Nowadays, streaming platforms make it easy to skip TV intros. Many people prefer to jump straight into the action, especially when watching multiple episodes. However, the original Daredevil series had an intro that always felt too good to skip.
John Paesano’s intense theme music and the carefully chosen visuals made it an unforgettable experience. Now, in Daredevil: Born Again, The Newton Brothers have reimagined the intro with new visuals, and it is just as engaging. The introduction sequences of both series reveal deep truths about Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) and his mission to protect his city.
Also Read: All the Marvel Movies and Shows You Must Watch to Understand ‘Daredevil: Born Again’
The Original Daredevil Intro Shows the Battle Between Violence and Justice
The original Daredevil series on Netflix had an intro that felt just as powerful on the first watch as it did after many viewings. The opening showed different figures and landmarks covered in a flowing red liquid, resembling blood.
A statue of Lady Justice, the buildings of Hell’s Kitchen, bridges, and a Catholic cathedral appeared one after another. Finally, the sequence ended with Daredevil himself. This intro carried strong themes of violence and sacrifice, highlighting Matt Murdock’s belief that justice sometimes requires forceful action.
Violence seemed to touch every part of the city, leaving nothing untouched. The blood-like substance covering symbols of truth and justice reminded viewers of the city’s deep-rooted corruption, often controlled by Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio).
Blood also represents suffering, and Matt Murdock has endured more than most. His painful past, including his father’s murder and his own accident, added to the idea that blood equals hardship. The Bible states, “Without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22).
While this passage refers to religious beliefs, it symbolically connects to Matt’s life. His fight as Daredevil almost feels like a form of penance for his past.
The image of the church in the intro is meaningful because it reminds viewers of Matt’s Catholic upbringing and struggles with faith. His sacrifice as a vigilante mirrors his religious beliefs, as he constantly puts himself in danger to protect others.
The intro suggests that New York is deeply affected by violence and corruption. No part of the city is free from its reach, from its buildings to its institutions. Even the legal system is influenced by Wilson Fisk’s control.
This opening sequence made it clear that Daredevil was not just another superhero show—it was a complex and meaningful story that could stand alongside the best dramas on television.
Daredevil: Born Again Focuses on Time, Decay, and Change
The intro of Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+ takes a different approach. While it continues the themes of the original show, it presents them from a new perspective. This time, the focus is on how time has changed Matt Murdock’s life.
The intro does not appear until after Foggy Nelson’s (Elden Henson) death and Matt’s decision to give up his Daredevil identity. The moment when Matt throws his mask onto the street, and the red and blue police lights shift into dull, gray tones, is a powerful visual choice. It tells viewers that Daredevil’s old life is over, and everything has changed. As referenced in the Gospel of John, Daredevil must be “born again.”
Matt’s struggles have led him to abandon his faith, and his past life has fallen apart. The intro reflects this by showing a crumbling Catholic cathedral and the destruction of the Nelson, Murdock, and Page law firm. These images symbolize the collapse of Matt’s beliefs, hopes, and dreams.
Although justice still matters, corruption continues to spread. Even Matt’s own sense of justice has changed, as seen when he first tries to kill Bullseye (Wilson Bethel) but later decides that the law should punish him instead. Matt is in conflict with himself, and it has affected everything around him.
The intro represents this through the deaths of Foggy and the absence of Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll). The phrase “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” applies here, as Matt’s old life has been buried.
Yet, the intro also offers a sign of hope. A piece of Daredevil’s helmet remains intact, resisting decay. As the ruined city and broken institutions crumble, the horn of Daredevil’s mask remains, signaling that his fight is not over.
The city still needs a hero, and with Wilson Fisk in control, true justice is impossible without Daredevil’s return. This moment connects to the original series, where Matt struggled to accept his role as Daredevil.
Both Intros End With Daredevil, but Their Meanings Are Different
The original Daredevil intro showed a smooth, solid image of the hero. It reflected the early days of his journey, when he was still discovering his purpose. The intro of Daredevil: Born Again, however, presents a different picture.
This version of Daredevil is cracked, damaged, and worn down by years of hardship. The Disney+ intro shows that he has lost more than ever before, but he continues to stand, even if he stands alone.
To fully understand the significance of Daredevil: Born Again’s intro, viewers will need to watch the entire series. The first season has nine episodes, and the second season will add eight more. However Matt Murdock’s story ends in the MCU, fans are eager to see him back in action once again.
The intros of both Daredevil series offer a deep look into Matt Murdock’s journey. The original show’s intro focused on the battle between justice and violence, highlighting how corruption affects every part of New York City.
In contrast, Daredevil: Born Again’s intro emphasizes time’s impact on Matt, showing his struggles, losses, and inner conflicts. Despite the pain and decay, a spark of hope remains.
Daredevil may be broken, but he refuses to give up. His city still needs him, and his story is far from over. Fans eagerly await what lies ahead for the Man Without Fear.
Daredevil: Born Again airs on Tuesdays on Disney+, and the original Daredevil series is also available for streaming on the platform.
Also Read: How Hector Ayala, aka the White Tiger, Will Impact Daredevil: Born Again and the MCU’s Future
