Marvel Boss Likens Daredevil: Born Again to ‘Problematic and Scary’ Game of Thrones

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As a seasoned film enthusiast who has witnessed the rise and fall of many superhero series, I must say that the description of “Daredevil: Born Again” piques my interest. The idea of Matt Murdock returning to a more sinister version of Hell’s Kitchen, where the city mirrors the intrigue and power struggles found in Westeros, sounds like a tantalizing prospect.

It might be inappropriate to label a fresh, multi-million dollar superhero series like “Daredevil: Born Again” as problematic. However, Marvel Studios executive Brad Winderbaum has used the term to describe Hell’s Kitchen, New York, in the show, portraying it as a daunting location filled with cunning individuals who are constantly plotting against each other for power. Essentially, it sounds like every bustling city in reality. The series finds Matt Murdock (portrayed by Charlie Cox) in a new setting on Disney+, marking his return for another standalone series after three seasons of “Daredevil” and “The Defenders,” which originally streamed on Netflix.

On ABC’s On The Red Carpet Storytellers Spotlight Stage, Winderbaum compared the depiction of Hell’s Kitchen in the show to the complex and perilous world portrayed in Game of Thrones. “Envision a city like New York City as convoluted, dangerous, and full of strife as the realm of Game of Thrones,” he explained. Although characters such as Daredevil could fit seamlessly into Westeros, battling for their liege lord or joining secret societies, it’s unlikely that Jon Snow would be found in Hell’s Kitchen, engaging in power struggles against the Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) before declaring, “I don’t want this. I never wanted it.

In the story titled “Daredevil: Born Again,” the character Daredevil once again clashes with his arch-nemesis Kingpin. However, unlike their previous encounters, Kingpin has significantly increased in power and ambition since their first encounter, setting his sights on becoming the Mayor of New York City. As described by Winderbaum, the atmosphere and setting of “Born Again” closely resemble the original series, alternating between grim, violent despair and resilient hope. He further explained:

In this struggle for dominance, things can seem both promising and perilous, occasionally brutal yet illuminated by a glimmer of hope. If you persist in your efforts, there’s a beacon of light waiting at the end of it all.

Daredevil: Born Again Will Be Darker Than the Original Series

Alongside becoming one of Netflix’s top-performing and critically acclaimed original series upon its premiere, Daredevil signified a significant leap for Marvel Studios as they delved into adult-oriented content, venturing into R-rated territory. The series was characterized by its violence, gloominess, and exploration of mature themes. When the announcement of Born Again under Disney came about, fans were concerned that the new series might lose its gritty authenticity due to a more family-friendly approach on Disney+.

It’s great news that Marvel Studios are sticking to the gritty tone of the original series for “Born Again”, which may even surpass the darkness of the premiere “Daredevil” series. As per Vincent D’Onofrio, certain scenes in “Born Again” push the boundaries of violence and brutality beyond what was seen in the original show, leaving him amazed that Disney allowed it to remain in the updated series. The actor expressed his surprise, stating, “There’s one thing my character does that I can hardly believe made it into the final cut.” “Daredevil: Born Again” is set to premiere in March 2025.

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2024-10-10 15:33