Daredevil: Born Againhas only begun, but the show has already made significant changes to theMarvel Cinematic Universestory, and a fair number of characters from the previous Netflix series have not returned to the reboot. While manyMarvel characters have returned to the cast ofDaredevil: Born Again, the series was originally built out to be a fresh take on Daredevil, suggesting that the original intention was for very few connections to the Netflix series to remain. While the show changed direction partway through production, several important characters from the Netflix series have not yet been heard from.
The Defenders saga on Netflix has a strange relationship with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While originally intended as canon to the MCU, it wasn’t treated as such for a long time.Even after theMarvel Netflix shows officially became canonin 2024, some components do not seem to align, with tweaks to Bullseye suggesting to some thatDaredevil: Born Againretcons the Netflix series. With several important characters not returning for the new show, the importance of these questions has only intensified, and will hopefully be concretely answered in the near future.
7The Entire Crew of The Hand
Many Previous Daredevil Characters Will Not Return This Season
The Yami no te, otherwise known as the Hand, were an important group of villains throughout the run of the Netflix series. The group appeared in multiple Netflix series, includingIron FirstandThe Defenders, andplayed a major part in season 2 ofDaredevil, where the Hand was instrumental in a plot to try and gain immortality.This was woven into important stories concerning the mysteries of Daredevil’s romantic life and history with Electra - but it appears that the team, at least as it existed previously, will not play a part in the first season ofBorn Again.
This is understandable, asmany important characters from this group, including Nobu Yoshioka - one of the main antagonists ofDaredevilseason 2 - do not survive the events of the Defenders shows. Still, it is notable that, with such important ties to the characters, the Hand do not have a presence in the return of Matt Murdock to the MCU, despite there being potential for underlings and believers in the cause to appear even after the defeat of figures like Madame Gao and Alexandra Reid.
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WithDaredevil: Born Againfilming season 2, andwith more seasons potentially ahead, the Hand will likely return to the series at some point, even if only through flashbacks. However, it will remain to be seen which characters, if any, are able to return to the show. Many of the important leaders from the Netflix show have already died, but it is important to remember: the Hand’s goal was always to find immortality, and there could be ways to bring these villains back.
6Claire Temple
Played By Rosario Dawson
For a time, Rosario Dawson’s Claire Temple was actually the glue that held the universe ofThe Defenderstogether. Being introduced early on inDaredevil, Claire was immediately notable as a medical practitioner who took care of Matt Murdock throughout the series.In addition to this, she worked as a night nurse who came into contact with many different Marvel figures as a result, and wound up bringing the Defenders team together for their titular series.
Having appeared in so many different shows, Claire was vital to the Defenders universe, and it is disappointing that the character doesn’t seem to be returning for the first season ofBorn Again.With connections to Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist alike, Claire is considered by many to be the unofficial fifth member of that team.It seems important, with characters like The Punisher and Daredevil so prominently featured, that Claire’s story would be given more attention in the new reboot.
Granted,Claire’s story became less about Daredevil and more about the entire universe, which might explain her absence inBorn Again.Claire was last seen moving after her relationship with Luke Cage fell apart, but with the possibility ofLuke Cage returning to Marvel, it seems that there may be more story for Claire yet. Whether inBorn Againor another series or film, there are many future opportunities for Claire.
5Ben Urich
Played By Vondie Curtis-Hall
Ben Urich was an important part ofDaredevilseason 1, presented as a journalist who worked alongside Karen Page.Urich has an extensive history in theDaredevilseries and comics, and audiences were excited to see him given a prominent role in season 1, supporting Page and giving her advice on how to keep her profile low when investigating. Unfortunately, Urich’s work was not as subtle as he seemed to think.
In the same season,Urich was killed by Fisk,being one of his first major victims. This death set the tone forDaredevil, showing that no characters, no matter how significant their comic history was, were safe. Unfortunately, with the character dead, there are no easy opportunities to bring him back inBorn Again.However, Urich’s story is continued within the new series.
Ben has been replaced in the new series by his niece, BB, who is also a journalist, albeit one using more contemporary methods. BB’s work is interspersed throughout the first episodes ofBorn Again, and suggests that she is actually in support of Fisk’s campaign for mayor. This is an unusual choice, considering Fisk’s actions against her uncle, though it’s not clear whether BB has the full picture of Fisk’s involvement in his death. It is likely that more will follow concerning BB’s motivations in future episodes.
4James Wesley
Played By Toby Leonard Moore
James Wesley played an important role throughout the first season ofDaredevil, wherethe character worked as the direct assistant to Wilson Fisk.Complicit with Kingpin’s terrifying acts of violence, and ready to do whatever it took to continue his chokehold on crime, Wesley committed some dastardly acts throughout the season. He remained committed to Kingpin all the way up to his death.
Unfortunately, his death came surprisingly early. James Wesley kidnapped Karen Page in season 1, in an attempt to cover up details concerning Ben Urich’s investigations. However, Wesley did not do a great job of controlling the situation, and Karen was able to escape. In the midst of this,Page mortally wounded Wesley after turning his own gun against him.
There have been other right-hand men to Fisk since, and characters like Benjamin Poindexter even referred to themselves as"the new Wesley".However, so far it seems to be Buck Cashman who will be fulfilling this role in the new series. Buck is Fisk’s new right-hand man, and promises to be an even more terrifying addition to the Kingpin’s new team.
3Blake Tower
Played By Stephen Rider
Blake Tower has played a significant role in the comics as the New York County district attorney. This role was used well in the Netflix series, whereTower was first the assistant district attorney, before being elected to the role after the death of his boss, Samantha Reyes.Tower played the important role of being a foil to Foggy Nelson, and the two butted heads repeatedly throughout the series.
It is important, when using the legal elements of Daredevil stories, to have bureaucratic servants standing in the way. The legal system is a difficult one to navigate, andthe tensions between those who uphold it on an institutional level, and those who are focused more on their own ethics, like Nelson and Murdock, can make for an interesting contrast.Unfortunately, despite the interesting dimension of this story, Blake Tower is not back forBorn Again.
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With a different focus, and with Kingpin’s own pursuit of institutional power with the mayoral race, it makes sense thatBorn Againwould not need as many ancillary institutional powers to fight against.While Tower could certainly have fit into the new series, he was not strictly necessary. With the character still alive, however, there are certainly opportunities to bring him in later if the showrunners wish.
2Turk Barrett
Played By Rob Morgan
Turk Barrett was one of severalDaredevilcharacters who appeared in multiple differentDefendersseries.Playing what was mostly a small-time crook, Rob Morgan brought an interesting charisma and interconnectivity to the series. Barrett began working for Fisk, but had so many run-ins with the law that it became difficult even to know where his loyalties lay.
For example, Barrett sold guns to both the Punisher and Diamondback. Similarly, he both worked for and was kidnapped by the Russian mafia. He stood in Daredevil’s way, but was even rescued by him after being kidnapped by the Hand. Beginning in a strangely dark role,the character later came to resemble his comic book counterpart, serving as a layer of comic relief.
Turk Barrett has not returnedBorn Again, although the character is still likely alive in the city.It would not be surprising if he appears somewhere in the future, working for some other criminal organization, and serves as either friend or foil to Daredevil, or even perhaps both in the same episode. The character has become somewhat of a fan favorite, and there is hope he could appear in future seasons.
1Elektra Natchios
Played by Elodie Yung
Elektra Natchios is clearly the most glaring omission from the new series. An assassin with significant links to Daredevil’s past,Elektra is perhaps Daredevil’s most significant love interest in the comics.The Netflix series told much of her canonical story in season 2 and inThe Defenders, which saw her resurrected and twisted to fight against the heroes.
Daredevil’s romantic relationshipshave been a focal point of the Charlie Cox iteration of the character, and they have all been interesting in their own ways. However, Elektra stands out, and her fascinating interesting backstory makes her a uniquely compelling figure. Unfortunately, after her death, resurrection, and second death, the character would need to be brought back in some way for future stories, unless the MCU decides to retcon her second demise.
Elektra’s MCU return, especially following the character’s appearance inDeadpool & Wolverinewith the Jennifer Garner version, feels very possible, especially since the original show already brought her back once before. Whether played by Elodie Yung or even recast for new stories, Elektra seems arguably too important a character in her own right to be left off the table. Whether inDaredevil: Born Againor in another project entirely, Elektra will surely return to the franchise eventually.
