Daredevil: Born Again - How might the Defenders return to the MCU? Possibilities explored

Even before Daredevil: Born Again becomes available on streaming, the MCU has already been slowly bringing back fan-favorite characters from their Netflix shows, with Charlie Cox’s Daredevil, Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin, and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher already having made their return.

However, other characters like Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist have not returned to Marvel/Disney—at least for now.

With Daredevil: Born Again, this might just be the right staging Disney+ series for their ultimate return, thanks to a huge power shift that could bring these street heroes back together.

If Marvel religiously decides to follow through with its comic book outline, then the Defenders’ comeback may be nearer.

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A power shift in New York could bring the Defenders back

Wilson Fisk has constantly been an alarming menace to the MCU, but his newest upsurge in power in Daredevil: Born Again puts him in a place of extraordinary rule. With him now landing the title of “New York City’s mayor,” he isn’t just scheming his dirty work from the background—he’s influencing public policies.

His victory speech made it crystal clear that he believes that vigilantes are a nuisance to society, and with Daredevil now in his way, it’s only a matter of time before other street heroes also feel the strain coming their way from Fisk.

This storyline fairly reflects Marvel Comics’ Devil’s Reign, where Fisk used his political influence to force the superheroes to a grave amount of risk. If moving forward with newer episodes where Daredevil: Born Again possibly tries to adapt this storyline, it could unsurprisingly bring in other Defenders back to the MCU.

Fisk’s suppression wouldn’t just disturb Daredevil alone—it would also send tremors throughout every bend of the city, including Harlem, where Luke Cage has imprinted his own bubble of authority.

Luke Cage’s role in a potential Defenders revival

One of the members of The Defenders team, Luke Cage, seems like the aptest superhero to return to Marvel. His character was last seen on screen when he stepped into the role of the new foreman for Harlem’s Paradise, deciding to restrict crime from the inside rather than fighting it from the outside.

That choice of his left his future in Marvel in doubt, but Fisk’s recent activities could perhaps compel him to make a choice—will he stay in the outskirts as the NY declines into madness, or take a stand and take the fight with Fisk?

In the comic, Devil’s Reign, Luke Cage doesn’t just fight back against Wilson Fisk—he also swaps him out as mayor and becomes the mayor himself. If all of the MCU follows this comic, Daredevil: Born Again could bring in Luke as a character wanting to stop Fisk while also delving into the political side of NY to challenge Fisk.

This would let the MCU explore a new kind of superhero, making Luke Cage go from being a street-level hero to an actual force for change.

Will the other Defenders follow after the events of Daredevil: Born Again?

If Luke Cage eventually makes a comeback, Jessica Jones might not be too far behind. While she has always been unwilling to hold on to the heroic label, Wilson Fisk's being in power could put her in a place where she has no choice but to act to save the city from such a monstrosity.

Unlike Luke, she has no fascination with being involved with politics, but an attack on her fellow mates might compel her to make a solid return to the MCU.

Iron Fist’s comeback, on the other hand, is a bit more unsure. Danny Rand’s solo series titled “Iron Fist” was the least well-established show on Netflix for Marvel.

Nevertheless, if Marvel does decide to bring Iron Fist back after the events of Daredevil: Born Again, they might decide on a fresh new take for the character rather than a continuation of his Netflix storyline. However, it is important to note that this is all just speculation.

Rather than diving in headfirst with the Defender's team-up, Marvel may take a steadier approach. By letting each hero re-establish their presence naturally, Marvel can decide on a more organized and convincing version of the Defenders within the MCU.

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The Defenders might not make a comeback yet, but Daredevil: Born Again might be building on the perfect scenario for their return. With Wilson Fisk coming into mayoral power and street-level heroes under Fisk’s radar, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and even Iron Fist could soon find themselves pulled back into action.

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