Is Vincent D'Onofrio Back As Kingpin In The MCU? Why Marvel Couldn't Recast

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Hawkeye episode 3.

It looks like the rumors are true – Vincent D’Onofrio appears to be playing Kingpin in Marvel’s Hawkeye show. Given that the Kingpin character has strong ties to the comic book version of Hawkeye’s Echo, there were theories that Wilson Fisk would be incorporated into the Disney+ series. While it was suspected that Marvel might simply replace Kingpin’s role in her backstory with a different villain, Hawkeye episode 3 indicated that the series is at least somewhat sticking to the source material.

There have been hopes that if Marvel were to bring Kingpin back into the MCU – whether it be through Hawkeye, Echo, or a different project – that it would be with Vincent D’Onofrio’s take on the character. The Marvel Comics criminal mastermind and classic member of Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery was famously portrayed by D’Onofrio in Netflix’s Daredevil series throughout its three-season run. Marvel’s Netflix shows don’t seem to be MCU canon, but the concept of the multiverse made it seem possible for D’Onofrio’s Kingpin to exist somewhere in its universe.

Rumors about Charlie Cox’s Daredevil making an appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home gave further credence to the idea that D’Onofrio could play the MCU’s Kingpin, despite his prior connection to the character in the Netflix show. Now, the prospect of D’Onofrio’s Kingpin arriving in the MCU feels more likely than ever. Here’s how Hawkeye episode 3 hints at Kingpin being the show’s real villain, how he’s connected to Echo, and why Marvel has apparently decided against recasting him.

Hawkeye Is Hinting At Kingpin's Villain Reveal

The MCU carefully hiding the identity of Echo's “uncle” in Hawkeye episode 3 served as a clear indication that this character is someone of great importance to the comics, a familiar face, or possibly both. Otherwise, it would be strange for his identity to be kept a secret. Hawkeye curiously refrained from showing his face, but didn’t shy away from dropping some obvious giveaways. The suit, the build of the character, and status as the ringleader of a criminal empire all point toward him being the Kingpin, the same villain whose nefarious scheming made him a hated enemy of both Spider-Man and Daredevil in the comic books. Adding to all that is the sound of his voice, which matches up closely with D’Onofrio. Also, Kazi’s line about how her father “always put the crew first” implies that Uncle operates differently, presumably in a much more villainous and aggressive fashion.

Kingpin Is Uncle - Echo Comics Link Explained

Of course, Marvel has no shortage of menacing street-level antagonists and gangsters who could fill Hawkeye’s main villain role, but it’s the inclusion of Echo that really sells the Kingpin connection. In the comics, the death of Maya’s father, Crazy Horse, left her in the care of Fisk, who was one of his most trusted friends. Unbeknownst to her, it was Kingpin who was secretly responsible for her father’s death. Afterward, Fisk raised her as if she was his own, and eventually realized that she was gifted in a number of ways. As a result, Fisk ensured that she received a good education and eventually made her a pawn in his battle with Daredevil. Because Fisk treated her so well, Echo was loyal to him for years before finally figuring out that he was the one who engineered Crazy Horse’s death.

This backstory fits in perfectly with what Hawkeye is doing with Echo. It was established in the episode that both her father and uncle were somehow involved in organized crime. Her father died, and control over his gang has seemingly passed to Uncle. The straightforward link between Echo’s MCU origin and her comic book backstory shows why Uncle can’t be Silvermane, Hammerhead, Count Nefaria, or some other Marvel Comics gangster. It has to be Kingpin.

Why Vincent D'Onofrio Is Perfect As Kingpin

Kingpin looking straightfoward in Daredevil marketing

As noted above, the Netflix shows are supposedly separate from the MCU, which means that theoretically Marvel can start from scratch with any of its characters – Kingpin included. In some cases, this would be the preferred approach, especially since it would allow Marvel to craft new stories, rather than be forced to build on events that took place in Netflix’s show. However, recasting and beginning anew isn’t always necessary. One of the most important elements of Daredevil was Kingpin and what D’Onofrio brought to the role. Particularly when he was dressed in his comic-accurate white suit, D’Onofrio’s Fisk could easily be recognized right away as the Kingpin from Marvel Comics. With his chilling performance as the ruthless and confident crime boss in Daredevil, D’Onofrio proved that he has what it takes to properly portray Kingpin. Thanks to D’Onofrio and Daredevil, the definitive Kingpin has already been introduced.

Recasting Kingpin Would Be A Disaster

Daredevil stands behind Kingpin in a room in Daredevil.

D’Onofrio’s continued interest in the character, the fact that Marvel has the option to use him, and the overwhelmingly positive response to Daredevil’s Kingpin would have led to a ton of backlash if Marvel had recast him with a new actor. Given that they don't need to, bringing in a new actor would have been the wrong move. The popularity of D’Onofrio also would have ruined the surprise of introducing such a major Spider-Man character into the MCU. D’Onofrio’s Kingpin appearing in Hawkeye stands a good chance at receiving widespread, positive attention, whereas a new Kingpin would have just generated a great deal of disappointment and criticism from those who wanted D’Onofrio back.

By using Daredevil’s version, Marvel will succeed in avoiding that possibility, as well as inevitable comparisons between its new Kingpin and D’Onofrio. Not unlike the situation with J.K. Simmons’ J. Jonah Jameson, retaining the most iconic live-action version of the character can work better than trying something new. When one version is deeply loved by viewers, a new take is usually doomed to fall short of expectations. For this reason, it makes perfect sense for Marvel to revive D’Onofrio’s Kingpin for Hawkeye, and possibly other MCU projects. After all, topping his Daredevil performance would have been incredibly challenging and wholly unnecessary.

More: Hawkeye: Every Marvel Easter Egg & Reference In Episode 3

Hawkeye releases new episodes Wednesdays on Disney+.