Daredevil: Born Again has received a TV-MA rating, showcasing a notable increase in profanity compared to its predecessor on Netflix. The original Daredevil series marked the beginning of the collaboration between Netflix and Marvel. Although it exists within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it primarily focused on its own narrative, crafting a distinct Defenders universe set in New York City. When the series first premiered, audiences were taken aback by the graphic violence portrayed, which diverged sharply from the family-oriented projects that Marvel typically produces. This trend of dark and violent storytelling continued across other Netflix offerings, revealing a more gruesome side of the Marvel brand.
Interestingly, despite its graphic violence, the Netflix series was relatively tame in its use of profanity. While the action was unrestrained, characters infrequently uttered the f-bomb, if at all. Most Marvel films maintain a PG-13 rating and similarly reserve cursing for select moments to cater to family audiences. Yet, Daredevil: Born Again distinguishes itself by openly embracing more explicit language, raising eyebrows about Disney’s leniency. With numerous uses of profanity in its inaugural season, fans are questioning how this new approach aligns with Marvel’s more traditional content guidelines.
Limited Use of Profanity in Netflix’s Daredevil
Violent Yet Clean in Dialogue
Although Daredevil was known for its sheer brutality — highlighted by unforgettable scenes such as the Punisher’s prison showdown and Kingpin’s brutal tactics — the script was surprisingly restrained in its profanity. According to the IMDb Parents Guide, the series received a moderate rating regarding profanity, with viewer comments suggesting the f-bomb was used only once throughout the entire run. In contrast, other Netflix properties like The Punisher embraced a much darker tone and included more explicit language.
This difference raises intriguing questions. While the writers of Daredevil focused on extreme violence, they chose to keep dialogue much cleaner. It’s crucial to remember that Daredevil: Born Again and the original Netflix shows operate under distinct frameworks on Disney+. Parents can utilize parental controls on kids’ profiles to differentiate this content from other MCU offerings.
Matt Murdock’s New Approach to Profanity
Unfiltered Language in the New Series
Prior to the release of Daredevil: Born Again, fans expressed curiosity about whether the series would retain the mature essence of its predecessor. No longer under Netflix’s control, many assumed Disney might shy away from the violent and profane content. However, the initial episodes quickly dispelled these doubts — Matt Murdock’s skirmish with Bullseye was packed with action, featuring notable headshots and stabbings. This shift indicates that Marvel Studios is not only flexible regarding violence but is also ready to embrace more adult language among its main heroes.
Shifting Standards for Profanity in the MCU
The Impact of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Traditionally, the industry guideline for PG-13 films permits just a single use of the f-bomb; abusing this rule risks an R-rating. While Marvel has utilized profane language in the past, it wasn’t until Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 that the MCU joined the fray. The moment occurred when Peter Quill expresses his frustration with Nebula, marking the momentous occasion of the MCU’s first f-bomb. This pivotal scene unlocked further potential for language in subsequent Marvel projects.
Following this, Marvel took a bold step by launching its first R-rated film, Deadpool & Wolverine. While fans are more accustomed to Deadpool’s coarse humor, this marks a significant shift for Disney, which embraced his character’s unabashedly vulgar language. This evolution is encouraging as it hints at a willingness to develop narratives that resonate with a more mature audience. Daredevil: Born Again could very well serve as a blueprint for future MCU television endeavors, as Marvel searches for ways to make its content more relatable to older fans.