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Vincent D’Onofrio breaks down the ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ reunion we’ve all been waiting for

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This story contains spoilers for “Daredevil: Born Again” Episodes 1 and 2.

Approximately seven years have passed since viewers last witnessed a fierce battle between Wilson Fisk and Matt Murdock, also known as Daredevil, in Netflix’s series. The brutal confrontation ended with the criminal mastermind being incarcerated once more following his defeat at the hands of the Man Without Fear.

In “Daredevil: Born Again,” currently streaming on Disney+, these former foes find themselves united once more, picking up from where their complicated narrative left off. At first glance, both characters appear to have left their darker personas behind; however, it’s evident that the animosity between them remains unchanged.

In a recent phone conversation, Vincent D’Onofrio, the captivating actor who brings Kingpin to life on screen, shares insight into the character’s upcoming journey: “Fisk is driven by ambition,” he explains, “desiring to broaden his influence. This expansion will bring more power under his control, a power that may prove perilous and detrimental to many.

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After the finale of “Daredevil” in 2018, the mob boss has made appearances in Marvel TV shows such as “Hawkeye” (2021) and a future series called “Echo” (2024), taking on roles as a mentor and father figure to Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox). However, in the upcoming series “Born Again,” which follows events from these shows, Fisk claims that he has left his criminal life behind, transitioning into the role of New York’s newly elected mayor.

In a change of pace, Murdock, played by Charlie Cox, has decided to retire his horned persona, opting to pursue justice in a more conventional manner as a lawyer rather than continuing his vigilante activities as Daredevil. (Murdock’s previous appearances in the MCU include “Spider-Man: No Way Home” from 2021, as well as TV series such as “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” and “Echo”.)

In the initial season of “Born Again”, viewers will be reminded of Fisk’s cleverness and the formidable team that he and Vanessa form, according to D’Onofrio. He emphasizes that Fisk is relentless, a damaged individual with immense power who won’t back down.

In the conversation that follows, D’Onofrio delves into the topic of Fisk and Murdock reuniting and the marital issues Fisk is facing.

What was it like shooting that diner scene and being opposite Matt Murdock again?

In our case, we had a hand in crafting that particular scene, as we had collaborated with showrunner Dario Scardapane during the scriptwriting process. Charlie and I often brainstorm and exchange ideas on various aspects of each episode, focusing more on story development, before presenting our collective thoughts to the writers and team. For this scene, we had a lengthy discussion with directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, as well as Dario, fine-tuning it over several hours and making minor adjustments. The humor in the scene was something we particularly appreciated, as it allowed these characters to share an unusual camaraderie, hinting at an underlying lack of friendship between them.

What about Fisk’s journey this season has been most interesting to you?

As an actor portraying Kingpin, what truly captivates me is the challenge of transforming a character who’s been written as intensely chaotic, damaged, and narcissistic into one that navigates ordinary, everyday life – like a marriage or counseling sessions. It’s akin to a vampire trying to live in broad daylight, it’s a battle. This unique predicament allows for an intriguing exploration of the character, as the only way he can extend his influence is by engaging with the world around him. This is where I find the most enjoyment, when we experiment with placing this character in domestic settings.

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Regarding their personal life and marital counseling within the series, could you provide some insights into the state of Fisk and Vanessa’s relationship this season?

It seems he’s left quite a bit unexplained due to his disappearance during the shows “Hawkeye” and “Echo.” This absence caused strain in his marriage as he failed to inform his wife, Vanessa, about his whereabouts and events that transpired. Consequently, when he returns, there will be some questions and answers exchanged, as she has concerns and he needs to clarify his actions.

I find the dynamics of marriage counseling quite enjoyable. Over the years, I’ve developed a bond with Ayelet Zurer that feels like a strong sibling relationship. We both share the zodiac sign of Cancer, which seems to have played a role in our instant connection when we met 10 years ago. Since then, our friendship has only grown stronger. She’s an incredibly intelligent woman, and her ability to embody a modern, powerful, and intelligent character is truly remarkable – much like the role she’s currently playing.

In this scene, we have a deep trust, which means when she speaks to me, I simply need to remain receptive and allow my feelings to flow freely, much like you would with a close friend. The script portrays an incredibly intense marriage, demanding that we perform it authentically or else the audience won’t believe it. This period is filled with raw emotions, tears, and heartfelt reactions towards each other. At times during filming, I felt as though I was undergoing therapy with someone I deeply care about, needing to share my feelings honestly.

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2025-03-05 05:31

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