Navigating the MCU: “Daredevil: Born Again” Showrunner Talks Challenges

by Annika January 27, 2025

In a recent interview with SFX Magazine, “Daredevil: Born Again” showrunner Dario Scardapane discussed the challenges of navigating the Marvel Cinematic Universe while telling a standalone story. While the Netflix “Daredevil” series and crossovers are considered canon in the MCU, Scardapane had to carefully select which events to acknowledge to avoid interfering with Marvel’s master plan. He mentioned that events from “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “She-Hulk: Attorney At Law” may not be referenced in “Daredevil: Born Again,” including a controversial one-night stand between Daredevil and She-Hulk. However, Scardapane teased the appearance of a surprising character in the series. “Daredevil: Born Again” premieres on Disney+ on March 4, 2025.

Navigating the MCU: “Daredevil: Born Again” Showrunner Talks Challenges

– Showrunner Dario Scardapane had to navigate Marvel’s master plan and accommodate the larger MCU while developing the upcoming “Daredevil: Born Again” series for Disney+.
– Scardapane chose to acknowledge certain events from the Netflix “Daredevil” series but ignored others, including Matt Murdock’s appearances in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “She-Hulk: Attorney At Law.”
– While Murdock’s fling with She-Hulk will likely not be mentioned, Scardapane teased the inclusion of a surprise character in the show that fans never expected to see.

Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel Studios has faced the challenge of creating a new season of “Daredevil” for Disney+ while respecting the existing Marvel Cinematic Universe and Kevin Feige’s future plans. Showrunner Dario Scardapane opened up about the difficulties of navigating this task in an interview with SFX Magazine. He revealed that he had to go through a process of trial and error to figure out how to approach the show in a post-Netflix MCU. Marvel’s master plan and their other plans for the MCU influenced Scardapane’s pitches, resulting in ripple effects.

However, Scardapane didn’t let this deter him. Rather than attempting to address every prior appearance of Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock/Daredevil, he chose to selectively acknowledge certain events. While the Netflix “Daredevil” series and various crossovers are included in MCU canon, newer entries like Murdock’s cameos in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “She-Hulk: Attorney At Law” may not be referenced in “Daredevil: Born Again.” Scardapane has leeway until he reaches the larger-scale plan for the MCU, allowing him to ignore certain elements from the wider universe.

As for the controversial one-night stand between Daredevil and She-Hulk, Scardapane hints that it may not be addressed in “Daredevil: Born Again.” He emphasizes the establishment of a specific Daredevil with a unique dilemma, wardrobe, and the point in his life where the series picks up. Scardapane confirms that “Daredevil” is canon in the MCU, but not all events from other shows will be heavily explored, potentially including the one-night stand.

For fans concerned about Murdock’s hookup with She-Hulk, the news is reassuring. Their tryst may not impact the storyline of “Daredevil: Born Again.” This decision aligns with the show’s need to efficiently deliver its narrative in just nine episodes, focusing on crucial plot points and avoiding unnecessary distractions.

However, Scardapane does promise surprises. In the same interview, he teases the introduction of a character in the show that viewers would never expect. This character will be woven into the story organically, existing in the current state of the MCU’s New York, a city bustling with various events. The identity and role of this character remain undisclosed, fueling anticipation among fans.

Despite the challenges, being a part of the larger MCU doesn’t have to be a disadvantage. Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel Studios, with Scardapane at the helm, is set to deliver another exciting season of “Daredevil” that respects the MCU’s tapestry while offering new and unexpected elements. The show will premiere on Disney+ on March 4, 2025.