Daredevil: Reborn Review – Changes and Challenges in the Hero's Return to Disney

The series Daredevil: Reborn came with high expectations from fans who have followed the character since his debut on Netflix in 2015.

However, the transition from streaming platform to Disney Plus brought some notable changes, both in tone and creative direction.

In this article, we’ll explore the main transformations of the series, the impact of the shift to Disney Plus, and what to expect from this new phase of Matt Murdock, Daredevil!

Trailer

In 2018, when Daredevil was canceled by Netflix, many fans were left wondering if the blind hero from Hell’s Kitchen would get a second chance. With the merging of Marvel productions and the expansion of Disney Plus' portfolio, the series was revived in 2025 under the name Daredevil: Reborn.

This platform shift raised several questions: How would Disney Plus, known for its lighter and more accessible productions, handle a character as dark as Daredevil?

The concern was whether the show would keep its mature, complex approach that made it so popular on Netflix, or if it would become watered down to appeal to a broader audience. The result was a series that preserved Daredevil’s dark tone but softened some of the explicit violence to align with Disney Plus' profile.

While the show still tackles themes of morality, internal struggles, and corruption — all trademarks of the character — it does so with less intensity than in past seasons. The adaptation to the new format, with a focus on Matt Murdock’s personal drama, was effective, but the series softened the heavy violence that defined the Netflix series, which led to mixed reactions from fans.

The new season of Daredevil: Reborn starts with a sense of direct continuity from the previous season. However, with the seven-year gap between season three (released in 2018) and the debut of this new cycle, many fans felt that the show didn’t do enough to refresh the viewers' memories, especially for those who hadn’t been following the show since the beginning.

The lack of a proper recap in the first episodes was pointed out as a critical flaw, as many details from the previous plot, such as Matt Murdock’s internal struggle and his conflicts with Wilson Fisk, are essential for understanding the characters' decisions in this new season. While the show tries to quickly get viewers back on track, a brief recap at the start would have been a welcome addition.

For new viewers or those who didn’t remember past events, this created an entry barrier, making it harder to immerse into the story right away. Instead of easing the transition, the lack of a clear introduction made the experience a bit more challenging for some viewers.

One of the greatest expectations for Daredevil: Reborn was the possibility of a new version of the famous “hallway scene”, one of the most iconic action moments from the first season in 2015.

In the original series, the scene showed Matt Murdock facing off against a series of enemies in an impressive, continuous fight, establishing a new standard for the genre.

At the premiere of Daredevil: Reborn, the production tried to create a new sequence that captured the same intensity, but the result wasn’t as impactful as the original. Many critics and fans felt that the new "hallway scene" was overly forced, desperately trying to prove itself to the audience. The direct comparison to the iconic 2015 scene, which had already become a reference, made this attempt feel like a forced tribute without the same authenticity.

The reaction to the scene was polarized. Some praised the production's effort to create something memorable, while others felt it didn’t capture the same energy as the original. The attempt to recreate such an iconic moment ultimately generated frustration, especially since it didn’t have the same magic that captivated fans in the first season.

One of the most talked-about elements of the premiere of Daredevil: Reborn was the shocking death of an important character (we won’t mention the name here to avoid spoilers for those who haven’t watched the series yet) early in the season. The loss was planned as a way to give the plot a new direction, but for many viewers, it created a sense of irreplaceable loss.

According to the producers, the death was intended to open up space for a fresh start for Matt Murdock, putting him in a more emotionally unstable scenario.

However, with high expectations from fans, the loss of a beloved character was seen as a risky move, especially for those who were hoping for more action and drama. This choice divided the fans, with some applauding the boldness, while others felt the series could have been more successful without this abrupt event.

Daredevil: Reborn places Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk at the center of a narrative where both face similar moral dilemmas, despite their differences in character. The series shows how these two characters, even though they are opposites, share a journey of questioning what true justice is.

Both are complex and fascinating characters. The series explores each of their internal struggles to achieve their goals, often using violence and corruption as tools.

As the episodes unfold, the line between hero and villain becomes increasingly blurred, with both characters facing challenges that force them to question their own beliefs.

After the premiere of the new season, specialized critics provided detailed reviews of the show’s strengths and weaknesses. Here’s an overview:

Pros

Character Development: Daredevil: Reborn does an excellent job of diving deep into Matt Murdock’s internal dilemmas. The series explores his faith, morality, and the conflicts that arise from his dual life as a lawyer and vigilante.

Actors and Performances: Charlie Cox, as Matt Murdock, continues to be one of the standout performances. His acting is visceral and convincing, bringing an emotional weight that is crucial to the tone of the series.

Soundtrack and Atmosphere: The soundtrack remains impeccable, helping to heighten the moments of tension. The series’ dark and dense atmosphere continues to be one of its major draws, perfectly capturing the essence of Hell's Kitchen.

Action and Choreography: The fight scenes, while not as impactful as the famous “hallway scene,” are still well-executed and deliver exciting, intense action sequences.

Cons

Lack of Recap: The absence of a clear summary of past events made the experience difficult for new viewers or those who hadn’t been following the series continuously.

Forced “Hallway Scene”: The attempt to replicate the iconic fight scene was a divisive choice, seen by many as a desperate effort to please the fanbase.

Slow Start: The beginning of the series presents a slower pace, with some initial episodes that may turn off more impatient viewers.

Lack of Innovation: For long-time fans, the series might feel relatively predictable, with few surprises or new developments in the plot.

Daredevil: Reborn is a series that retains the dark and emotional essence of its predecessor, while adapting to fit the new format of Disney Plus. The show features moments of great emotional depth and action, but also faces challenges such as the lack of recap and attempts to replicate past successes.

Nonetheless, it is a series that promises to continue evolving and attract both long-time fans and new viewers.

The future of Daredevil: Reborn looks promising, but it will need to establish itself more consistently to satisfy everyone. We’ll be anxiously waiting to see the next steps of Hell’s Kitchen’s hero. Until then!