Warning: This article contains spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again.
Marvel Studios has introduced and developed some brilliant side characters inDaredevil: Born Again, though some have already made more of an impact on theMCUthan others. Prior to its major creative overhaul in late 2023,Daredevil: Born Againwas expected to be completely separate from Netflix’s originalDaredevilseries, which meant that Marvel Studios readied an entirely new supporting cast to appear in the revival series. WhileBorn Againand the originalDaredevilseriesare now directly connected, this new supporting cast has still been retained.
Several members ofDaredevil’soriginal cast reprised their rolesinDaredevil: Born Again, including lead stars Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onforio, as well as Jon Bernthal, Ayelet Zurer, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson and Wilson Bethel. However,the majority ofDaredevil: Born Again’scast, especially side characters, is completely new, which has created new stories, relationships and threats for Matt Murdock in the MCU’s Phase 5. Some of these supporting characters have been welcome additions, while others haven’t been so well-received, butDaredevil: Born Againseason 2will surely develop them all.
10Cherry
Clark Johnson Plays Cherry In Daredevil: Born Again
Clark Johnson first appeared as Cherry inDaredevil: Born Again’spremiere, in which the new NYPD retiree discovered that Matt Murdock is Daredevil following the Man Without Fear’s battle againstBullseye, who killed Foggy Nelson. Despite retiring, Cherry then decided to work with Murdock and new legal partner Kirsten McDuffie as their investigator, and he spent the next year becoming a close confidant to Murdock. Unfortunately,Cherry hasn’t quite had the development that he perhaps deserved inDaredevil: Born Again, and has been involved in some awkward pre-creative overhaul scenes.
Perhaps most notably, Cherry arrived to inform Matt Murdock of Muse’s serial killing career, but urged the former vigilante not to do anything about it and then berated Murdock when he did. This made little sense, and unfortunately pushed Cherry into near-unlikeable territory.There are hopes thatDaredevil: Born Againseason 2 will either develop Cherry further and make him a stronger character or replace him completely, perhaps with anew investigator such as Jessica Jones, even though it would be a shame to lose Clark Johnson in the MCU.
9Cole North
Jeremy Isaiah Earl Plays Cole North In Daredevil: Born Again
Cole North was introduced inDaredevil: Born Againepisode 6, “Excessive Force,” as a corrupt NYPD officer and a new member of Mayor Wilson Fisk’s Anti-Vigilante Task Force.Cole North was first seen in Marvel Comics as an enemy to Daredevil in 2019, though he went on to become an ally to the Man Without Fear, which could be a trajectory that Jeremy Isaiah Earl’s character can explore in the MCU. For now, however, Cole North hasn’t been developed all too much, other than his questionable actions in the NYPD being spotlighted by Kingpin.
In Marvel Comics, Cole North wasn’t just an enemy to Daredevil, but also to New York’s other vigilantes, including the Punisher and Spider-Man.
TheAnti-Vigilante Task Force has already been confirmedto have a prominent role inDaredevil: Born Againseason 2, which means that Sergeant Cole North could have a much larger role in the upcoming second season.As one of the most popular recent additions to Marvel Comics' street-level stories, it’s great to see Cole North take up space in the MCU, and it will be even more exciting to see him get explored in more detail. Jeremy Isaiah Earl could put himself on the map as a key part of Daredevil’s future stories if Cole North is developed further.
8Kirsten McDuffie
Nikki M. James Plays Kirsten McDuffie In Daredevil: Born Again
Foggy Nelson’s death inDaredevil: Born Again’spremiere left a void in Matt Murdock’s legal career, as him and Karen Page could no longer operate as Nelson, Murdock and Page. Instead,Murdock left Hell’s Kitchen and started a new law firm with former Assistant District Attorney Kirsten McDuffie, portrayed by Nikki M. James. McDuffie has become a staunch ally, friend and confidant to Matt Murdock, supporting him through his grief, taking on a great deal of work at Murdock & McDuffie, and even setting him up with her long-time friend, Dr. Heather Glenn.
Nikki M. James' Kirsten McDuffie has been a fantastic addition toDaredevil: Born Again’scast. She is a warm and comfortable character with a sharp wit and a calming presence - just what Matt Murdock needs - though she is also capable of delivering some harsh truths and bouncing off Charlie Cox’s Murdock brilliantly.It has been great to see McDuffie’s little action so far, and it’s an exciting prospect that she could get developed further inDaredevil: Born Againseason 2, should Murdock & McDuffie still be able to operate despite Mayor Fisk’s war on vigilantes, including Daredevil.
7Angie Kim
Ruibo Qian Plays Angie Kim In Daredevil: Born Again
Even thoughshe previously appeared as Mei in one episode of Netflix’sJessica Jonesseries, Ruibo Qian was recast inDaredevil: Born Againas NYPD Detective Angie Kim. She formerly worked with Cherry and was present during Bullseye’s attack on Josie’s Bar inBorn Again’spremiere, and she reappeared in episode 5, “With Interest,” as the detective sent to the New York Mutual bank to deal with Devlin and his gang’s robbery. Angie Kim is interesting as she has no Marvel Comics counterpart, which means the possibilities for her character in the MCU are endless.
Marvel Studios hasn’t really taken advantage of this freedom just yet, but the future could be very bright for Angie Kim, especially since she has already popped up in several places inDaredevil: Born Again, including briefing Mayor Wilson Fisk aboutBastian Cooper’s Muse. As an NYPD detective,Angie Kim could becomeBorn Again’sreplacement for Brett Mahoney from the originalDaredevilseries, having a love/hate relationship with Daredevil and New York’s vigilantes, but helping from within the force. It would be fantastic to see Angie Kim have a more prominent role inBorn Againseason 2.
6Buck Cashman
Arty Froushan Plays Buck Cashman In Daredevil: Born Again
Wilson Fisk’s right-hand-man and best friend, James Wesley, was killed by Karen Page inDaredevilseason 1, and while Benjamin Poindexter tried to replace him in season 3,it has actually been Arty Froushan’s Buck Cashman who has become the “new Wesley” inDaredevil: Born Again. In Marvel Comics, United States government mercenaryBuck Cashman is a close ally to Kingpinand enemy of Daredevil who goes by the moniker of Bullet. While he hasn’t yet adopted this name in the MCU, his sharp-shooting inDaredevil: Born Againepisode 7, “Art for Art’s Sake,” hints at this evolution.
In Marvel Comics, Buck Cashman becomes the host of the Symbiote known as Phage, so his debut in the MCU could be hinting at the evolution of the Venom corner of the MCU.
Similarly to most ofDaredevil: Born Again’snew supporting cast, Buck Cashman hasn’t been given enough development just yet. Even so, he has shown off some of his dry comedy skills, and has proven to be the most loyal and unquestioning ally to Mayor Wilson Fisk in his quest both as Mayor and as Kingpin.It seems very likely that Buck will get more attention inDaredevil: Born Againseason 2, especially with Mayor Fisk’s AVTF being given more prominence. This could mark his transformation into Bullet, which would be incredibly exciting for the MCU.
5Josie
Susan Varon Plays Josie In Daredevil: Born Again
Susan Varon previously portrayed bar owner Josie in nine episodes of Netflix’sDaredevilseries, and she reprised the role inDaredevil: Born Again. InDaredevil, however, Josie seldom had any meaningful lines, butBorn Againhas changed this significantly. She first delivered a heartfelt toast to Cherry inBorn Again’spremiere, and then consoled Matt Murdock upon his return to the scene of Foggy Nelson’s death in episode 8, “Isle of Joy.“Josie is also set to have a role inBorn Again’sfinale, suggesting Josie’s Bar will again be an important location, and perhaps developing her character further.
Josie has been one of the most welcome and enjoyable connections to the former Netflix series in Marvel Studios' ownDaredevil: Born Again.She was always a funny and banter-filled presence in the history of Matt Murdock and Foggy Nelson, so her return and development in the MCU has provided more insight into Murdock and Nelson’s relationship and the impact of the latter’s death. Josie’s return inBorn Againhas been as if we’re watching a new character blossom, and she has already contributed to two of season 1’s most memorable moments.
4Heather Glenn
Margarita Levieva Plays Heather Glenn In Daredevil: Born Again
Margarita Levieva’s Heather Glenn has been one of the most central new supporting characters introduced toDaredevil: Born Again, as she has becomeMatt Murdock’s latest love interestafter Karen Page, Claire Temple, Elektra Natchios and Jennifer Walters. More than that, however, Glenn has also found herself connected to some ofBorn Again’sbest villains and embroiled in the world of vigilantes.She was a target of client Bastian Cooper, the serial killer known as Muse, and was also the therapist for Wilson and Vanessa Fisk, hired to address their marital issues.
DaredevilSeason 2 (2016)
DaredevilSeason 1 (2015)
Luke CageSeason 2 (2018)
Daredevil: Born AgainSeason 1 (2025)
By becoming so involved with the Fisks and gaining such an interest and apparent distaste for vigilantes, Heather Glenn has put herself on the chopping block inDaredevil: Born Again.Heather Glenn’s affiliation with Matt Murdockwill put her at risk of being targeted by Wilson Fisk, while her professional connection to the Fisks may mark the end of her relationship with Murdock.Marvel Comics' Heather Glenn was a part of Matt Murdock’s life for a decade between 1975 and ‘85, so she could be a long-running character inBorn Againconnected Murdock to many new antagonists and supporting characters.
3BB Urich
Genneya Walton Plays BB Urich In Daredevil: Born Again
Introduced as the niece ofDaredevilseason 1’s New York Bulletin journalist Ben Urich, who was murdered by Wilson Fisk after a visit to his mother, Genneya Walton’sBB Urich is the new journalistic face ofDaredevil: Born Again. Running the online publication, The BB Report, and having close ties to Daniel Blake, who works in Mayor Fisk’s office,BB has already teased a vendetta against New York’s new Mayor, surely being aware of his involvement in her uncle’s demise. She seems to be following in her uncle’s footsteps to uncover Fisk’s nefarious actions, which is great to see.
In Marvel Comics, Ben Urich’s nephew is Phil Urich, who becomes several incarnations of Goblin-themed Spider-Man villains, including Hobgoblin, Green Goblin and, ultimately, the Goblin King.
BB Urich will surely be a huge part ofDaredevil: Born Againseason 2, with Daredevil’s return andMayor Fisk’s war on vigilantesincreasing. It seems very unlikely that she’ll copy her Marvel Comics counterpart to become a Spider-Man villain. Instead,BB Urich is more of a replacement for her uncle, taking on the journalistic role that could mark trouble for Wilson Fiskas he continues to try and expand his circle of influence. BB seems to have struck an alliance with NYPD Commissioner Gallo to take down Wilson Fisk, starting an exciting story forBorn Again’sfuture.
2Daniel Blake
Michael Gandolfini Plays Daniel Blake In Daredevil: Born Again
Michael Gandolfini was one of the most exciting additions toDaredevil: Born Again’scast prior to the series’ release, and his role in the series has just made this even more enticing. At first glance,Daniel Blake was seemingly an insignificant member of Wilson Fisk’s office as Mayor of New York City, prior to being promoted to Deputy Mayor for Communications. However, there is a great deal of mystery surroundingDaniel Blake’s involvement inBorn Againand love for Wilson Fisk that has led to speculation that he could be a long-lost son to Kingpin.
This could see Marvel Studios bring an adaptation of either Richard Fisk or Butch Pharris into the MCU, which seems even more possible given Gandolfini and D’Onofrio’s similar appearances. Since it’s unlikelyGandolfini’sBorn Againcharacter is a version of Marvel Comics' “Dan Blake,” a Martian spy from 1961, the character is completely original to the MCU, which means that the door is open for him to be surprisingly revealed as Wilson Fisk’s son. The future for Daniel Blake is looking very bright, and could even see him follow in Fisk’s villainous footsteps.
1Angela Del Toro
Camila Rodriguez Plays Angela Del Toro In Daredevil: Born Again
Angela Del Toro’s introduction to the MCU inDaredevil: Born Againhas perhaps been one of the series' most exciting elements, as she could soon become the vigilante known as the White Tiger. This would see her follow in her uncle’s footsteps, as Kamar de los Reyes’Hector Ayala debuted as the original White Tiger, but he was murdered by a corrupt NYPD officer after being acquitted in court.Angela Del Toro takes over from Hector Ayala as the White Tiger in Marvel Comics, so it would make sense that this would occur inDaredevil: Born Again, too.
Young actor Camila Rodriguez has already delivered a remarkable performance as Angela Del Toro, and given the fact that she’s younger than her Marvel Comics counterpart, her possible evolution into the White Tiger has led to speculation that she could become anew Young Avenger in the MCU. This would make herDaredevil: Born Againdebut and experience with Muse even more important. It’s unclear what the future holds for Angela Del Toro in the MCU, but it would be great to see her return afterDaredevil: Born Againto continue her uncle and Reyes' incredible legacy.
