Daredevil: Born Again has taken a significant new direction and it might be for the better. Following Disney’s decision to revamp the show, THR reports that Dario Scardapane, familiar to Marvel fans as an executive producer on Netflix’s The Punisher, will take on the role of showrunner. Furthermore, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, known for their recent work on Loki Season 2, have been brought on board to oversee the remaining episodes of the first season. This overhaul follows the departure of the writers, Chris Ord and Matt Corman.
The initial vision for Daredevil: Born Again, first revealed at San Diego Comic-Con in 2022, leaned more towards a legal procedural format. In this conception, the show would have waited until the fourth episode before introducing viewers to Daredevil’s iconic costume. However, with Scardapane at the helm and backed by a fresh writing team, fans can expect some changes in the show’s trajectory.
Production complications further instigated these shifts. Disney+ had to halt the show’s production due to the writer’s strike, which subsequently saw Ord and Corman exit their roles. During this hiatus, Marvel executives reviewed the shot episodes, which is currently fewer than half of the initially proposed 18-episode order, and felt a course correction was necessary. The vision set by Corman and Ord was considered to lean more towards legal intricacies than the adrenaline-packed action sequences reminiscent of the original Netflix series. This comes at a time when Disney is in the middle of reevaluating its content creation approach, transitioning from a film-like model to the more conventional television production style, emphasizing the roles of showrunners, pilots, and series bibles.
Dario Scardapane’s previous experience with the Marvel Universe will undoubtedly influence the show’s direction, and, perhaps more importantly, the tone. Besides his significant involvement with The Punisher, his credentials also include contributions to shows like Jack Ryan and State of Affairs. His transition to a showrunner role for Daredevil signals the MCU’s commitment to maintaining the gritty tone that was a hallmark of earlier renditions of the character. This is a direction further emphasized by the choice of directors Benson and Moorhead, known for their unique takes on Marvel’s content, and their roots in films known for their unsettling and distinctive ambiance.
While significant alterations are planned, the show will retain some of the scenes and episodes it had already filmed. It’s a move that confirms a blend of the old and new visions for the series. Scardapane, alongside the new directors, will be responsible for crafting new episodes, integrating existing scenes, and ensuring a seamless narrative flow.
Given the uncertainties brought about by the creative shifts and the industry-wide disruptions, the initial proposal of an 18-episode season might see revisions. It remains to be seen how many episodes will comprise the debut season of Daredevil: Born Again.
Charlie Cox, who has become synonymous with the character of Matt Murdock, remains the heart of the series. Having played Daredevil in the Netflix series from 2015 to 2018, his portrayal has earned him a special place among the Marvel community. Furthermore, Vincent D’Onofrio is returning as the menacing Kingpin, adding another layer of continuity and anticipation for fans of the original series.
It’s worth noting that Marvel’s motivation behind these changes is rooted in a commitment to quality. Taking cues from the vast Marvel cinematic universe and understanding the stakes of reintroducing a beloved character, they’re keen to deliver a show that resonates with both long-term fans and new audiences. Such dedication is evident in the words of D’Onofrio, where he expressed confidence in the revamped direction of the show, emphasizing the iterative nature of creativity and the desire to always aim for the best possible outcome.
Disney is making it clear that it’s goal is to capture the essence and success of the Netflix original and to integrate it to the ever-expanding Marvel Universe on Disney+. With the changes set in motion and the dedicated team in place, the upcoming show is poised to be a significant addition to the MCU’s Phase 5 offerings. However, a release date remains elusive, leaving fans in eager anticipation of Matt Murdock’s return to the screen.
In the meantime, Marvel fans can look forward to checking out The Marvels in theaters on November 10. Unfortunately, it appears that the film isn’t expected to light up the global box office, unlike its predecessor.
