Daredevil: Born Again Struggles to Ignite Disney+ Despite Early Renewal
The return of the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen in Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again has been met with a lukewarm reception on Disney+, sparking concerns about Marvel’s ability to recapture its streaming dominance. While Disney has touted the series as its "best-opening" of 2025, a closer look at the data reveals a performance that falls short of expectations, particularly when compared to other recent releases from both Marvel and Lucasfilm. The highly anticipated sequel to the original Netflix series, starring the beloved Daredevil character, garnered 7.5 million views in its first week, a figure that has raised eyebrows within the industry and among fans eager to see the Man Without Fear back in action.
The initial disappointment surrounding Daredevil: Born Again‘s viewership figures stems from the immense anticipation surrounding the project. The original Netflix series garnered a dedicated fanbase, praised for its gritty realism, complex characters, and compelling narratives. The revival on Disney+, with the return of Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, was expected to be a major draw for both returning fans and new viewers alike. The inclusion of these iconic characters within the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) framework further heightened expectations, promising potential crossovers and integration into future films and series.
However, the reality has painted a more subdued picture. While 7.5 million views is by no means a paltry number, it pales in comparison to the streaming successes of other recent tentpole projects. Lucasfilm’s The Acolyte, a Star Wars series that premiered earlier this year, managed to attract 11.1 million views in its first week, demonstrating the continued power of the Star Wars brand. Even within Marvel’s own stable, Daredevil: Born Again is struggling to keep pace. Agatha All Along, a spin-off series featuring a character less universally known than Daredevil, surprisingly outperformed the latter, drawing in 9.3 million views for its premiere episode.
The fact that Daredevil: Born Again, with two episodes available upon release, couldn’t surpass the viewership of Agatha All Along has amplified concerns about the series’ potential impact. It raises questions about whether the hype surrounding Daredevil’s return has translated into actual viewership, and whether the shift from Netflix to Disney+ has affected the audience reach. Some speculate that the darker, more mature tone of the original Netflix series may not have fully aligned with the more family-friendly image that Disney+ generally cultivates, potentially deterring some viewers.
The struggles of Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+ mirror Marvel’s recent challenges in the cinematic realm. Captain America: Brave New World, released just last month, failed to meet box office projections, further fueling anxieties about the studio’s creative direction and its ability to consistently deliver compelling content. This dual setback, both on the big screen and the small screen, suggests that Marvel may be facing a broader challenge in maintaining its position as a dominant force in the entertainment industry. Some analysts suggest that "superhero fatigue" may be a factor, with audiences becoming increasingly selective about which superhero properties they choose to invest their time and money in. Others point to inconsistencies in the quality and tone of recent Marvel projects, leading to a decline in overall audience engagement.
Despite the initial disappointment, there is still hope for Daredevil: Born Again. The series has received generally positive reviews from critics, who have praised the performances of Cox and D’Onofrio, as well as the series’ attempts to capture the gritty atmosphere of the original Netflix show. Word-of-mouth could play a significant role in boosting viewership in the coming weeks, as more people discover the series and share their positive experiences.
Moreover, Marvel has already demonstrated its commitment to Daredevil: Born Again by greenlighting a second season before the first season even premiered. Filming for the second season reportedly began just a few days ago, signaling the studio’s confidence in the long-term potential of the series. This early renewal suggests that Marvel views Daredevil: Born Again as a key component of its future streaming strategy, and is willing to invest in its success.
However, the path forward for Daredevil: Born Again is not without its challenges. The series will need to overcome the initial perception of underperformance and actively attract new viewers to sustain its momentum. Marvel may need to consider adjustments to its marketing strategy, highlighting the unique qualities of the series and emphasizing its connection to the beloved original. Furthermore, the studio will need to address any concerns regarding the series’ tone and ensure that it resonates with a broad audience.
Ultimately, the success of Daredevil: Born Again will depend on its ability to deliver a compelling and engaging narrative that captures the essence of the Daredevil character while also fitting seamlessly into the larger MCU framework. The initial viewership figures may have fallen short of expectations, but the series still has the potential to become a major hit for Disney+, provided that Marvel is willing to listen to feedback, adapt to changing audience preferences, and continue to invest in the quality of the production. The future of the Man Without Fear on Disney+ remains uncertain, but the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen has overcome greater odds before. Only time will tell if Daredevil: Born Again can rise to the challenge and reclaim its place as one of Marvel’s most beloved and successful properties.
