Daredevil: Born Again’s new head writer and directors have renewed my faith in the Marvel TV show
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Daredevil: Born Againhas a new head writer and directors – and their hiring has restored my faith in the forthcomingMarvelTV show.
According toThe Hollywood Reporter(THR), Marvel has handed the reins of theDisney Plusseries to Dario Scardapane – the journalist-turned-screenwriter taking over from departing duo Chris Ord and Matt Corman.
The Disney subsidiary has also drafted in Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead to film the rest of the show. The filmmakers' names will be familiar to established Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans, with the pair previously helming twoMoon Knightepisodes. The duo are also the main directors onLokiseason 2, which is currently airing on Disney Plus.
The trio’s hiring comes as a big relief for fans who have waited a long time for a standalone Daredevil series set in the MCU.
In early October, we reported thatDaredevil: Born Again’s development was in serious trouble as Marvel looked to completely rework the live-action show. At the time, THR suggested Marvel was unhappy with the direction that the series was going in, so it decided to overhaul the project before it was too late. That led to Ord and Corman’s departure alongside those who had helmed its first four episodes.
It’s believed that Marvel will retain scenes from the show’s first few weeks of production – principal photography that began in March, but was shut down amid thenow-resolved writers strikeand ongoing actors strike. Once a resolution is found for the latter, filming will resume on theMarvel Phase 5TV show. Rewrites are also expected, with Scardapane penning extra content to fit into the already shot footage, and new episodes to build out the rest ofDaredevil: Born Again’s plot.
Jack Ryan and Marvel’s The Punisher :oOctober 27, 2023
Scardapane’s involvement in Daredevil’s MCU project is certainly intriguing. With writing and producing credits on shows includingPrime Video’sTom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Scardapane has already made a name for himself in Hollywood circles.
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It’s his previous work onNetflix’sThe Punisher– the John Bernthal-starring spin-off from Netflix’sDaredevilTV show – that makes his hiring so exciting, though. Scardapane wrote four ofThe Punisher’s best episodes, including ‘Home’ (season 1 episode 12), which, according toIMDbusers, is the show’s best entry. In a producing capacity, Scardapane will have overseenThe Punisher’s gritty tone and gory action. MCU fans hoping thatDaredevil: Born Againwill follow a similar R-rated trajectory to its Netflix counterpart andThe Punisher, then, should welcome Scardapane’s involvement with open arms.
Benson and Moorhead’s recruitment is equally fascinating. The duo made their names on acclaimed indie movies, including sci-fi flickSomething in the Dirtand horror-infused projectsThe EndlessandSynchronic.
It’s their work onMoon KnightandLokiseason 2, though, that’s catapulted them into the limelight – and with good reason. Their kinetic camerawork helps the Marvel episodes they’ve directed to feel more alive, which bodes well forBorn Again’s various action sequences. Their ability to draw the top-tier emotional performances from each show’s stars, as well as imbue certain scenes with dread-inducing and gruesome horror, mind-bending sci-fi, unexpected comedy, and thrilling drama make them ideal for the MCU’s multi-genre approach.
Here’s hoping they and Scardapane can giveBorn Againthe much-needed injection of weighty drama, ultraviolence, and superpowered legal tonality it needs. Fans shouldn’texpectDaredevil: Born Againto debut on Disney Plus until 2025, though with the seriesjoining many of its TV peers in being delayed into 2024 and beyond.
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As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.
Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.
Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.
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