Marvel fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of the Man Without Fear, and that wait is finally over. Daredevil: Born Again, the highly anticipated revival of the beloved Netflix series, premiered its first two episodes on Disney+ on March 4, 2025, at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET. Starring Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer-turned-vigilante, and Vincent D’Onofrio as the ruthless Wilson Fisk (Kingpin), this series promises to bring back the gritty, intense storytelling that made the original a fan favorite, while integrating it into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
In this detailed guide, we’ll dive into everything we know about Daredevil: Born Again—from its release schedule and cast to its plot, creative overhaul, and what fans can expect from this exciting new chapter. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Netflix series or a newcomer to Hell’s Kitchen, here’s your ultimate rundown of Marvel’s latest street-level saga.
A Long-Awaited Return to Hell’s Kitchen
It’s been over six years since Daredevil Season 3 dropped on Netflix in 2018, leaving fans heartbroken when the streaming giant canceled the show shortly after. At the time, it seemed like Matt Murdock’s story had ended—until Marvel Studios swooped in to resurrect the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. Announced in 2022, Daredevil: Born Again marks the character’s official transition from Netflix to Disney+, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects in Marvel’s Phase 5.
The series doesn’t just bring back Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio; it also reunites key cast members like Deborah Ann Woll (Karen Page) and Elden Henson (Foggy Nelson), while introducing new characters and threats. With a premiere date of March 4, 2025, and a confirmed second season already in production, Daredevil: Born Again is poised to be a cornerstone of Marvel’s street-level storytelling in the MCU.
Release Date and Episode Schedule
Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 consists of nine episodes, and Marvel has opted for a unique release strategy that blends binge-worthy drops with weekly anticipation. Here’s the full schedule based on the latest updates:
- March 4, 2025: Episodes 1 and 2 premiere at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET on Disney+ (7:30 AM IST on March 5 for viewers in India on JioHotstar).
- March 11, 2025: Episode 3.
- March 18, 2025: Episode 4.
- March 25, 2025: Episodes 5 and 6 (a double-episode drop).
- April 1, 2025: Episode 7 (expected).
- April 8, 2025: Episode 8 (expected).
- April 15, 2025: Episode 9 (expected).
The first two episodes kick things off with a bang, reportedly clocking in at 58 minutes and 47 minutes, respectively—lengthy runtimes that echo the Netflix series’ pacing. The mid-season double drop of Episodes 5 and 6 is an unusual twist for Disney+, hinting at a major plot event that Marvel wants fans to experience in one sitting. While the exact dates for Episodes 7-9 are still speculative as March ends on a Monday, the weekly Tuesday releases at 6 PM PT align with Disney+’s recent patterns.
For international viewers, particularly in India, the series is available on JioHotstar (Disney+ Hotstar) in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu, starting March 5, 2025, at 7:30 AM IST.
The Plot: What’s Daredevil: Born Again About?
So, what’s the story? Daredevil: Born Again picks up years after the events of Daredevil Season 3, blending continuity from the Netflix series with fresh stakes in the MCU. The official synopsis gives us a taste of what’s to come:
“Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer with heightened abilities, is fighting for justice through his bustling law firm, while former mob boss Wilson Fisk pursues his own political endeavors in New York. When their past identities begin to emerge, both men find themselves on an inevitable collision course.”
This setup suggests a tense cat-and-mouse game between Daredevil and Kingpin, with Fisk stepping into a new role as a political figure—possibly the mayor of New York, inspired by Charles Soule’s “Mayor Fisk” comic run. Early reactions from critics who’ve seen the first two episodes hint at a shocking opening sequence that sets the stage for a brutal, emotional showdown.
The series also introduces Muse, a creepy serial killer from the comics, adding a fresh layer of danger to Matt’s world. Meanwhile, familiar faces like Frank Castle/The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) and returning foes like Bullseye (Wilson Bethel) promise to complicate things further. With themes of “grace and retribution” teased in Marvel’s marketing, expect a story that balances Matt’s vigilante life with his personal struggles and relationships.
The Cast: Returning Favorites and New Faces
One of the biggest draws of Daredevil: Born Again is its cast, which blends nostalgia with exciting newcomers. Here’s who’s stepping into Hell’s Kitchen:
Returning Stars
- Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil: Cox has already reprised the role in Spider-Man: No Way Home and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, but Born Again marks his full return as the lead. He’s promised a series as good as—or better than—the Netflix original.
- Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin: Fresh off his menacing turn in Echo, D’Onofrio considers Born Again a spiritual “fourth season” of the Netflix show.
- Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page: Matt’s confidante and love interest is back after initially being excluded from early plans.
- Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson: The heart of Nelson & Murdock returns, much to fans’ relief.
- Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/The Punisher: The brutal anti-hero is set for a significant role, with a Disney+ special also in development.
- Wilson Bethel as Bullseye: The sharpshooting villain from Season 3 is back for redemption.
- Ayelet Zurer as Vanessa Fisk: Fisk’s wife returns to deepen his storyline.
New Additions
- Margarita Levieva as Heather Glenn: A therapist and potential new love interest for Matt.
- Nikki M. James as Kirsten McDuffie: A former DA with ties to Matt’s legal world.
- Genneya Walton as BB Urich: A journalist carrying on Ben Urich’s legacy.
- Michael Gandolfini as Daniel Blake: Possibly a protégé to Fisk.
- Kamar de los Reyes as White Tiger: A new threat to Daredevil and Punisher.
- Arty Froushan and Clark Johnson: Roles TBD, adding mystery to the ensemble.
- Matthew Lillard (Season 2): The Scream star joins the cast in an undisclosed role as Season 2 begins production.
This mix of old and new ensures Born Again feels both familiar and fresh, honoring the Netflix era while expanding Matt’s world.
Creative Overhaul: A Darker, More Focused Vision
Daredevil: Born Again wasn’t an easy journey to the screen. Initially planned as an 18-episode season, the project hit a wall in 2023 during the writers’ strike. Marvel execs reviewed the footage and ordered a major creative overhaul, cutting the episode count to nine and bringing in new leadership.
Dario Scardapane (The Punisher) took over as showrunner, while directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (Loki, Moon Knight) helmed key episodes. The result? A darker, more intense series that critics are calling “gritty, ruthless, and unforgivingly bloody.” Early reviews praise its seamless connection to the Netflix era, with bone-crunching action and a tone that pushes the TV-MA rating to its limits.
Executive producer Sana Amanat has cited influences from Frank Miller’s iconic “Born Again” storyline, as well as runs by Charles Soule, Brian Bendis, and Ed Brubaker. This blend of comic inspiration ensures the series stays true to Daredevil’s roots while carving its own path in the MCU.
How It Fits Into the MCU
Is Daredevil: Born Again canon with the Netflix series? Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio say yes—“100%” set in the same universe. While the Netflix shows were once in a gray area of MCU continuity, Marvel’s recent moves—like Fisk’s role in Echo and Matt’s cameos—confirm that Born Again builds on that foundation.
Tonally, it’s darker than most MCU Disney+ fare, aligning more with Echo than She-Hulk. It’s part of Marvel’s street-level focus in Phase 5, alongside projects like Thunderbolts and the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps. With Season 2 already greenlit and a Punisher special on the horizon, Marvel seems committed to expanding this grimy corner of the universe—potentially even reviving Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, or Iron Fist down the line.
Early Reactions: What Are Critics Saying?
The first two episodes have screened for critics, and the buzz is overwhelmingly positive. Here’s a snapshot of the sentiment:
- “Feels very much like the OG series, with intense, brutal action.” – CinemaBlend
- “If the momentum of the first two episodes holds, this may be the best Marvel TV series to date.” – Black Girl Nerds
- “Incredible bone-crunching action… gritty, ruthless, and unforgivingly bloody!” – POC Culture
- “A shocking event sets the stage for an electrifying clash.” – The Movie Podcast
Fans are already calling it a “traumatizing, overjoyed” return, with Cox and D’Onofrio’s chemistry described as “electric.” The consensus? Born Again delivers the intensity of the Netflix series while setting up an exciting future.
What to Expect From Season 1 and Beyond
Season 1 promises high stakes, new challenges, and a deep dive into Matt and Fisk’s evolving rivalry. The double-episode drop on March 25 could signal a major twist—perhaps a character death or a game-changing reveal, as teased by the cast. With nine episodes, the pacing feels deliberate, avoiding the rushed feel of shorter MCU shows.
Looking ahead, Season 2 is already in production, with Matthew Lillard joining the cast. At eight episodes, it’ll continue the story, while a Punisher special suggests Frank Castle’s arc will extend beyond Born Again. Marvel’s Brad Winderbaum has even hinted at yearly seasons, making Daredevil a fixture of the MCU’s TV lineup.
Why Daredevil: Born Again Matters
For fans, Daredevil: Born Again is more than a revival—it’s a redemption. After years of uncertainty, Marvel has delivered a series that honors the Netflix legacy while pushing Matt Murdock into uncharted territory. It’s a love letter to the character’s comic roots and a bold step forward for the MCU’s street-level heroes.
Whether you’re here for the action, the drama, or the nostalgia, Daredevil: Born Again is shaping up to be a must-watch event. So, mark your calendars for March 4, 2025, and get ready to let the Devil out—Hell’s Kitchen has never looked so thrilling.
Final Thoughts
Daredevil: Born Again is poised to reclaim its spot as one of Marvel’s finest offerings. With a stellar cast, a gripping plot, and a creative team firing on all cylinders, it’s the comeback fans have dreamed of. Stay tuned to Disney+ (or JioHotstar in India) as the saga unfolds, and let us know your thoughts in the comments—what are you most excited to see in Matt Murdock’s next chapter?
