With Tom Holland’s Spider-Man having basically reset his world, it leaves the possible storylines forSpider-Man 4wide open, andDaredevil: Born Again’slatest returnee. TheMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)has had seismic shifts in the stories since the Infinity Saga wrapped up and the Multiverse Saga kicked in. While many new faces have been introduced, some of the most popular heroes have taken a back seat, butDaredevil: Born Againwas a welcome surprise to me and many others as it brought in several characters from the popular Netflix show to the MCU proper.
With many of the characters in that show operating on the street level superhero groups that operate in and around New York, they also have a connection to a major MCU hero, Spider-Man.Spider-Man stories have been responsible for introducing many of the biggest and best villainsfeatured in these side stories, and with both of these worlds colliding, it could be time to reclaim one of the best villains of the show. And this character could be perfect forHolland’s Spidey as ofSpider-Man 4.
The Punisher Was Introduced As An Antagonist, Not A Hero
Punisher’s Brand Of Vigilante Justice Was Never Meant To Be Heroic
The Punisher, as played by Jon Bernthal in the dedicated Marvel Netflix show, is clearly a sympathetic character. They go to extreme lengths, commit brutal murders, and enact revenge in a way that is not indicative of a hero, but they are painted as an anti-hero because of the tragedies that took them to this point. For Daredevil, especially when the two characters overlap inDaredevilseason 2, thisserves as a foil to Matt Murdockwith his strict set of rules about preserving life. This ultimately causes the hero to reassess their choices, and make a firm decision to avoid such violence themselves.
Marvel Confirms Daredevil’s Most Terrifying Villain Appears In Daredevil: Born Again
An exhaustive panel on Daredevil: Born Again has revealed that the anticipated series will feature the scariest villain to feature in an MCU show.
In the comic books, Spider-Man and Punisher have similar interactions, butthe character starts out as an antagonist. Like the violent criminals, Rhino, Sandman, and Kingpin, Punisher is seen as a villain, who uses whatever extreme measures necessary to get the job done. Peter Parker then goes on a similar process of self-discovery to Matt Murdock, as he determines where he needs to draw the line to keep being a hero, and not just a vigilante force for justice at any cost.
The MCU’s Spider-Man Is Already Exploring The Same Questions… Just A Lot More Subtly
Peter Parker Is Struggling To Define What It Means To Be A Hero
Within the MCU, questions surrounding morality have occasionally cropped up, but they tend to be focused on larger scales rather than individual stories. Like how the Avengers may cause more damage and death than good, or if heroes should be allowed to operate without government oversight. But, the beauty of theDaredevil story is something that mirrors Spider-Man’s. Both characters try to maintain a moral code. The Netflix Daredevil series leaned heavily on Murdock’s, but a similar journey can be seen inPeter Parker’s progress across his MCU movies.
Despite being an incredibly powerful superhero, Peter Parker lacks the self-control to pull his punches in Homecoming. His brute force causes huge damage with every punch and kick. InEndgame,Peter activates lethal mode on his suit, and while the enemies are aliens, he doesn’t hesitate to kill on sight. And most recently in No Way Home, Peter Parker struggled with his darker side as he was on the verge of unleashing full-blown rage after the death of his aunt May. And up to this point, Peter’s mentors have never made a big deal of stopping crime at whatever cost.
The Punisher Would Be A Great Enemy To Continue Spider-Man’s MCU Arc
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man Needs A Reflective Story Which PUnisher Could Provide
With all of these elements in place, I believe it makes sense for the next leg of Peter Parker’s MCU journey to follow a path where he decides what kind of hero he wants to be.Peter briefly met Matt Murdock inNo Way Home, but their former acquaintance would be severed after the spell that erased Peter from everyone’s memory. Despite this, both heroes do occupy a similar territory, and it would make sense for them to cross paths once again. And in addition to these street level heroes finding each other, it makes sense for the villains to crossover too.
Daredevil: Born Again Will Make 1 Major Change From Original Show, Confirms Charlie Cox
Daredevil star Charlie Cox confirms how Daredevil: Born Again will be different from the original show, teasing one big change to Fisk’s world.
So, ifPunisher were to appear as an antagonist to Spider-Man, causing general destruction and going to extreme lengths, it would force Peter to intervene and push back the apparent thug. However, like Daredevil, if he gets to learn more about Frank Castle, and the history that led him to becoming this brutal vigilante, itcould cause Peter to deeply consider what it means for him to be a hero. Has he been going too far? Where is the line? And can he still call himself a hero if he is willing to get blood on his hands?
Daredevil: Born Again Absorbs The Punisher Into The MCU - & This Is Where He Could Appear Next
The Punisher Is Ready To Make Big Waves In The Next Phase Of The MCU
Daredevil: Born Againis set up to bring in many of the characters from the Netflix show, including Kingpin, who has already popped up inEchoandHawkeye, and Punisher. These characters areintegral parts of Spider-Man’s history in the comics, and with both of them now setting up shop for good in the MCU, it seems inevitable that there will be some level of crossover. However, once the series runs it’s nine-episode course, it begs the question of where these characters will pop up next. However, because of their position, there are a lot of potential answers to that question.
The beauty of the Daredevil story is something that mirrors Spider-Man’s. Both characters try to maintain a moral code.
Of course, the upcomingAvengersmovies,DoomsdayandSecret Warsare expected to be huge crossover events, but just as Charlie Cox’s Daredevil has been seen inNo Way Home,She-Hulk, andEcho, it makes sense for a character like Punisher to have a couple of other guest appearances. One of the biggest draws to the MCU is the simple fact that these stories are so intrinsically connected, and New York is a hub of activity for many of these heroes. With that in mind, it’s entirelypossible thatSpider-Man 4could get a spot on the slate in the next three years, and Punisher appear in a major role.
Daredevil: Born Again
Cast
Daredevil: Born Again follows blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who uses his heightened abilities to pursue justice in New York. As he manages a bustling law firm, former mob boss Wilson Fisk navigates political ambitions, leading both men toward a confrontation as their pasts resurface.
