Concerns Grow for a Key MCU Phase 4 Character Following Recent Remarks by Marvel Showrunner

Dario Scardapane, the showrunner of Daredevil: Born Again, has ignited concerns regarding the future of a key Phase 4 hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).With great enthusiasm, fans anticipate the return of Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer-turned-vigilante known as the Man Without Fear. Following the integration of the Defenders Saga into the MCU’s storyline in early 2024, many are eager to see how Daredevil’s narrative intertwines with the broader Marvel universe.

Marvel Studios has been proactive in positioning Daredevil as a pivotal figure within the MCU’s street-level storytelling. His appearances in films and series such as Spider-Man: No Way Home, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and Echo highlight this. Furthermore, Vincent D’Onofrio’s portrayal of Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, has been integrated into the larger MCU through his role in Hawkeye. However, I find myself increasingly anxious that some of these connections may be overlooked in Daredevil: Born Again, especially regarding one significant Phase 4 character.

Concerns Arising from Dario Scardapane’s Statements

The Connection Between Matt Murdock and Jennifer Walters

Daredevil with Jennifer Walters in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law's finale

Following a creative overhaul in October 2023, Scardapane was appointed as the showrunner for Daredevil: Born Again. While initial updates about the series have been promising, his recent comments to SFX Magazine (via GamesRadar) regarding its connections to the MCU have raised red flags about the future of She-Hulk in the MCU.

I have plenty of leeway up until I hit the larger-scale plan for the MCU. So I try to ignore some stuff [from the wider universe].We establish a very specific Daredevil, both in terms of his dilemma, down to the suit and where we’re picking him up in his life. You can say that Daredevil is canon in the MCU, those other events [in Spider-Man: No Way Home and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law] happened, but some of them we are not leaning into. His one-night stand with She-Hulk may be one of those things.[Marvel has] moved Matt through other corners of the MCU, and now he’s back in his own story.

Cox’s portrayal of Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home marked one of his notable roles since the cancellation of Netflix’s Daredevil series. Fans were thrilled to see him don the distinctive red-and-yellow suit again, with his classic red suit also featured in Daredevil: Born Again. The chemistry the character shared with Tatiana Maslany’s Jennifer Walters was particularly captivating, making her absence from the upcoming series even more surprising.

The Importance of Daredevil and She-Hulk’s Connection

The Need for Development for Both Heroes

Scardapane’s assertion that the series will ignore the relationship between Matt Murdock and She-Hulk is disheartening. Their connection, established in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, was not just a brief encounter but marked an important development within the MCU. To dismiss this evolution feels dismissive of the groundwork laid previously. The rich, gritty narrative of Daredevil: Born Again could benefit from integrating She-Hulk’s story rather than sidelining it.

Matt and Jennifer first met during a case where Murdock represented a costume designer, leading to an unexpected partnership and connection between the two heroes. Their interaction culminated in a memorable moment, with their characters sparking a romance that showcases the complexity of Matt Murdock’s life in the MCU.

Concerns About the Future of She-Hulk

Is She-Hulk Being Sidelined?

She-Hulk in her gala dress in She-Hulk Attorney at Law

Tatiana Maslany’s portrayal of She-Hulk has resonated with fans since her introduction in 2022, yet it is troubling that she has not been featured or referenced in any MCU project for over two years. Known for her pivotal roles in various superhero teams within the Marvel Comics universe, She-Hulk deserves significant attention within the MCU.

Following the mixed reception of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, which faced scrutiny for its visual effects and storytelling, it’s essential to remember that the creative and production teams behind the series faced immense pressure during that period. Despite budgetary challenges, there remains a strong hunger for more She-Hulk content; her absence from Daredevil: Born Again raises concerns about her future in the franchise.

Potential Avenues for She-Hulk’s Return

Expected Appearances and Future Projects

She-Hulk meeting KEVIN in She-Hulk Attorney at Law's finale

Given her significance within the Marvel universe, it’s crucial for She-Hulk to make a comeback sooner rather than later, even if she doesn’t appear in Daredevil: Born Again. Maslany’s recent comments suggested that a second season of her series isn’t in the works due to financial constraints; however, this doesn’t imply the character should be forgotten. It’s conceivable that she could make her return in the upcoming films, such as Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, likely becoming part of a new ensemble of heroes.

While multiple familiar faces have been confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, including stars like Robert Downey Jr.and Tom Holland, She-Hulk’s appearance has yet to be announced. Jennifer’s awareness of the MCU’s intricacies—evident when she met the AI known as KEVIN—opens the door for her to appear in various projects. Whether it involves teaming up with other heroes in a potential adaptation of World War Hulk or joining forces with a West Coast Avengers team, there remains a wealth of potential for her character.

In conclusion, it is critical to see She-Hulk return to the MCU, reinforcing her role in the stories to come while ensuring that vital connections with other Marvel characters remain intact, including her dynamic with Daredevil.

Source & Images