“Daredevil: Born Again” is here, blending the original Netflix series with Disney’s MCU. As a result, there is a blend of new and old characters in the series.
In the first two episodes, now streaming on Disney+, we get the set-up of the new story, which sees crimelord Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) successfully run to become the mayor of New York. Meanwhile, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) has put his days as Daredevil behind him after a tragedy.
But Cox and D’Onofrio aren’t the only familiar faces in the first two episodes. Here’s who you need to know.
Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox)
Charlie Cox returns as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, after shooting to fame with the role in the original Netflix series, and has since appeared in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “She-Hulk” and “Echo.” But non-Marvel fans might also recognize him from “Stardust,” “Kin” or “Boardwalk Empire.”
Wilson Fisk/Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio)
Vincent D’Onofrio also returns as Wilson Fisk, a.k.a the Kingpin of crime. D’Onofrio, of course, has a long pre-Marvel career, with beloved roles in movies like “Full Metal Jacket,” “Men in Black,” “Mystic Pizza,” “The Cell” and many more, as well as a long-running role on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” In the MCU, he previously appeared in “Hawkeye” and “Echo,” in addition to the original “Daredevil” series, of course.
Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll)
Deborah Ann Woll also reprises her role from the original “Daredevil” series, returning as Karen Page, Matt’s longtime friend/occasional love interest, who also features prominently in “The Punisher.” Outside of Marvel, you might know her from “True Blood” and the “Escape Room” films.
Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal)
We don’t know exactly when or how much he’s going to pop up in the show, but speaking of “The Punisher,” Jon Bernthal will also return as Frank Castle in “Daredevil: Born Again.” Elsewhere, you might recognize Bernthal from “The Walking Dead,” “Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Bear” and “Fury.”
Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson)
Foggy is Matt’s best friend, once again played by Elden Henson. You might remember Henson from “The Mighty Ducks” films as a kid, or spotted him more recently in “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer)
Another familiar face from the original series, Ayelet Zurer returns as Vanessa Fisk, wife of Kingpin Wilson Fisk, who has been tending to the family business while he’s been away. Zurer’s other credits include “House of David,” “Munich,” “Losing Alice” and “Man of Steel.”
Benjamin Pointdexter, aka Bullseye (Wilson Bethel)
Another one we know is returning in some capacity because it was revealed in the trailer — Wilson Bethel will be back as Benjamin Pointdexter, also known as Bullseye. Aside from his scene-stealing turn as Dex in Season 3 of the original series, you might know Bethel from “Hart of Dixie,” “Generation Kill” and “All Rise.”
Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James)
Kirsten McDuffie is a new face in the on-screen “Daredevil” ‘verse, but she’ll be familiar to fans of the comics — particularly, the Mark Waid run. Kirsten has a playful dynamic with Matt, and in “Born Again,” she’s one-half of his new law firm. She’s played by Nikki M. James, who you might recognize from “Severance” or “The Good Fight.”
Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva)
Another character newly introduced from the comics, Heather Glenn, who is a famed psychologist and new romantic interest for Matt in “Born Again.” She’s played by Margarita Levieva of “Revenge,” “The Deuce,” “The Blacklist” and “The Acolyte.”
Hector Ayala (Kamar de los Reyes)
Hector Ayala is the man behind the White Tiger mask, who finds himself in need of Matt Murdock’s legal assistance in “Born Again.” He’s played by the ate Kamar de los Reyes, who died in 2023 after a brief battle with cancer, and is best known for “All American” and “One Life to Live.”
Daniel Blake (Michael Gandolfini)
An enthusiastic young member of Wilson Fisk’s election team, Daniel Blake seems to revere Fisk and brings utmost loyalty to his campaign. He’s played by Michael Gandolfini, who is best known for playing young Tony Soprano — the role originated by his late father James Gandolfini — in the “Sopranos” prequel film “The Many Saints of Newark.” His other credits include “Cherry,” “Beau Is Afraid” and “Bob Marley: One Love.”