The return of Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+ has left fans reeling after a jaw-dropping twist in the premiere episodes. The revival series, which brings back Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock (aka Daredevil), Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, and Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson, wastes no time in delivering emotional gut punches. The shocking death of Foggy Nelson has sparked intense debate among fans, and the show’s creators are opening up about why this bold narrative choice was necessary.
The Premiere’s Heartbreaking Twist
The first two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again reunite fans with the beloved trio of Matt, Karen, and Foggy as they celebrate the opening of their new law firm, a dream realized after the events of Netflix’s Daredevil. However, the joy is short-lived.
- Bullseye’s Return:
Wilson Bethel reprises his role as Benjamin Poindexter, aka Bullseye, a fan-favorite antagonist from the Netflix series. In a dramatic sequence, Bullseye ambushes the group outside Josie’s bar, leading to a high-octane fight scene that spans multiple locations. - Foggy’s Death:
Amid the chaos, Foggy is fatally shot. The emotional weight of the moment is amplified as Matt, in his Daredevil suit, battles Bullseye while desperately trying to save his best friend. Despite his efforts, Foggy succumbs to his injuries, leaving Matt devastated. - Matt’s Breaking Point:
In a moment of rage, Matt attempts to kill Bullseye by throwing him off a roof. Though Bullseye survives, the act marks a dark turning point for Matt, who has always strived to uphold justice without crossing moral boundaries.
Why Foggy’s Death Was Necessary
The decision to kill off Foggy Nelson was not made lightly. Executive producer Sana Amanat and Marvel TV head Brad Winderbaum explain the reasoning behind this pivotal plot point:
- Narrative Impact:
- Foggy’s death serves as a catalyst for Matt’s character arc. As Amanat explains, “Foggy has been Matt’s moral compass for so long. The only reason Matt would ever consider putting away the mask is if his best friend dies.”
- Winderbaum adds, “The death of Foggy was something we really agonized over. It’s not dissimilar to the death of Gambit in X-Men ’97. Both characters represent something essential to the core idea, so their loss has a huge impact on the universe.”
- Comic Book Precedent:
- The creative team drew inspiration from the Daredevil comics, where Bullseye kills Karen Page. Amanat notes, “We brought Bullseye back because his role in the source material is so integral to Daredevil’s story.”
- A New Chapter for Matt Murdock:
- Foggy’s death forces Matt to confront his identity and purpose. Winderbaum describes Matt as being in a “state of freeze,” trying to uphold Foggy’s virtues while grappling with his own darker impulses.
Fan Reactions and Risks
The team acknowledges that Foggy’s death is a risky move, especially given his popularity among fans. Amanat admits, “It was tough. It was really, really tough. But at this point, 10 years later, we have to move forward. We have to be able to start telling a new narrative.”
Winderbaum adds, “The absence of Foggy looms large over the entire season and is a big part of the culmination of the story.”
What’s Next for Daredevil?
While Foggy’s death marks a tragic turning point, fans can take solace in knowing this isn’t the last they’ll see of the character.
- Season 2 Plans:
Amanat confirms that both Elden Henson and Deborah Ann Woll will return in Daredevil: Born Again season 2, albeit in different ways. Winderbaum teases, “I don’t see a Daredevil season without Foggy in some regard.” - Matt’s Journey:
The first season will explore Matt’s grief and internal conflict as he navigates life without his moral anchor. The premiere’s violent climax, where Matt brutally attacks corrupt cops, hints at the darkness he must confront.
Final Thoughts
Daredevil: Born Again is not just a revival—it’s a bold reimagining of Matt Murdock’s story. By killing off Foggy Nelson, the show sets the stage for a deeply personal and emotionally charged narrative. While the decision may divide fans, it underscores the show’s commitment to taking risks and pushing boundaries.
As Amanat puts it, “We have to move forward. We have to be able to start telling a new narrative.” And with Foggy’s legacy looming large, the stakes have never been higher for the Man Without Fear.
