Insomniac Games’ constant teasing about potential incoming post-launch content has become a recurring theme since Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was released, to much critical acclaim. As a matter of fact, not long after all but confirming that a Venom spin-off is happening, the first-party Sony studio is hinting at the possibility of the appearance of the Man Without Fear.
Bryan Intihar, the creative director of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, recently hinted at Daredevil’s involvement.
During a livestream celebrating the launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and its soundtrack, Intihar was heard asking in the background, “Where is Daredevil?” just as the stream ended. This offhand comment, though seemingly innocuous, reignited speculation about Daredevil’s role within Insomniac’s universe.
This isn’t the first time Daredevil has been referenced in the Spider-Man games. In Marvel’s Spider-Man, a sign reading “Nelson & Murdock: Attorneys at Law” was prominently displayed, a direct nod to Matt Murdock’s alter ego. However, upon the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, players noticed the sign’s absence, sparking curiosity and questions. It later got an update, with Insomniac reinstating the sign in the sequel, with Intihar humorously noting on Twitter, “Guess they paid their rent…” This deliberate restoration, coupled with Intihar’s remarks, points to a deeper connection with the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen and perhaps a larger plan in the works.
The web of connections doesn’t stop there. Insomniac has consistently referenced other Marvel heroes, including the Avengers, Doctor Strange, and Black Panther. Further adding to the intrigue, Intihar confirmed that the so-far-trio of Spider-Man titles and the upcoming Wolverine game exist in the same version of the Marvel universe, Earth-1048. The existence of this shared universe opens up a plethora of possibilities for character interactions and team-ups, especially with Marvel’s Wolverine expected to release at some point next year.
Guess they paid their rent… https://t.co/SzXFEXWaqZ
— Bryan Intihar (@bryanintihar) November 2, 2023
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 subtly included hints of The Hand, a villainous organization deeply rooted in Daredevil’s lore. It features a mysterious room with symbols and weapon racks reminiscent of The Hand, intensifying speculation that the “other” masked vigilante that features New York will appear sooner rather than later. But, that’s not all. The inclusion of references to Trask and Madripoor in the fastest-selling PlayStation game ever hints Insomniac is laying the groundwork for a Marvel Knights storyline. Both Spider-Man and Wolverine, having been associated with the Marvel Knights team in the comics, align with the gritty and mature themes the franchise is known for.
Despite the mounting evidence and speculation, there has been no official confirmation of Daredevil content or DLC for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Nevertheless, Insomniac’s track record of subtle nods and references has not gone unnoticed by fans, who are eager for any indication of Daredevil’s arrival.
In comparison to more prominent characters like Spider-Man and Wolverine, Daredevil has often been overshadowed, despite enjoying popularity through a Netflix series. Insomniac’s inclusion of Daredevil references in their latest Spider-Man installment has reignited interest in the character and the potential for a more significant role.
The good news here is that Daredevil fans can look forward to seeing him finally make a return, albeit on small screens on Disney+.
After reprising his role in Spider-Man: No Way Home and She-Hulk, Charlie Cox is confirmed for the upcoming MCU show, Echo, which is the first Marvel Studios’ series to feature a TV-MA rating when it comes out in January.
