When Daredevil was abruptly canceled by Netflix in 2018, fans were left reeling. The show, praised for its gritty storytelling and Charlie Cox's magnetic performance as Matt Murdock, seemed to end before its time. But why? In a recent interview, Cox pulled back the curtain on the corporate drama that led to the cancellation—and how the Man Without Fear eventually found his way back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Buckle up, because this story has more twists than a Hell's Kitchen alleyway.
The Rise and Fall of Daredevil on Netflix
When Daredevil premiered on Netflix in 2015, it was a game-changer for superhero TV. Gone were the bright spandex suits and quippy one-liners; instead, we got a grounded, brutal take on Matt Murdock's dual life as a lawyer and vigilante. The show's success spawned a mini-franchise of Marvel-Netflix collaborations, including Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and The Punisher. But by 2018, the party was over.
Charlie Cox recalls the moment he learned the news: “I got a call late at night, and my boss at Marvel Television at the time said, ‘They've pulled all the shows. All five of them.'” The reason? A brewing feud between Netflix and Disney. As Disney prepared to launch its own streaming platform, Disney+, tensions escalated. According to Variety, the contract between Marvel and Netflix included a clause preventing Disney from using the characters for two years after cancellation. This left fans—and Cox himself—heartbroken.
“A lot of us really expected to keep going, and I certainly did,” Cox told Entertainment Weekly at the time. “It's just how business works. But also, these characters mean a lot to people.”
The Road to Redemption
After the cancellation, Cox took a step back from the spotlight, focusing on theater roles like Betrayal. Ironically, it was during this play's run that Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige attended a performance. Cox recalls the encounter with a mix of humor and frustration: “I went to shake his hand, and he was nice and enjoyed the play, but never mentioned Daredevil, never mentioned me.”
Fast forward to 2020, and Cox got the call he'd been waiting for. “I thought it was maybe going to be a charity thing… and then he said, ‘Are you interested in coming back?'” Cox didn't hesitate. His return as Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home was a triumphant moment for fans, followed by appearances in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Echo.
Daredevil: Born Again and the Strikes That Saved It
Production for Daredevil: Born Again began in 2023, but the show faced significant delays due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Surprisingly, Cox sees a silver lining: “The strikes that were so terrible for so many people in the industry ended up being the best thing that happened for our particular show.” The extra time allowed the creative team to refine the story, ensuring it lives up to the legacy of the original series.
Set to premiere on Disney+ on March 4, Daredevil: Born Again promises to bring back the dark, complex tone fans love—with the added bonus of being fully integrated into the MCU.
Conclusion
The story of Daredevil is a testament to the resilience of great storytelling—and the power of fan passion. What started as a casualty of corporate rivalry has become a phoenix rising from the ashes. As we gear up for Daredevil: Born Again, one thing is clear: Matt Murdock's journey is far from over. And for fans, that's a reason to celebrate.
Personal ImpressionsAs a longtime fan of Daredevil, it's been a rollercoaster to see the show's journey
from Netflix cancellation to MCU revival. Charlie Cox's portrayal of Matt Murdock is nothing short of iconic, and his return feels like a victory for fans who never gave up on the character. While the corporate drama behind the scenes is frustrating, it's heartening to see that the strikes ultimately led to a better product. Here's hoping Daredevil: Born Again delivers the same emotional depth and gritty action that made the original series a standout.
“Do you think Daredevil: Born Again can live up to the legacy of the original Netflix series? What are you most excited to see in the new show?”
