In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Wilson Fisk’s Kingpin is set to step into the pivotal role of Mayor of New York City, a storyline that mirrors his ascent in the original Daredevil comics. As the MCU approaches this significant narrative shift, it raises intriguing possibilities about who might succeed Fisk in this political landscape.
The latest trailer for Daredevil: Born Again reveals that Vincent D’Onofrio’s portrayal of Wilson Fisk will indeed become the mayor of New York. This was first hinted at in the conclusion of 2024’s Echo. Despite his notorious history as a crime lord, it appears Kingpin is poised to secure a victory at the ballot box. This transformation profoundly alters the backdrop that characters like Charlie Cox’s Daredevil and other vigilantes will have to navigate moving forward in the MCU. As the live-action adaptation mirrors the “Mayor Kingpin”arc from the comics, it will be captivating to see if the MCU retains similar successor characters for Fisk.
How Kingpin Became New York’s Mayor in the Comics
A Major Status Quo Shift For Marvel’s Street-Level Heroes
Stunning many within the hero community, particularly Daredevil, Wilson Fisk was first elected mayor of New York in 2017’s Daredevil #28, crafted by Charles Soule and Ron Garney. This victory followed the 2017 Secret Empire event, during which the nefarious Hydra, led by a darker iteration of Captain America, had seized control of the city. Fisk capitalized on a major crisis—the entire Manhattan trapped in the Darkforce dimension—by offering resources and assistance to the public, thereby fostering goodwill that ultimately propelled him to electoral success.
Fisk campaigned candidly about his past, portraying his history as a tale of resilience for a gritty New Yorker who successfully navigated the system. This tactic may similarly underpin how the MCU’s version of Kingpin garners votes, particularly when coupled with a campaign focused on anti-vigilante sentiment and a pledge to regulate costumed heroes who operate outside legal boundaries. Though it later emerged that his election was manipulated, evidence indicated Kingpin would have won regardless.
Daredevil Took Kingpin’s Place As New York’s Mayor (Temporarily)
Taking Over As Deputy Mayor
During Fisk’s reign, the enigmatic children of the Purple Man facilitated Daredevil’s reclaiming of his secret identity, effectively erasing the public’s knowledge of Matt Murdock as Daredevil. Consequently, when Fisk appointed Murdock as his deputy mayor—a nominal role meant to keep the latter preoccupied with city policies—Murdock utilized this position to discreetly observe Fisk’s plans, seeking evidence to unseat him.
Fortuitously, a larger crisis emerged when Fisk was incapacitated by an assault from The Hand, allowing Matt Murdock to serve as interim mayor. Thanks to a prior policy shift, Murdock slipped into this role without contending against a public advocate. Although his tenure was short, Daredevil utilized his position to orchestrate critical changes that benefitted New York.
When Fisk regained consciousness, negotiations ensued, culminating in a pact where Murdock relinquished the mayoral seat in exchange for Fisk’s termination of his anti-vigilante campaign. Both understood that Murdock’s continued hold on the position could result in extraordinary political complications for Fisk. With this agreement finalized, Murdock resumed his battle against Fisk from outside City Hall.
How Fisk’s Term As Mayor Ended In Marvel Comics
The Powers Act and Devil’s Reign
Fisk’s tenure as mayor was marked by escalating superhero crises, including The War of the Realms and the King in Black event that saw Knull launching an invasion. Frustrated by the chaos, Fisk introduced the Powers Act, an ordinance prohibiting superhero activities in New York. This move was sanctioned by anti-superhuman units, some comprised of reformed supervillains like Rhino and Kraven.
In a bid to secure public favor, Fisk resorted to drastic measures, including mutilating one of the Purple Man’s fingers to further his reelection campaign. Yet, despite initial advantages, the tide turned as New York heroes united to combat Fisk and his villainous allies. In a tragic turn, Fisk accidentally killed Matt Murdock’s twin brother, mistaking him for Daredevil, escalating tensions further.
Ultimately, Fisk was apprehended and his reign as mayor concluded as he faced charges for murder. His escape, orchestrated by his son Butch, set the stage for further political machinations, though Fisk declined an invitation to enter presidential politics, opting instead for a quieter life away from New York alongside his new wife, Mary Walker.
In the context of the MCU, where Fisk is already aware of Murdock’s identity, variations in his mayoral storyline are anticipated, likely minusing many high-profile supervillains. However, Fisk’s anti-vigilante stance and directives may play a crucial role in shaping the narrative on screen. It’s possible that Fisk might still offer Murdock a deputy mayor position, albeit under different motivations and circumstances.
New York’s Current Mayor Is Luke Cage
Having Taken A Stand Against Kingpin’s Corruption
In the wake of the Devil’s Reign saga in 2021, Luke Cage emerged as a key figure, challenging Fisk’s corruption as he ran for mayor. With a reputation as a genuine New Yorker who has consistently aided the city without a hidden identity, Cage became the perfect candidate. Once the Purple Man’s powers were nullified and Fisk was convicted for murder, Cage seized the opportunity, running unopposed in the election and assuming the position of mayor.
Mayor cage continues to govern in the current Marvel Universe, recently addressing the aftermath of the “Gang War”crossover event in 2023, which also facilitated the repeal of Fisk’s notorious Powers Act. Though it would be captivating to witness Cage inherit the mayoral role from Fisk in the MCU, it seems contingent on forthcoming developments, particularly since Luke Cage has been notably absent from the MCU since the cancellation of his Netflix series in 2018. Nevertheless, a recent Easter egg in the Daredevil: Born Again trailer subtly hints at Harlem’s Paradise, Cage’s new establishment, suggesting potential future engagement.
Daredevil: Born Again is scheduled to begin streaming on March 4th on Disney+
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