Save Daredevil: Why The MCU Needs To Use Charlie Cox’s Hero Again

Fans have once again sparked a trending campaign to save Daredevil and incorporate Charlie Cox’s hero officially into the Marvel Cinematic Universe — and the powers that be really should heed the suggestion. Stan Lee and Bill Everett’s popular street-level protagonist made the jump to Netflix in 2015. Critically acclaimed and earning an army of fans, the series paved the way for a sub-franchise centered around The Defenders. Like most of Marvel’s television offerings, however, Daredevil‘s connection to Disney’s big-screen juggernaut was tenuous at best. And, despite its popularity and positive reviews, the streaming service canceled it (and its sibling shows) after three seasons.

In the two years since Daredevil season 3, fans have fought to keep the series in the mainstream consciousness. As such, the “Save Daredevil” campaign has surged at intermittent intervals. Kingpin actor Vincent D’onofrio has also frequently lent his voice to the cause. Equally, even official MCU actors like Agent Coulson actor Clark Gregg have spoken in support. Unfortunately, a considerable obstacle loomed in the form of the Netflix contract — which stated that the character couldn’t be used until two years after the last episode. However, as of November 29, 2020, that clause has officially expired and  Marvel Studios have once again regained the rights. As such, “Save Daredevil” has once again trended on Twitter throughout the day as fans made their hopes for the MCU’s future known.

Marvel Studios couldn’t – and shouldn’t – capitulate to every fan demand when planning upcoming Phases. That being said, paying attention to the hopes of fans would be a shrewd move in this case. For starters, the Save Daredevil campaign is only rivaled in passion by the eventually successful Justice League Snyder Cut movement. Even more than the similarly acclaimed Jessica Jones, fans have longed to see Matt Murdock suit up alongside the likes of Spider-Man. The mere fact that the idea of resurrecting Daredevil trends every time it’s been mentioned has spoken volumes. There is an in-built fanbase that Marvel would do well to reward for their time and energy — bringing an even more potent wave of excitement for any project he was to appear in. That would certainly be a more beneficial option than leaving the character on the shelf.

Furthermore, it would be easier than going through an exhaustive casting process to find a replacement. Cox was chosen to play Daredevil based on his performance as Owen Sleater on Boardwalk Empire. It ultimately proved to be an inspired decision; Cox excelled not only in embodying the unyielding tenacity of the costumed vigilante, but also the complex alter-ego of Matt Murdock. The extremely committed actor was just as compelling when “blindly” navigating the courtroom as when pummeling bad guys. As Ben Affleck could attest, it’s a tricky tightrope to walk – and yet, it was one Cox managed so deftly, it was almost as if he himself had the same superhuman agility as his character. As such, the rapport he could have with some MCU characters would be a joy to watch and he’d provide a refreshingly new perspective to the universe. Equally, in terms of character, Daredevil’s introduction would also fit with Kevin Feige’s plan for the MCU to be more of a beacon of representation. A hero with a disability would no doubt be a thrilling role-model for many.

The way to unfold Cox’s Matt Murdock has already been paved by the upcoming Spider-Man sequel. With Jamie Foxx’s version of Electro confirmed to be returning, it showed that Marvel Studios isn’t above using actors from other disparate outings, even though it’s yet to be fully confirmed whether Electro will be from a parallel universe or just a regular resident of the MCU’s world. Whatever the case, however, Daredevil could return in either vein. Either he, too, can heroically crossover amid all the potential multiversal chaos, or simply emerge as an established part of this Peter Parker’s city. As things stand, there are a lot of great reasons to introduce the titular hero of Daredevil to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and next to no reasons not to.