By ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Directors Clarify No Inspiration Taken from Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s 2003 ‘Daredevil’ Film, Emphasizing Influence from Netflix Series
Order in the courthouse—Charlie Cox is back as Daredevil! The highly anticipated series, Daredevil: Born Again, premieres today, March 5, on JioHotstar, bringing Matt Murdock’s crime-fighting legacy back to the screen. By day, he is the blind yet brilliant lawyer defending justice in the courtroom. By night, he transforms into Daredevil, the masked vigilante cleaning up Hell’s Kitchen’s crime-ridden streets. This time, directors Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson take the reins, aiming to bridge the gap between past adaptations while crafting a fresh take on the beloved superhero.
Following the events of Netflix’s Daredevil series, Born Again embraces its dark, action-packed essence while offering a surprising stylistic resemblance to Ben Affleck’s 2003 Daredevil movie. From Matt Murdock’s compelling courtroom drama to intense fight sequences, romance, and a moody depiction of Hell’s Kitchen, the series naturally invites comparisons to past versions of the character. Given these similarities, fans have speculated whether the new creative team intentionally drew inspiration from Affleck’s film.
However, in an exclusive interview with ETimes, director Moorhead made a startling admission. “You know what? This might be controversial—I haven’t seen Ben Affleck’s Daredevil. Have you (Benson)? No. Is that bad?” he revealed, adding to the intrigue surrounding the show’s influences.
Rather than looking to the 2003 film, the directors turned to the Netflix series for inspiration. Praising its bold storytelling and technical brilliance, Moorhead expressed admiration for its groundbreaking approach to television. “We were watching that and re-watching that, thinking, man, this thing takes some swings that don’t even happen in movies. And this was happening over long seasons of TV, on a compressed schedule, which makes it even harder to execute meaningful shots and memorable fight scenes.”
Benson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Netflix series’ remarkable execution. “Not only does it reach dramatic and technical heights that are rare for television, but there’s just so much of it. You watch it and think, how did they have the stamina?” he said, acknowledging the immense effort behind the original show.
Maintaining such high standards, however, comes with its challenges. Filming in New York’s tough winter conditions, executing complex fight choreography, and meeting fan expectations are no small feats. Moorhead jokingly reflected on the difficulties they faced, saying, “Are we going to be able to do this? How many nights in the middle of winter in New York were they on rooftops?”
The series is further enriched by the return of fan-favorite characters, with Vincent D’Onofrio reprising his role as Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, and Jon Bernthal making his comeback as the Punisher. Their presence adds layers of depth and intensity to the narrative, reinforcing Born Again as a worthy continuation of the Daredevil saga.
With Daredevil: Born Again, Moorhead and Benson aim to balance nostalgia with innovation, honoring the legacy of the Netflix series while delivering fresh storytelling elements. Fans can expect gripping legal drama, high-impact action, and a deeper exploration of Matt Murdock’s relentless pursuit of justice. As the show unfolds, it remains to be seen how this new era of Daredevil will carve its path while staying true to the spirit of the character.
Beyond its action-packed sequences, the series will delve deeper into Matt Murdock’s personal and moral dilemmas, highlighting his struggles between his legal career and his vigilante alter ego. Fans can also expect to see a more profound relationship dynamic between Daredevil and his allies, with new twists and unexpected alliances adding further complexity to the storyline. As the series progresses, it promises to raise the stakes, offering intense showdowns, gripping plot twists, and emotional moments that redefine the hero’s journey. The return of Daredevil marks not just the continuation of a beloved story but also a new chapter in Marvel’s ever-expanding universe.
