Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 will completely ignore the events of Thunderbolts*. This revelation comes as both projects are set in New York City, raising questions about Marvel’s interconnected universe approach and what this means for the future of the MCU.
Table of Contents
Daredevil: Born Again Kevin Feige’s Blunt Response on MCU Connectivity
When directly asked whether Thunderbolts* would affect Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, Feige bluntly responded “No.” Born Again is set in New York City, where Thunderbolts* also took place. This straightforward answer represents a significant shift in Marvel’s storytelling philosophy.
According to Feige, this approach helps reduce confusion among audiences and focuses more on individual storytelling. The decision marks Marvel’s move toward allowing television shows to exist more independently within the broader MCU framework.
Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Production Details
| Production Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Filming Start | 2025 |
| Episode Count | 8 episodes (reduced from Season 1’s 9) |
| Release Strategy | Standalone storytelling approach |
| Thunderbolts Connection | None – events will be ignored |
| Creative Team | Scardapane, Benson, and Moorhead returning |
| Production Status | Described as “better-oiled machine” |
| Season 1 Release | March 2025 |
| Future Seasons | Potential for continuation beyond Season 2 |
The Problem with New York City Overlap
Both Daredevil: Born Again and Thunderbolts* are set in New York City, which traditionally would create natural crossover opportunities. The climax on Thunderbolts* is set primarily in New York City, where their mission collides with a much bigger problem: the emergence of Robert Reynolds’ darker alter ego, the Void.
This presents a unique challenge: how do you justify ignoring massive superhero events happening in the same city where Matt Murdock operates? The film did some pretty serious long-term physical and psychological damage to NYC – something that would definitely have a lasting impact on any street-level hero operating in the area.
Marvel’s New Approach to TV Shows
“I think allowing a TV show to be a TV show is what we’re returning to,” he said. This philosophy represents a significant departure from the heavily interconnected Phase 4 approach that sometimes overwhelmed audiences with complex continuity requirements.
Benefits of This New Strategy:
- Reduced audience confusion about required viewing
- Standalone storytelling that doesn’t rely on external events
- Creative freedom for showrunners and writers
- Lower barrier to entry for new viewers
Production Updates and Timeline
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed that the second season is slated to begin filming in 2025. Scardapane described its production as a “better-oiled machine.” He said the second season would just be eight episodes.
The streamlined episode count suggests a more focused narrative approach, aligning with Marvel’s new strategy of prioritizing quality over quantity in their television content.
For fans following Marvel’s evolving strategy, check out our comprehensive MCU Phase 5 guide and Marvel TV show rankings.
What This Means for Future MCU Projects
This decision could signal a broader shift in how Marvel approaches interconnected storytelling. While movies might maintain stronger connections, TV shows may operate with more independence, allowing for:
- Simplified continuity for casual viewers
- Focused character development without external plot demands
- Creative flexibility for unique storytelling approaches
Stay updated on Marvel’s changing landscape through our Marvel Studios news coverage and superhero entertainment guides.
The Future of Born Again
Winderbaum said the series could continue beyond the second season, suggesting confidence in this new standalone approach. If successful, this strategy might influence how other Marvel TV projects are developed and marketed.
Stay ahead of the latest Marvel developments with our comprehensive MCU coverage and TV show analysis. For official updates, visit Marvel’s official website and Disney+ Marvel content.
FAQs
Q: Why is Marvel choosing to ignore Thunderbolts events in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2?
A: Kevin Feige explained that this approach helps reduce audience confusion and allows TV shows to focus on individual storytelling rather than complex MCU continuity. Marvel is returning to letting “a TV show be a TV show” instead of requiring viewers to watch multiple projects to understand the plot. This represents a strategic shift toward more accessible, standalone content that doesn’t overwhelm casual viewers with interconnected storylines.
Q: Will this decision affect other upcoming Marvel TV shows and their connections to movies?
A: While Marvel hasn’t officially announced this as a company-wide policy, Feige’s comments suggest a broader philosophical shift toward more independent storytelling for television projects. This could mean future Marvel TV shows will have looser connections to movies, focusing on character-driven narratives rather than universe-building obligations. However, each project will likely be evaluated individually based on story needs and audience accessibility.
