Daredevil’s Essential Role in Thunderbolts: Reviving What the MCU Truly Needs

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again.

Marvel Studios has an opportunity to address one of the most significant criticisms of the MCU by incorporating Matt Murdock’s Daredevil into the upcoming Thunderbolts film. Slated for release on May 2, 2025, this movie will follow the Disney+ series, Daredevil: Born Again. While neither project is likely to delve deeply into multiverse themes, they both promise gritty, urban narratives set against the backdrop of New York City, hinting at a stronger connective tissue between them than initially anticipated.

The MCU’s Interconnected Nature Has Diminished Recently

Marvel Studios Faces Criticism Over Lack of Connectivity

During the Infinity Saga, Marvel Studios excelled at creating a rich tapestry of interconnected narratives, ensuring that each installment built upon the last. However, this connectivity has waned with the onset of the Multiverse Saga. Marvel’s shift toward producing standalone series on Disney+ and introducing a multitude of new characters has led to a fragmentation of the universe, causing concern among fans who yearn for meaningful crossovers.

Recent projects—including Secret Invasion, The Marvels, and Eternals—have left audiences feeling that opportunities for compelling connections have been largely overlooked. The Multiverse Saga has been the most divisive phase thus far, making it all the more compelling for Thunderbolts to reclaim some of that lost interconnectivity.

A Unique Opportunity for Interconnection Among New York’s Heroes

New York’s Superheroes and Vigilantes May Soon Unite

The embrace of New York as a central hub for Marvel’s narratives creates an exciting potential for the convergence of various characters, leading fans to call for more cohesive storytelling in future projects. With the storyline of Thunderbolts revolving around a powerful antagonist threatening the city, the opportunity for crossover appearances is ripe.

The team will unite to combat Lewis Pullman’s character, Sentry—or more accurately, his malevolent persona, the Void, as it seeks to expand its darkness across New York. This storyline sets the stage for other heroes to join the fray.

Several key figures in the MCU, who call New York home, could intersect perfectly in this narrative. Although Doctor Strange might be preoccupied with cosmic missions, Spider-Man’s journey as “your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man”is set to continue in Spider-Man: Brand New Day in 2026. Similarly, Daredevil: Born Again is establishing deeper stories for iconic characters like Daredevil, the Punisher, and White Tiger. The presence of characters like Ms. Marvel, Kate Bishop, and the upcoming Young Avengers further enhances this interconnected landscape.

As Thunderbolts unfolds primarily in New York, the previous Avengers Tower may transform into a new headquarters under Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who is shaping Sentry as her substitute for the Avengers. Notably, Sentry’s chaotic turn could pave the way for the formation of the Thunderbolts team, making it imperative to see other New York-based heroes, such as Daredevil, join this storyline.

The Storyline of Daredevil: Born Again Sets the Stage for a Thunderbolts Appearance

Daredevil Would Make A Perfect Addition To The Thunderbolts Cast

Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Matt Murdock quickly secured a devoted fanbase during Marvel’s original Defenders Saga on Netflix from 2015 to 2019. His return as Daredevil in projects such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and the new series Daredevil: Born Again has only intensified fan enthusiasm.

Daredevil’s return, especially given the darker tone of Born Again, aligns seamlessly with the narrative challenges that the Thunderbolts will face, particularly under the oppressive regime of Mayor Wilson Fisk, played by Vincent D’Onofrio. With the establishment of an Anti-Vigilante Task Force, the stakes have never been higher for both Daredevil and the Thunderbolts. It’s vital for Marvel Studios to take advantage of the rich interconnections between these storylines.

Daredevil’s enhanced abilities and more violent approach in Daredevil: Born Again make him an ideal match for the super-powered Thunderbolts team, especially in light of Kingpin’s growing influence over New York. The threat posed by Sentry will undoubtedly intertwine with Daredevil’s mission, making his involvement in Thunderbolts not just beneficial but essential for a cohesive and thrilling narrative experience.

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