How the MCU Can Turn Stan Lee’s Daredevil Movie Dreams into Reality 10 Years Later with a Key Marvel Story

With the anticipated release of Daredevil: Born Again, I believe there’s a captivating Marvel storyline that could fulfill Stan Lee’s long-time wish for a new Daredevil film. Following the integration of Netflix’s Defenders Saga into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) timeline in early 2024, Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Matt Murdock, a.k.a. Daredevil, has officially been part of the MCU for a decade now. Since his debut in 2015’s Daredevil series, Cox is set to reprise his role in the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again slated for release in 2025. However, I sense even greater projects are on the horizon for this character.

I’ve enjoyed witnessing Charlie Cox’s notable appearances across various MCU installments, including Spider-Man: No Way Home and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, as they pave the way for his full-fledged return as the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen in 2025. Notably, Matt Murdock’s presence has become a cornerstone of the MCU throughout these shows, suggesting that his role will expand significantly with Daredevil: Born Again. This brings to mind Stan Lee’s remarks made over a decade ago, hinting at a fresh Daredevil movie that could soon be a reality.

Stan Lee’s Vision for a New Daredevil Movie

Stan Lee’s Discontent with Ben Affleck’s Portrayal

Daredevil Born Again season 1 image — Image via Disney+

In an interview with Business Insider back in 2015, Stan Lee expressed his disappointment with the 2003 film featuring Ben Affleck as Daredevil. He articulated that the character was not captured accurately on screen, yet expressed optimism, stating, “Sooner or later, there will be another Daredevil movie, and I think it will do very well.” While a new feature film has yet to materialize, Charlie Cox’s return evokes the potential for a captivating solo narrative featuring the Man Without Fear.

Daredevil didn’t do as well as everybody hoped. I think that, unfortunately, they didn’t portray him the right way. Sooner or later there will be another Daredevil movie. And I think it will do very well.

Published shortly after the premiere of the Netflix series, Lee’s comments highlighted the series’ success and the fan’s appetite for Matt Murdock’s story. Despite the notion that the character thrives on the small screen, I believe a blockbuster adventure befitting the Man Without Fear is ripe for adaptation as Marvel prepares for Daredevil: Born Again.

Daredevil: Born Again as a Launchpad for Future Stories

Premiere of Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+

The recently released trailer for Daredevil: Born Again reveals captivating plotlines, including Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk advocating for the position of Mayor of New York City. This mirrors the comics where Fisk’s election campaign involves branding all vigilantes as criminals. Becoming Mayor could give Fisk leverage to challenge Daredevil more aggressively, foreshadowing even grander narratives.

In comic lore, Mayor Fisk’s actions against New York’s heroes escalated during the 2021-22 Devil’s Reign crossover, where he enforced his anti-vigilante laws. By establishing Fisk’s political ambitions in Echo and Daredevil: Born Again, Marvel might be laying the groundwork for a potential adaptation of Devil’s Reign, a storyline that would excel as a feature film rather than a series format.

Why Devil’s Reign Deserves the Big Screen Treatment

Daredevil in Marvel Comics' Devil's Reign

While I eagerly await Charlie Cox’s return in Daredevil: Born Again, I hope Marvel Studios opts for a feature film to encapsulate the grandeur of Devil’s Reign. This storyline involves Mayor Wilson Fisk’s aggressive campaign against vigilantes, significantly impacting numerous heroes across the Marvel landscape, including Daredevil, Spider-Man, and the X-Men.

The 2007 Secret Invasion event showcased Marvel heroes uniting against an extraterrestrial threat, yet the MCU adaptation faced criticism, with many believing it warranted cinematic treatment. Similar caution should be exercised with Devil’s Reign. To adequately portray this compelling narrative, an ensemble cast featuring key figures such as the Fantastic Four, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones will be essential.Embracing Devil’s Reign could be the pivotal move to bring Stan Lee’s vision for a Daredevil film to fruition.

Transforming the MCU with a Daredevil Film

Charlie Cox’s Increasing Significance in the MCU

Since re-entering the MCU with Spider-Man: No Way Home, Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock has evolved into a cornerstone of Marvel’s narrative landscape. By leading a feature film adaptation of Devil’s Reign, Cox can solidify his pivotal role, potentially integrating his character into the Avengers or even presenting a darker evolution as an antihero. Given that Stan Lee advocated for a new Daredevil film a decade ago, it appears that Daredevil: Born Again is an ideal catalyst for transforming that dream into reality.

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