After almost seven years, the characters from Netflix’s Daredevil are finally back. This time, they are officially part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Daredevil: Born Again. Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) and Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio), once bitter enemies, have seemingly put their past behind them and chosen a different path.
Wilson has taken a surprising turn and is now the mayor of New York City. However, his rise to power has come at a cost—his marriage to Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer) is now in trouble.
In the original Daredevil series, Wilson did everything possible to win Vanessa over and keep her safe. He was willing to destroy anyone who threatened their love.
Now, in Daredevil: Born Again, there is an emotional distance between them that seems almost unbreakable. To understand how this happened, it is important to look at Wilson’s journey in the MCU after the events of Daredevil.
Also Read: Who Is Kirsten McDuffie in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ and How Does She Change Matt Murdock’s Life?
What Happened to Wilson Fisk After Daredevil?
Before the Netflix Marvel shows were officially considered part of the MCU, Wilson Fisk made his first appearance in the Disney+ series Hawkeye. Somehow, he escaped prison again.
One possible reason is that half of all life disappeared after Thanos’ snap in Avengers: Infinity War, which may have created an opportunity for him to break free. However, another reason could be that Daredevil: Born Again was initially planned as a fresh version of the character, but Marvel later decided to keep the same actor.
In Hawkeye, Wilson was still controlling a criminal empire, but he kept a low profile. His most trusted group, the Tracksuit Mafia, was led by his protégé and adopted daughter, Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), also known as Echo. However, things took a turn when Maya learned the truth about her father’s death. She discovered that Wilson was responsible for it, as he manipulated events that led to Ronin (Jeremy Renner) killing him.
At the end of Hawkeye, Maya finally confronted Wilson. She shot him at close range, aiming for his head. However, the injury only blinded him in one eye. While he survived, this moment marked the beginning of a painful separation from Vanessa—this time, possibly forever.
Even after recovering, Wilson did not return to Vanessa. Instead, when Echo premiered under Marvel’s new Spotlight banner, he traveled to Tamaha, Oklahoma. His goal was to reconnect with Maya, but it was not just about forgiveness. He wanted to regain her loyalty and use her power to strengthen his empire.
By this time, Maya had become a major threat. She was determined to take over what used to be Wilson’s criminal network. However, in Daredevil: Born Again, it becomes clear that Wilson is no longer in full control of that empire.
Maya and Wilson eventually confronted each other. Wilson tried to convince her to return to New York and rule with him. But, as in the past, his promises were just another tactic to gain control. Maya did not fall for his tricks. Using the powers of her ancestors, she attempted to heal the emotional scars from his past. This left Wilson shaken and confused.
As he returned to New York, he saw a news report that changed everything. It gave him a new idea for his future—politics.
Is Wilson Fisk in Love With Someone Else in Daredevil: Born Again?
While Wilson was recovering from his injuries, he left Vanessa without any contact. During his absence, she took full control of his criminal empire. Not only did she make it more efficient, but she also made it even more powerful. When Wilson finally returned, she had built an empire stronger than ever before.
Wilson asked Vanessa whether any illegal activities were still involved now that he was entering politics. Her answer made it clear—she had made everything nearly untouchable. In the past, Wilson built his empire for Vanessa, but now, she had moved on without him.
By the end of Daredevil Season 3, Vanessa was already deeply involved in Wilson’s business. She even ordered Benjamin Poindexter (Wilson Bethel), also known as Bullseye, to kill FBI Agent Ray Nadeem (Jay Ali). Vanessa was no longer just a supporter of Wilson’s empire; she had become its leader.
When Wilson left her behind for years, she adapted. Instead of waiting for his return, she embraced the power and responsibility of leading the empire herself. It seems that just as Wilson has changed, Vanessa has too.
Vanessa also found a new romantic partner during Wilson’s absence—Adam. Surprisingly, Wilson chooses not to kill Adam. He states that he is no longer that kind of man.
At first, it seems that Wilson truly wants to be a better person. However, as the series unfolds, it becomes clear that he is still willing to use his old methods when necessary. He begins blackmailing the police commissioner and tightening his grip on New York’s law enforcement. While he claims to have left his criminal past behind, his actions suggest otherwise.
If Wilson continues down this path, there is a possibility that Vanessa may come back to him. However, their relationship has suffered too much damage. The combination of betrayal, power struggles, and Vanessa’s finding a new love may make it impossible for them to reunite.
Is Couples Therapy a Real Attempt to Fix Their Marriage?
One of the most surprising parts of Daredevil: Born Again is that Wilson and Vanessa attend couples therapy. Their therapist is Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), who happens to be Matt Murdock’s new love interest.
At first glance, this seems like an effort to save their marriage. However, it quickly becomes clear that therapy is just another tool for Wilson’s political image. His campaign manager advises him that Vanessa’s absence is harming his reputation among traditional voters. To fix this, Wilson tries to present himself as a devoted husband working to repair his marriage.
There is another possible reason Wilson agreed to therapy. He may be using it as a way to gain an advantage over Matt Murdock. Knowing that Heather is dating Matt, Wilson could be gathering information to use against his longtime rival.
Wilson Fisk may claim to be a changed man, but his actions tell a different story. Whether he truly wants Vanessa back or is only using her for political gain remains uncertain. One thing is clear—his journey is far from over, and his rivalry with Daredevil is far from finished.
Daredevil: Born Again airs Tuesdays on Disney+.
