connect with multiple MCU shows, one such asDaredevil: Born Againsimply cannot exist without doing so. The reason for that is quite simple. While Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock is back for a fresh tale in the MCU,Daredevil: Born Again’s castbrings back many characters from Netflix’sDaredevilseries. That show ran for three seasons, adding baggage to theMCU’s first 2025 TV series. Cox’s work as Daredevil over the past years included appearances in multiple MCU projects, which also added to the needed homework to watchDaredevil: Born Again.
Daredevil: Born Again Is A Direct Follow-Up To Daredevil Season 3
Fans Can Thank The Show’s Creative Overhaul
As has been revealed by multiple Marvel Studios executives, as well as series stars Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio,Daredevil: Born Againis very much a continuation of the NetflixDaredevilseries. The main difference is that it takes place years afterDaredevilseason 3 ended, but all the key relationships from the original show are once again in play for the MCU series. That said, that was not always the plan.Daredevil: Born Againwent through a major creative overhaul, withThe Punisherwriter Dario Scardapane replacing original showrunners Chris Ord and Matt Corman.
That led toDaredevil: Born Againbeing reworked into essentiallyDaredevilseason 4. As has been shown in the trailers for the Marvel series, the new show is very much in line with the original in terms of dark themes, bloody violence, and character dynamics.Foggy Nelson and Karen Page were originally not coming back forDaredevil: Born Again. Now, the duo plays an important role in the series. Speaking toEmpire Magazine, Scardapane commented on their return, saying, “You can’t do this show without Karen and Foggy. " The new series continues keyDaredevilseason 3 storylines.
The Key Storylines To Know Before Daredevil: Born Again
The MCU Series Brings Back Important Elements
SinceDaredevil: Born Againis so closely connected to Netflix’sDaredevil, there are some crucial storylines to understanding the show. WatchingDaredevilseason 3 is recommended, as that is where a lot of the connections come from. In its season 3 finale,Netflix’sDaredevilsaw Wilson Fisk and Matt Murdock come to a standstill. Daredevil did not kill Kingpin, but he made him agree not to hurt Karen and Foggy in exchange for Matt not revealing that Vanessa, Fisk’s wife, was involved in Agent Nadeem’s death.Daredevil: Born Again’s trailers show at least one conversation between Fisk and Matt.
10 Ways Daredevil: Born Again’s First Reviews Prove It Can Be The Perfect Sequel To The Original Netflix Show
The first Daredevil: Born Again reactions are out, and the positive reviews prove that the new MCU series is a worthy successor to Netflix’s Daredevil
That key relationship from the Netflix series is back for the show, and understanding how they parted ways is crucial to following them as they meet again and how the characters have changed. As for Foggy and Karen, they started their dream with Matt,writing on a napkin, “Nelson, Murdock, & Page,” at the end of season 3. WithDaredevil: Born Againpicking back up with the trio years later, the show has to delve into what came of that dream. Jon Bernthal’s Punisher is a character whose return adds to the MCU homework forDaredevil: Born Again.
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Watching both seasons of Bernthal’sThe Punisherseries is not necessary, but the character’s arc inDaredevilseason 2 is. It marked the debut of this iteration of the Marvel anti-hero, setting up his backstory, motivations, and key relationships with Matt Murdock and Karen Page. Matt and Frank going from enemies to friends is important for the new show. Bullseye also returns inDaredevil: Born Again. HowWilson Bethel’s Benjamin Poindexter went from an FBI agent to Fisk’s assassin, to realizing he had been played by Kingpin is crucial context to his return. The villain holds a few grudges.
How Much Of The Wider MCU Do You Need To Be Aware Of?
Charlie Cox’s Daredevil Has Been Popping Around The Franchise
While Netflix’sDaredeviloffers the biggest ties toDaredevil: Born Again, Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock has been back since 2021. Over the past four years, the character has made appearances in both MCU movies and TV shows, begging the question of what other projects are necessary homework to understanding the new Marvel series. Cox’s first proper MCU appearance came whenMatt Murdock was Peter Parker’s lawyer inSpider-Man: No Way Home. SinceTom Holland’s Spider-Man cannot appear inDaredevil: Born Againdue to the character’s rights, the scene is not really necessary viewing, but it is a really good one.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Lawfeatures the most Charlie Cox’s Daredevil has appeared outside of Netflix’s The Defenders Saga. However, watching the show is not necessary forDaredevil: Born Again. Showrunner Dario Scardapane has heavily leaned towardsShe-Hulk’s events not being referenced in the series, and since that version of Daredevil was lighter than the darker tone ofDaredevil: Born Again, it feels superfluous. Disney+‘sEchoandHawkeye’s finale are really the only necessary MCU projects to watch beforeDaredevil: Born Againas they set up Kingpin’s journey, what he has been up to, and more for the new Marvel series.
