The upcoming Daredevil: Born Again series has fans buzzing with excitement. Many viewers, however, are curious why major MCU heroes like Spider-Man and Doctor Strange won’t make an appearance. Showrunner Dario Scardapane recently addressed this. He explained the creative reasoning and highlighted how the series connects to the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Furthermore, his comments reveal how the series balances street-level storytelling with the larger MCU world. The show keeps the focus on Hell’s Kitchen and its gritty environment.
Daredevil: Born Again – MCU Connection Dilemma Explained
Dario Scardapane explained:
“I’m into connecting Born Again with the wider MCU because I dig the comics, but it’s a fun and challenging dilemma to bring big heroes into the series.”
He clarified that the series acknowledges the “larger MCU of it all.” Instead of bringing outside heroes directly into Hell’s Kitchen, Born Again characters appear in other projects.
“We know there’s that huge world out there of the MCU. This corner of it has crossovers. We’ve seen Daredevil in other shows; there are other characters that are going to be popping up in movies and stuff, and that all goes into the larger MCU of it all.”
This approach allows the series to remain grounded, highlighting street-level stories while maintaining MCU connectivity.
Geographical Split in New York Keeps the Story Focused
One reason for Spider-Man and Doctor Strange’s absence is the geographical division of New York City. Scardapane explained:
“Those guys are uptown, we’re downtown! We kind of have a pocket that’s in this world of Hell’s Kitchen, in this world of New York.”
By focusing on Hell’s Kitchen, the show preserves its intimate and gritty tone. In addition, this enables detailed character development and allows viewers to connect deeply with the struggles of Daredevil and other street-level heroes.
Daredevil: Born Again – Street-Level Focus Strengthens the Narrative
The showrunner emphasized the importance of keeping the story grounded:
“I always think that maybe these characters take little vacations into the larger world, but the story that we’re focusing on is really granular.”
This ensures that Daredevil: Born Again stays true to its street-level roots while still being part of the broader MCU.
Supporting Characters Maintain MCU Connectivity
Although Spider-Man and Doctor Strange won’t appear, the series ensures MCU connections through supporting characters. Daredevil, Punisher, and other characters have crossovers in other projects, keeping fans aware that the story of Hell’s Kitchen is part of the wider Marvel universe.
Scardapane noted:
“We know there’s that huge world out there, and while some heroes aren’t visiting Hell’s Kitchen, the events here still ripple out into the wider MCU.”
This strategy balances self-contained storytelling with interconnected MCU continuity.
Impact on Spider-Man and Other MCU Projects
Even though the major heroes won’t appear, Daredevil: Born Again is expected to influence other MCU projects, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This demonstrates that events in Hell’s Kitchen have consequences beyond the streets, keeping the MCU interconnected while maintaining the series’ grounded tone.
Why Minimal Crossovers Preserve Daredevil:Born Again Tone
By intentionally limiting the appearances of high-profile heroes, the series therefore focuses on suspense, crime, and character-driven drama. Additionally, Scardapane explained:
“It’s a fun and challenging dilemma,”
Highlighting the creative choice to prioritize the story’s grit over big superhero spectacles.
This approach keeps viewers engaged with Daredevil’s personal struggles while preserving the unique atmosphere of Hell’s Kitchen.
Overall, Daredevil: Born Again maintains its street-level focus by excluding Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, yet it still connects to the MCU through supporting character appearances. Furthermore, Showrunner Dario Scardapane’s approach preserves the gritty, grounded tone of Hell’s Kitchen, making it a must-watch for fans who are seeking both character-driven drama and MCU connectivity.
By keeping the series self-contained yet aware of the MCU, Daredevil: Born Again promises thrilling, grounded storytelling that complements the wider Marvel universe.
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