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Daredevil: Born Againshowrunner Dario Scardapane seems to have sparked some mild controversy, all thanks to one particular comparison with a hit DC TV series. With just around a month to go until the Disney+ series starts streaming, his comments might not only be polarizing but also inherently flawed, as they don’t quite align with the essence of the upcoming Marvel show.
Hands down,HBO’sThe Penguinwas one of the best TV shows of 2024, breaking new ground in thesuperhero television genre. The first-ever Marvel Netflix series,Daredevil,had a similar impact, so it makes sense that these shows would be compared by fans. However, one ofBorn Again’screators has beaten the audience to it by making the comparison themselves, which could hurt the upcoming show’s image and the hype surrounding it.
Dario Scardapane ComparesDaredevilToThe Penguin
Showrunner Claims The Series Is Disney+’s Darkest Yet
Last week, inan interview withSFX Magazine, Dario Scardapane calledThe Penguina direct competition toDaredevil: Born Again. The showrunner went on to describe the upcoming Marvel series as more grounded and less stylized than theBatmanspin-off from last year. Scardapane also referencedthe originalDaredevilNetflix seriesin his comparison, stating that the new show is as far as a Disney+ series has ever pushed its boundaries.
It’s really strange. You work in a vacuum and then something else comes out and you go, ‘Oh, wow’. I would say in many ways The Penguin is our direct competition. However, we’re even more grounded, even less stylized, even more rooted in the here and now. I loved Penguin. We’re a little faster, meaner, cleaner in our storytelling.
The showrunner’s comments clearly did not sit well with fans, many of whom took to social media to express their distaste over the seemingly unnecessary comparison. While some excitement remains unchanged thanks to the trailer, the statements have still created a sense of discomfort regarding how the show will be received.
It has a pace and a scope that, for a lot of reasons, Netflix wasn’t able to do. They were very dark cinematically, not necessarily story-wise, although there were some dark elements. We’re much darker. This is as far as a Disney Plus show has ever gone.
Bold Claims May Backfire IfDaredevil: Born AgainFails
The PenguinComparison Could Impact Reception
Even setting asidethe Marvel vs. DC debate, comparing an acclaimed hit show to something that has yet to be released hasn’t landed well in terms of public perception. But more importantly, there’s a deeper issue at play. Many superhero stories are increasingly trying to appear grounded and realistic, even when they don’t align with the universe they’re set in. This could very well be the case withDaredevil: Born Againas well.
IfDaredevil: Born Againmanages to become a big hit and a solid addition to the MCU, thePenguincomparisons might actually gain more traction among fans, who would gladly vouch for their respective favorites. However, if the Disney+ series turns out to be a missed opportunity for Marvel, Dario’s comparisons could come back to haunt them. Even if the reactions are mixed, such a bold statement could have a negative impact, potentially dragging the series down further than it deserves.
The PenguinIsn’t The Right Comparison ForDaredevil
One Is A Superhero Show, The Other Isn’t
Moreover,The Penguinseems like the wrong yardstick to measureDaredevil: Born Againagainst. Just because both shows have dark, gritty aesthetics doesn’t mean they belong in the same category.The Penguinwas arguably the furthest thing from the superhero genre. The character never felt like a traditional comic book villain; instead, he was more of aTony Soprano-style gangsterwho lied and schemed his way up the mafia ranks.
Daredevil: Born Again, on the other hand, is very clearly a superhero show at its core: it’s literally about a blind lawyer who is also a costumed hero fighting bad guys. Moreover,The Penguincenters around a detestable antagonist, whereas Matt Murdock is clearly a good guy. Perhaps if Marvel ever creates a full-fledgedWilson Fisk/Kingpin spin-off series, that would be a more fitting comparison toThe Penguin.
Marvel Doesn’t Need To Go Darker ThanDaredevil
MCU’s Evolution Makes Comparisons Unnecessary
It’s been a long time since the Marvel Cinematic Universe shed its image of simply making loud action blockbusters with funny one-liner quips from its heroes. The franchise has experimented with so many genres now that talking about going darker than other Marvel projects seems unnecessary. In fact,the original Marvel-NetflixDaredevilserieswas clearly meant to avoid flashy crossovers and focused more on dark crime fiction. So, given thatBorn Againis simply continuing and reviving this series, it doesn’t need to step onThe Penguin’s toes just to fit a particular flavor.
Moreover, Dario Scardapane’s approach toDaredevil: Born Again, trying to make it more grounded and less stylized thanThe Penguin, doesn’t make sense at all in the context of the big picture. If Matt Murdock’s presence is to be felt more in the rest of the MCU, especially inthe upcomingSpider-Man 4, the character needs to be placed in a setting and tone that better aligns with his integration into these films. Considering his appearances inNo Way Homeas Peter Parker’s lawyer andhis two-episode stint inShe-Hulk, Murdock might need to undergo a tonal shift to better accommodate his complex return to the MCU.
Chasing Darkness Could Be A Red Flag
Creators are free to express their opinions and reasoning about the works they are involved in, just as Dario Scardapane rightfully has aboutDaredevil: Born Again. However, simply aiming for a darker and more grounded tone doesn’t necessarily guarantee that the series will be good. In fact, even DC, which has long been associated with a gritty tone, is now taking a different direction under James Gunn’s supervision. Needless to say, trying too hard toemulate a show likeThe Penguinsimply because it was successful could serve as a red flag forDaredevil: Born Again—unless, of course, the series proves us wrong.
Daredevil: Born Again
After Charlie Cox’s cameo appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home and supporting role in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Daredevil: Born Again gives Matt Murdock his first show set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Daredevil: Born Again continues the story that started in Netflix’s three-season Daredevil series and sees Wilson Fisk ascend to mayor of New York City.
