Charlie Cox: Inside the Evolution of Daredevil and His Journey in 'Born Again'
Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Daredevil has become iconic for Marvel fans. With the release of "Daredevil: Born Again," Cox not only reprised his role as Matt Murdock but also emerged as a central voice in the creative direction of the series. This article explores how Charlie Cox influenced the show, his experience returning to the Marvel universe, and the controversies surrounding one memorable episode.
Charlie Cox and the Rebirth of Daredevil
The return of Charlie Cox in "Daredevil: Born Again" marked a significant moment for both fans and the series. After a run on Netflix, the show was rebooted by Disney+ with an intent to blend its acclaimed dark tone with a more ensemble-driven narrative. According to Cox, this was only possible thanks to new showrunner Dario Scardapane and an open-minded approach from Marvel executives.
In a candid interview, Cox revealed, "I do happen to think it’s some of the best writing we’ve ever had on this show." He credited Scardapane for fleshing out neglected characters and creating a true ensemble, making the journey more mysterious and engaging for the audience. You can get a closer look at his insights in this exclusive interview, where he discusses the series' shift back to storytelling roots and the challenges that came with reviving Daredevil’s unique voice.
Navigating Creative Challenges
During the transition, the production faced major industry strikes. Ironically, these delays gave the creative team time to reflect and redirect the show toward its darker origins. Cox, alongside co-star Vincent D’Onofrio, voiced concerns about alienating long-time fans by moving away from the elements that made Daredevil successful. Cox's rapport with Marvel leadership was key, as he states that they valued the input of their actors and remained flexible when the show's direction needed adjustment. Read more about Cox’s collaborative experience on set and his thoughts on the Marvel process in Collider’s deep-dive article.
The Episode That Divided Opinions
Even as “Daredevil: Born Again” enjoyed strong reviews, not every episode was universally loved—at least by its star. Episode 5, titled "With Interest," remains a topic of debate. Charlie Cox openly admitted that this episode was his “least favorite” due to its bank heist plot, which he felt was out of place for 2025. He argued that the concept was dated and doubted the realism of its execution. Despite his reservations, fans expressed surprising appreciation for the episode, and it turned out to be one of the season's highest-rated. Variety captured this paradox in their article: Charlie Cox Says Daredevil: Born Again Episode 5 Is His Least Favorite.
Cox ultimately recognized the subjectivity of fan opinions: “It just goes to show you just don’t know. It’s so subjective. Everyone’s taste is different.” Yet, he remained committed to maintaining the integrity of the character and the legacy of the Netflix series.
Charlie Cox and Marvel: A Lasting Collaboration
Charlie Cox’s relationship with Marvel is based on trust and collaboration. The studio, especially figures like Kevin Feige, valued his feedback throughout the production of “Born Again.” This respect for the actor’s perspective has allowed the character of Matt Murdock to evolve without compromising what made him resonate with audiences in the first place.
For fans, Cox’s continued involvement signals that Daredevil will remain a complex, engaging figure in Marvel’s storytelling. As the show moves into its next season, anticipation is high for what Cox and the creative team will deliver next.
Conclusion
Charlie Cox’s deep commitment to Daredevil has shaped "Born Again" into a series that honors its past while forging a bold new path. His insights, honesty about creative disagreements, and trust in both fans and collaborators have contributed to the show’s ongoing success. Whether discussing writing, performance, or production, Cox continues to prove why he is the definitive Daredevil for a new generation.