Daredevil: Born Again” Avoids “She-Hulk

by

The first two episodes of “Daredevil: Born Again” debuted on Disney+ on March 4, 2025, and it appears to be a massive success with both critics and viewers. In fact, some have hailed it as the best Marvel series available on Disney+. However, given that praise for one title often seems to come at the expense of another, this has sparked some discussions about the quality of “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” a show where Matt Murdock/Daredevil was last seen in the MCU.

Despite receiving praise from critics and a dedicated fanbase, the series titled “She-Hulk” was unfortunately subjected to an online backlash prior to its release. This negativity gave it a reputation as one of the most contentious Marvel Cinematic Universe titles, though it’s challenging to surpass the unfavorable reception of shows like “Iron Fist” or “Secret Invasion”.

A previous statement by the producer of “Daredevil: Born Again” suggested that the show may not acknowledge or incorporate Matt Murdock and Jennifer Walters’ relationship as depicted in “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.” Some fans interpreted this to mean that the series would disregard and revise the events of “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.” Even though Charlie Cox expressed his desire for Tatiana Maslany’s Jennifer Walters to appear in “Daredevil: Born Again,” some speculate that the series, along with Marvel Studios, might be overlooking “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” due to its controversial nature.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that the upcoming series, “Daredevil: Born Again,” might not share as direct a connection with “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” as “Agatha All Along” did with “WandaVision” or “Echo” with “Hawkeye.” However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ignoring the other series. It could simply be a matter of different storylines intersecting at various points in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The question about whether “Daredevil: Born Again” is MCU canon brings back memories of discussions from the mid-2010s, where there were doubts surrounding the status of “Daredevil.” Yet, here we are, with a new series on the horizon. So, let’s enjoy the ride and see how it all unfolds!

‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Takes Place After ‘She-Hulk’

In the first two installments of “Daredevil: Born Again,” Matt Murdock makes no reference to the events of “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” whatsoever. Given that “Born Again” refers back to the original series and subtly alludes to both “Echo” and “Hawkeye,” this omission is surprising. It remains uncertain which specific instances Matt Murdock might have referenced or mentioned She-Hulk, and it’s possible viewers didn’t expect Daredevil to casually drop a line like, “I was in She-Hulk episode 8.

In my view, just because She-Hulk isn’t explicitly mentioned in Daredevil: Born Again, it doesn’t mean that the storyline is disregarding her. The trailers for Daredevil: Born Again have hinted that the yellow and red suit Daredevil wore in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law will be featured, suggesting a continuation of the same universe. Furthermore, certain elements within the episode suggest that the start of Daredevil: Born Again takes place not long after the events of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.

The main point could be that Matt Murdock’s demeanor at the start of episode 1, before he becomes Daredevil, stands out. Compared to his portrayal in earlier seasons of Daredevil, Matt appears more upbeat during these scenes. This change is intended to emphasize how deeply Matt will later sink into despair after Foggy Nelson’s death at the end of this episode. The carefree version of Matt Murdock, who is seen flirting with Karen Page at Josie’s Bar and enjoying himself among others, mirrors his characterization in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.

A significant number of fans found issue with the portrayal of Daredevil in “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” stating it deviated from his character as established in the original series. However, this representation proved effective within the context of her show because it presented an aspect of Matt Murdock that harmonized with its overall tone while simultaneously acknowledging and honoring the daring, 1960s-inspired persona of the character, complete with the iconic yellow and red suit.

The reimagining of “Daredevil: Born Again” offers a fresh perspective on previous events. Matt Murdock, content with his life in New York alongside Foggy Nelson and Karen Page, is unaware that this tranquility is about to be shattered.

She-Hulk Wouldn’t Be the Only MCU Title That ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Ignores

In a straightforward and conversational manner, the statement can be rephrased as follows:

The series “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” isn’t the only Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) title that doesn’t seem to connect with “Daredevil: Born Again.” Unlike previous shows like “Jessica Jones,” “Luke Cage,” “Iron Fist,” and even “The Defenders,” none of their events are directly referenced in “Born Again.” However, the possibility for these series to tie-in is still open. Interestingly, Luke Cage’s series takes place in Harlem, yet there’s no reference to the climax of “The Incredible Hulk” which also occurred in Harlem during its original run. The subtle Easter eggs hinting at Luke Cage and Jessica Jones in the background might be easy to miss, but that doesn’t mean “Daredevil: Born Again” is disregarding them. Instead, it could simply be choosing a different narrative approach.

As a movie enthusiast, it strikes me as quite conspicuous that “Daredevil: Born Again” fails to acknowledge or even hint at “Captain America: Brave New World,” especially considering their planned release dates seem deliberately aligned to capitalize on contemporary political narratives. In “Captain America: Brave New World,” Wilson Fisk is shown winning an election in November 2026, which coincidentally matches the beginning of Thaddeus Ross’ presidency in that film. This intriguing connection between the two stories feels like a missed opportunity for cross-referencing or narrative continuity.

The MCU Doesn’t Need to Mention Everything

It appears that many fan communities often require frequent explanations about how various series are interconnected, or they seem to believe that these connections don’t exist or are being overlooked. For instance, viewers who watched the original Defenders Saga on Netflix frequently assumed that because the films made no reference to the television show, or because no Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters appeared in the series, it implied they were set in different realities. However, by 2025, Daredevil: Born Again makes it crystal clear that the events depicted in Daredevil and all other Defenders Saga series are indeed part of the established MCU timeline.

Since “Avengers: Endgame,” fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have found themselves often commenting on a recurring theme. For instance, when a new MCU title was released, someone would inevitably bring up the giant head emerging from the Indian Ocean, a nod to the finale of “Eternals.” It seemed that viewers were eager for “Agatha All Along” to pause halfway through episode 2 and acknowledge the Celestial presence, even though it didn’t affect the storyline. However, given that “Celestial Island” played a crucial role in “Captain America: Brave New World,” these comments now seem somewhat absurd. Interestingly, the MCU title prior to “Captain America: Brave New World” to reference the Celestial head was none other than “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” as hinted by a website headline.

Each story doesn’t necessarily have to connect with every other story. The film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever doesn’t directly acknowledge Spider-Man: No Way Home, but it doesn’t imply that it is disregarding it either. Similarly, the events of Thor: Love & Thunder might not be mentioned in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, yet this does not mean the Marvel Cinematic Universe is neglecting that film. Fans of Marvel Comics understand that not every comic book references every other one, and they don’t typically expect a new issue of The Fantastic Four to reference every other Marvel comic being published. References between stories were once considered a fun bonus, but now they are sometimes treated as mandatory elements, and the absence of a reference is often assumed to indicate issues behind the scenes.

Born Again” doesn’t refer to “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” or “The Marvels”, nor does “Captain America: Brave New World” acknowledge “Secret Invasion”. However, “Secret Invasion” had significant, worldwide implications that seemed to directly connect with both “The Marvels” and “Brave New World”, yet it is not only left unaddressed but swiftly brushed aside.

In other words, “Daredevil: Born Again” not mentioning “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” or Matt Murdock and Jennifer Walters’ relationship doesn’t mean Marvel is overlooking the previous series—it just doesn’t fit the narrative. In fact, it could feel awkward and unrealistic for Matt to bring up She-Hulk, especially when he’s flirting with Karen Page, as discussing a past romantic interest in such a moment would likely be off-putting. Additionally, you won’t find any references to Elektra either in the opening act.

It seems the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is finding itself in a bit of a conundrum, as some viewers complain that there aren’t enough links to other stories, while others believe that the series and films are overly connected and lack self-sufficiency. Whether or not Daredevil: Born Again acknowledges She-Hulk: Attorney at Law could be a tricky decision either way.

It appears that She-Hulk might not be featured in Daredevil: Born Again during its initial season, but there’s a possibility she could show up in Season 2. However, her character seems to be at odds with the series’ current tone. It would certainly be exciting if we got to see her again, perhaps in an upcoming Avengers movie. Regardless of whether or not She-Hulk appears, or if Daredevil references his time in California, it doesn’t negate the fact that the events portrayed in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law still transpired. Similarly, the events depicted in The Defenders and Captain America: Brave New World didn’t cease to exist either.

Read More

2025-03-07 03:05