In just a couple of weeks, Netflix will debut its latest original TV series, which also happens to be the latest major project from Marvel. The series is Daredevil, and looks to be a big, bold adaptation of one of the most interesting comic heroes in Marvel lore. Here are 10 things to know about the series before it hits Netflix (streaming) on April 10.
1. There’s No Relation To The Film
You remember the 2003 Daredevil film starring Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock/Daredevil. It was the not-so-proud recipient of a 45% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and it performed even worse with audiences, with only 36% liking it. Well, fortunately the new show has virtually 0 relation to the film, beyond shared subject matter and Marvel involvement.
2. But It Will Be Film-Like
That said, however, some of the creators behind the new Daredevil project have more or less stated that audiences should view it as an extended film, rather than a TV show. Cinema Blend quoted Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada as explaining that this is one of the benefits of doing the show on Netflix. Rather than relying on hooks and week-to-week suspense, Daredevil can unfurl naturally over the course of a 12- or 13-hour binge watch.
3. Charlie Cox Could Be A Star
Best known as Owen Slater from Boardwalk Empire, 33-year-old Charlie Cox may be on the verge of a breakthrough. He’s shown flashes of great talent and charisma in a 2011 Moby Dick mini-series and more recently in a supporting role in the Oscar-nominated The Theory Of Everything. But with Daredevil, as well as the rumored follow-up series, he gets a chance to strut his stuff.
4. Classic Characters Are In Place
Some modern superhero projects have begun to take creative liberties with original material. For example, the upcoming film Fantastic Four is rumored to be changing a great deal regarding the background of infamous Marvel villain Dr. Doom. However, Daredevil appears to be staying grounded. Classic characters like Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), Night Nurse (Rosario Dawson), and Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) will be part of the series, and Entertainment Weekly revealed classic villain Bullseye may appear in future seasons as well.
5. But Not Elektra
However, Elektra is conspicuously absent from the cast of characters. Since the 2005 film Elektra, in which Jennifer Garner played the role, this character has nearly evaporated from modern Marvel content. Indeed, the character’s only noteworthy place in modern culture is in online gaming, where an Elektra slot machine game at Betfair’s online casino places her right alongside fellow Marvel comic stars. The game relies vaguely on imagery and sounds from the 2005 film to create an engaging atmosphere, though in context it largely serves as a reminder of Elektra’s disappearance in modern Marvel projects. And it seems, for now, the new show will not be bringing her back.
6. There Will Be 13 Episodes
This is merely worth knowing for your binge-watch planning. The film’s Wikipedia page only lists three episodes at the moment, but several sources confirm the first season will consist of 13.
7. The Trailer Is Surprisingly Dark
The teaser trailer for Daredevil is surprisingly dark, not for the character but for a Marvel TV show. The most significant example of such a show at the moment is Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., which has taken a fairly light-hearted approach. But if anything, Daredevil looks vaguely Dark Knight-ish in the trailer, which is great news for those who prefer a more serious approach.
8. Crossovers Aren’t Guaranteed
If there’s one small thing Marvel excels at, it’s undoubtedly the placement of easter eggs and crossovers. We’ve seen a dizzying criss-cross of superheroes appearing in one another’s films, shows, end credits sequences, and the like. However, according to Blastr, Marvel TV’s Jeph Loeb basically discounted the possibility of major crossovers, at least in this first season. This can actually be construed as a refreshing development, because it will allow Daredevil to establish a sound foundation before expanding too rapidly.
9. This Is The First Of Five Shows
While a single Marvel show on Netflix feels like a major development in modern superhero cinema culture, Daredevil is actually just the first of many. Games Radar lists Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage as the subjects for future series along with a collaborative The Defenders series to bring them all together.
10. And Here’s The Motion Poster
It’s truly just an animated poster, but it’s oddly exciting: Matt Murdock Motion Poster.
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