The first trailer for Daredevil: Born Again has finally been released, much to the excitement of Marvel fans. This trailer offers an extended look at the much-anticipated Disney+ series. At its core, the series focuses on the evolving and complex dynamic between Matthew “Matt” Murdock, also known as Daredevil, and his long-time nemesis, Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin.
It also reintroduces beloved characters from the original Netflix series, while teasing intriguing new faces. With plenty of action, drama, and surprises, this trailer is packed with moments that demand attention. Let’s take a closer look at the key details, plot hints, and characters featured in this exciting preview.
Matt and Fisk Share a Tense Reunion
The trailer opens with a striking scene. Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk are sitting across from each other at a diner. The atmosphere is tense but laced with dark humor.
Fisk, now the mayor of New York City, exchanges sharp words with Matt, feigning civility while discussing their current situations. This scene is the backbone of the trailer, setting the tone for what promises to be an intense and thrilling series.
Fisk’s rise to power as New York City’s mayor is a significant development. This storyline aligns with Marvel Comics, particularly the Devil’s Reign arc, where Fisk uses his political position to tighten his grip on the city.
Fisk’s time as mayor was marked by widespread corruption and authoritarian policies, which forced Matt and other superheroes to rise up against him. The series appears to draw inspiration from this storyline, raising the stakes for Daredevil’s return.
During their conversation, Fisk remarks, “It’s not entirely unpleasant to see you.” This sarcastic line adds a layer of irony to their meeting. While the characters are bitter enemies on-screen, the actors, Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio, are known for their friendship and mutual respect in real life. This line seems to playfully acknowledge that contrast.
Matt’s Struggles and New Status Quo
As the trailer progresses, we learn that Matt is no longer actively fighting crime as Daredevil. During his conversation with Fisk, he reveals that he has stepped away from his vigilante persona. “A line was crossed,” Matt explains, suggesting that a traumatic or morally challenging event led to this decision.
The trailer provides a few visual clues about what might have happened. We see Daredevil’s mask falling from a building, symbolizing his decision to abandon his superhero identity. There is also a haunting shot of Matt carrying an injured person, hinting at a moment of failure or loss that deeply affected him.
The trailer also includes brief appearances by Franklin “Foggy” Nelson and Karen Page, Matt’s closest friends and allies. Their inclusion has sparked widespread speculation among fans.
Many are wondering if one or both characters might face tragic outcomes in the new series. However, Karen is later shown in a different setting, which suggests that her storyline will continue in some form.
Familiar Faces Return
The trailer brings back several fan-favorite characters from the original Daredevil series. Ayelet Zurer reprises her role as Vanessa Marianna, Fisk’s wife.
In the trailer, Vanessa appears confident and composed, sharing a meal with Fisk as they revel in his new position of power. Her presence signals that Fisk’s family will play a prominent role in the series, adding another layer to his character’s motivations.
Another familiar face is Ben “Dex” Poindexter, played by Wilson Bethel. Dex, who became a deadly adversary to both Matt and Fisk in the original series, is shown in the trailer under heavy restraints in prison. His return raises questions about how his story will intersect with the main plot and whether he will once again pose a threat.
The highlight of the returning cast, however, is Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher. Jon Bernthal returns to his iconic role, bringing the same intensity that fans loved in previous seasons. One memorable scene shows Frank slamming Matt against a locker, unaware of who he is.
When Frank realizes Matt’s identity, he puts down the hatchet he was wielding as a weapon. However, he doesn’t do so gently—instead, he embeds the hatchet into the wall next to Matt’s head.
This moment underscores the tension and unpredictability of their relationship. While Matt and Frank share a mutual respect, their dynamic is often fraught with conflict, as seen in Daredevil Season 2.
Expanding the Marvel Universe
Since the original Daredevil series ended in 2018, Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk have appeared in various Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects. Matt made cameo appearances in Spider-Man: No Way Home and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, while Fisk played a key role in Hawkeye.
These appearances introduced the characters to a broader MCU audience, connecting them to heroes with more fantastical abilities and lighter tones.
The trailer confirms that Born Again will continue to build these connections. One scene shows Fisk addressing a crowd during a New Year’s celebration in Times Square. The scene is filled with Easter eggs, including a billboard for Rogers: The Musical, first introduced in Hawkeye.
Other references include an ad for the Pym van Dyne Foundation, Harlem’s Paradise nightclub (from Luke Cage), and the fictional soda brand Pingo Doce from The Incredible Hulk.
The inclusion of Harlem’s Paradise is particularly exciting, as it hints at the possibility of characters from Luke Cage or other Netflix-Marvel series making an appearance.
New Characters Add Fresh Energy
In addition to the returning cast, Daredevil: Born Again introduces several new characters. One of the most notable is Hector Ayala, also known as White Tiger.
Played by Kamar de los Reyes, Hector is shown donning his white superhero costume and taking on a gang of attackers in an action-packed sequence. His inclusion adds a fresh dynamic to the series, as he joins Matt and Frank in their fight against crime.
The series also introduces Muse, a chilling new villain. Muse is a superhuman serial killer known for his disturbing behavior in the comics. He wears a white mask with black eye holes, giving him an eerie and unsettling appearance. In the comics, Muse is infamous for using his victims’ remains to create what he considers “art.” His addition to the series promises to bring a darker and more psychological element to the story.
Other new characters include Heather Glenn, one of Matt’s love interests from the comics. Played by Margarita Levieva, Heather is shown dancing and sharing intimate moments with Matt in the trailer.
Jeremy Earl is likely portraying Cole North, a police officer with a complicated relationship with Matt. Cole’s dynamic with Matt will likely shift between antagonistic and supportive, adding complexity to the plot.
Michael Gandolfini also appears in the trailer, credited as “Daniel Blade.” However, fans suspect that he may actually be playing one of Fisk’s sons. Gandolfini’s casting has drawn attention due to his previous portrayal of a younger Tony Soprano in The Many Saints of Newark.
Themes of Faith and Justice
The trailer concludes with Matt reflecting on his Catholic faith, a recurring theme in the Daredevil series. While speaking to Fisk, Matt says, “I was raised to believe in grace. But I was also raised to believe in retribution.”
This line captures the moral struggles that define Matt’s character. He is torn between forgiveness and the need for justice, a conflict that drives much of the series.
The final moments of the trailer feature a montage of intense fight scenes. Some show Matt battling enemies in his Daredevil costume, while others depict him fighting as his civilian self.
These sequences confirm that while Matt begins the series away from his Daredevil identity, he will inevitably return to the role. The trailer promises action-packed scenes that match the brutal intensity of the original series.
A New Chapter for Daredevil
The Daredevil: Born Again trailer offers an exciting preview of what’s to come. With a mix of returning favorites, fresh faces, and compelling storylines, the series is poised to capture the attention of Marvel fans. Fisk’s rise to power, Matt’s personal struggles, and the introduction of new heroes and villains create a rich and engaging narrative.
The series also stands out for its strong connections to the broader MCU. By weaving in elements from other Marvel projects, Born Again promises to expand its scope while staying true to the gritty tone that made the original Daredevil series so beloved.
The Daredevil: Born Again trailer teases an intense and thrilling Disney+ series, showing Matt Murdock’s complex relationship with Wilson Fisk, now the mayor of New York City. Matt has stepped away from his Daredevil persona after a devastating event but faces new challenges that push him to reclaim his role as a hero.
Returning characters like Frank Castle (The Punisher), Foggy Nelson, and Karen Page, alongside newcomers like White Tiger and the villainous Muse, add fresh dynamics. The series connects to the broader Marvel Universe while maintaining its signature gritty tone, promising action, drama, and moral dilemmas.
Daredevil: Born Again premieres on Disney+ on March 4. Fans can look forward to a thrilling journey filled with action, drama, and unforgettable moments.