Marvel Is Bringing Back The Wrong Daredevil Villain For Born Again

There’s a better villain who should be brought back for Daredevil: Born Again. According to recent updates, the upcoming MCU series has commenced filming, with hopes currently for a 2024 release on Disney+. However, the schedule changes for 2023’s shows, with supposedly only Loki season 2 and Secret Invasion coming out this year may push this estimation back. Regardless, after Charlie Cox’s return in Spider-Man: No Way Home and then She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, the hype has continued to steadily grow. And now as more information is revealed almost daily, Daredevil: Born Again is certainly one of the most anticipated MCU projects coming down the pipeline.

Hopes live on that upcoming projects, including Daredevil: Born Again, will reintegrate the lost vestiges of the Marvel TV era back into the MCU. In fact, fans have developed theories connecting shows like Runaways and Agatha: Coven of Chaos or Agents of SHIELD and Secret Invasion together. Meanwhile, expectations are that Daredevil: Born Again will essentially relaunch the Marvel-Netflix series, including Jessica Jones and Luke Cage. However, the recent news that neither Foggy nor Karen may return is concerning and may dissuade some fans from developing such expectations. One important character is back, but it’s interesting to consider if there might’ve been a better fit out there, actually.

Jon Bernthal's Punisher Is Returning For Born Again But As A Hero or Villain?

Jon Bernthal's Frank Castle In Punisher Season 2 Ending

Recently, it was announced that Jon Bernthal will be returning as Punisher in Daredevil: Born Again. He debuted as Frank Castle in Daredevil season 2, and served as an antagonist for much of the season. After that he went on to helm his own Netflix series, The Punisher, which highlighted his redemption into a heroic figure. While he left things with a bright future, the MCU might have different plans. There’s just as much of a chance that Punisher may be a villain in Daredevil: Born Again as him being a heroic ally.

This quandary actually showcases a very pivotal element to Punisher’s return and what it means for the MCU. Currently, there is still confusion whether Daredevil, The Punisher and the other Marvel TV shows are or were ever officially part of the MCU canon or if they were always MCU-adjacent. If Daredevil: Born Again ignores Punisher’s trajectory from Daredevil and The Punisher and just brings him back as an antagonist again, it effectively sequesters those shows and characters to adjacency status. The show would be better served to continue his narrative, rather than erase and begin anew. This not only goes for Punisher, but Daredevil himself, and anyone else brought back.

Daredevil Season 3's Bullseye Was An Even Better Villain Than Punisher

While Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin will certainly be a central antagonist in Daredevil: Born Again, but he shouldn’t be the only one. Bullseye must return, even Charlie Cox thinks so, and if decide that Daredevil: Born Again is essentially an extension of Daredevil, they already have a big cliffhanger to pick up from. Season 3 of Daredevil followed Wilson Bethel’s descent to villain as Benjamin Poindexter. Significantly, his arc, in which he served as a foil to Daredevil and even came to pose as the hero, was riveting and the season and series ended with his back being broken by Kingpin.

This led to the final moment in which his eyes open on the surgery table and viewers see his iris become bullseyes, marking his transformation into the eponymous villain. It’s a tease that’s still left hanging almost five years later. Just as Bernthal’s Punisher deserves a second life in a fully realized and integrated MCU, so too does Bethel’s Bullseye. Bringing him back can resolve Daredevil season 3’s ending by finally showcasing him as Bullseye in his prime. Plus, given how things ended with Kingpin, he could act as a secondary antagonist opposing both of them, adding to the series’ stakes and connective tissue.

Why It Makes Sense For Bullseye To Be In Daredevil: Born Again

Most importantly, Bullseye is perfect to help bridge between the old regime and the new. It would not only ensure that the MCU is actually incorporating Daredevil as part of the franchise, rather than just cherry-picking certain elements. Bethel’s return in the role would be a natural progression not only for Bullseye but also for Daredevil as a hero. The MCU needs to tread lightly, so they don’t keep regurgitating the same story and power dynamics as before. As such, Daredevil has more great villains than just Kingpin, and they shouldn’t let an opportunity to use Bullseye, arguably Daredevil’s greatest nemesis, pass them by.

Bullseye is essential to the long-term health of Daredevil in the MCU. Fortunately, his chances are surprisingly good, especially considering how Daredevil: Born Again isn’t operating like any other MCU Disney+ show. Basically, Daredevil: Born Again’s first season will be 18 episodes long, which is unprecedented for the MCU. This is perfect because a lot can be fit into 18 episodes, including ample storylines involving Punisher, Kingpin, and of course, Bullseye. Hopefully, the trend continues and Daredevil: Born Again hits the mark by reintroducing Bullseye.

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