In Netflix’s Daredevil, Cox introduced viewers to a version of Matt Murdock who could wield wit as deftly as his billy club. Unlike the broader, often crass humor typical in MCU films, Cox’s Daredevil was renowned for his dry, understated jokes, particularly in serious situations. This approach was not just refreshing but became a beloved aspect of his character. As one Reddit user, u/phantasmagorical, noted, “People think Daredevil isn’t funny, but Matt is hilarious.” This sentiment was echoed across fan discussions, highlighting a fear that transitioning into the PG-13 sphere of the MCU might strip away the mature, subtle humor that defined Cox’s Daredevil.
Transition to MCU: A Shift in Tone?
The integration of Daredevil into the MCU began with appearances in Spider-Man: No Way Home and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Particularly in She-Hulk, fans noticed a significant shift. The character, typically enveloped in the shadows of Hell’s Kitchen, was suddenly thrust into bright, comedic scenarios that felt at odds with the brooding vigilante fans had come to love. This change has led to concerns about how his character will be handled in Daredevil: Born Again.
According to Variety, the return of Daredevil to the MCU was a carefully considered decision. Marvel president Kevin Feige personally reached out to Cox, outlining plans to reintroduce Matt Murdock to the universe. Despite this, the two-year silence that followed left many, including Cox, uncertain about the future. Finally, in 2022, Feige confirmed the development of Daredevil: Born Again, reassuring fans that the show would retain its TV-MA rating, a promising sign for those hoping for the preservation of the show’s darker tones and mature humor.
The Future of Daredevil in MCU
As Daredevil: Born Again approaches its March 2025 release, available exclusively on Disney+, questions remain about how true the series will stay to the character’s roots. The TV-MA rating is a positive indicator, suggesting that Marvel is not shying away from the edgier content that the Netflix series embraced. This could mean that the sharp, gritty humor that fans loved may not be as endangered as once feared.
However, as the MCU continues to evolve, balancing family-friendly appeal with the more adult themes of Daredevil will be crucial. The challenge will be to maintain the integrity of Cox’s portrayal while adapting it to a broader audience. If Marvel can navigate this balance, they have the opportunity to deepen their storytelling, exploring complex themes through beloved characters like Matt Murdock.
In conclusion, the future of Daredevil’s humor in the MCU is not set in stone. It will depend significantly on how Marvel chooses to blend the character’s darker elements with the wider universe’s tone. For fans of Charlie Cox’s portrayal, the hope remains that the essence of what made his Daredevil so compelling — the nuanced, dry humor and the depth of character — will not only survive but thrive in the expansive MCU.