(Image Source: IMDb)
Marvel's "Daredevil" series is returning for its fourth season, "Daredevil: Born Again," on Disney+. Showrunner Dario Scardapane recently spoke with SFX magazine, offering a glimpse into what fans can expect from the new season.
Scardapane noted that many fans have recently compared "Born Again" to "The Penguin," the spin-off series from "The Batman." However, Scardapane believes "Born Again" surpasses "The Penguin" in one key aspect. He found it strange that while he was fully focused on his own creation, other similar works emerged that were astonishing. He acknowledged that in many ways, "The Penguin" was a direct competitor, but stated that "Born Again" leans more towards realism, with less stylized presentation and a closer connection to contemporary themes. While he enjoyed "The Penguin," Scardapane emphasized that their story is more direct and impactful.
(Image Source: SFX)
Scardapane also stated that the tone of "Born Again" is darker than ever before. He explained that its pacing and scope achieve things that the first three seasons couldn't due to various factors. From a cinematic perspective, he described "Born Again" as very dark, clarifying that this doesn't solely refer to the story's content, though it does contain dark elements. He stressed that they are "much darker," pushing the boundaries of what a Disney+ series can achieve.
Scardapane further elaborated, saying that he felt Netflix's "Daredevil" leaned more towards film noir, while "Born Again" felt more like a New York crime story. He noted it incorporates elements of "The Sopranos" and "King of New York," evoking the feel of classic 90s crime narratives.
(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
Scardapane also explained other differences between "Born Again" and the previous three seasons. He remarked that in the early days of the show, when it was good, it was truly excellent, but when it wasn't, it often involved two characters sitting in a room discussing what it means to be a hero. He expressed a desire not to repeat such scenes. He clarified that this wasn't a criticism, but rather a preference to see characters taking action instead of constantly complaining about their lives.
Furthermore, Scardapane pointed out that the average duration of a single action sequence in "Born Again" is longer than before, with a greater emphasis on rhythm. He noted a reduction in the reliance on extensive dialogue to bridge action scenes, a departure from his experience as a co-writer on Netflix's "The Punisher" series.