The Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 finale, “Straight to Hell,” hit Disney+ like a thunderbolt, leaving Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) facing Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) iron grip on New York City. With Fisk declaring martial law and banning vigilantes, Matt’s vow to build an “army” in the closing moments sparked a wildfire of speculation: could the Defenders—Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist—return in Season 2 to join the fight? Showrunner Dario Scardapane’s cryptic comments in an Entertainment Weekly interview fuel the hype, hinting at a potential reunion without giving too much away. Let’s dive into why a Defenders comeback could be the heart of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 and what it means for Hell’s Kitchen.
The Defenders Reunion: A Dream or Reality?
Matt’s declaration that he needs an army to topple Fisk’s empire isn’t just a cool line—it’s a direct nod to the 2017 Defenders series, where Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist teamed up to save New York. Scardapane told EW that these characters are “always in your mind” when crafting stories in Hell’s Kitchen. Here’s why a reunion feels closer than ever:
- Narrative Setup: Fisk’s control over the city—complete with his Anti-Vigilante Task Force (AVTF) and a lawless Red Hook port—demands a response bigger than Matt alone can deliver. The Defenders’ history of battling citywide threats makes them perfect recruits.
- Fan Demand: Since the Netflix shows were folded into the MCU, fans have clamored for the Defenders to return. Born Again Season 1’s success, blending gritty action with MCU ties, proves Marvel can deliver on that wish without losing the street-level vibe.
- Scardapane’s Tease: While not confirming a full reunion, Scardapane said any Defender appearances would serve the story, not just fan service. This suggests cameos or arcs that feel organic, like Luke Cage challenging Fisk’s Harlem influence or Jessica digging into his corruption.
A Defenders reunion could be the emotional and action-packed core of Season 2, uniting old allies against a common enemy while honoring their shared history.
Who Are the Defenders, and Why Do They Matter?
For those new to the crew or needing a refresher, here’s a quick look at the Defenders and their potential roles in Season 2:
| Defender | Background | Why They’d Join the Fight |
|---|---|---|
| Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) | A sardonic private investigator with super strength, Jessica’s a reluctant hero who hates being controlled. | Fisk’s martial law and surveillance state would clash with her fiercely independent streak. She could uncover dirt on his operations, aiding Matt’s legal battle. |
| Luke Cage (Mike Colter) | Harlem’s bulletproof defender, Luke’s a community leader with a past grudge against Fisk. | Fisk’s AVTF threatens Harlem, and Luke’s history with corrupt power (from Luke Cage Season 1) makes him a natural ally to protect his neighborhood. |
| Danny Rand/Iron Fist (Finn Jones) | A martial artist with a glowing fist, Danny’s been divisive but has room to grow. | Danny’s corporate resources and fighting skills could bolster Matt’s army, redeeming his Netflix run with a focused role. |
- Their Dynamic with Matt: The Defenders’ chemistry—Matt’s idealism, Jessica’s cynicism, Luke’s pragmatism, and Danny’s earnestness—created sparks in 2017. Reuniting them would let Season 2 explore how they’ve evolved, especially after Matt’s Season 1 losses, like Foggy’s death.
- Beyond the Core Four: Other Netflix-era heroes, like Colleen Wing or Misty Knight, could cameo, while MCU newcomers like Kate Bishop or Maya Lopez might join to expand the “army” concept.
The Defenders aren’t just muscle; they’re a family of misfits whose return would ground Born Again in its Netflix roots while pushing the MCU forward.
How the Defenders Fit into Season 2’s War
Season 1 ends with Fisk as mayor, outlawing vigilantes and turning New York into his personal playground. Matt, alongside Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) and Detective Angie Kim, is outgunned but determined. Here’s how the Defenders could shape Season 2’s narrative:
- Strategic Roles:
- Jessica Jones: Her PI skills could dig into Fisk’s Red Hook dealings, exposing his ties to Muse or other villains. She’d also bring biting humor to counter Matt’s brooding.
- Luke Cage: As a Harlem icon, Luke could rally community resistance against the AVTF, clashing with their Punisher-inspired brutality. His physical strength would balance Matt’s agility in big fights.
- Iron Fist: Danny’s martial arts and corporate connections (via Rand Enterprises) could fund the resistance or provide intel, giving him a chance to shine after a rocky solo series.
- Story Integration: Scardapane emphasized that any Defender return would tie to Matt’s arc. Expect episodic appearances—say, Jessica in a noir-style investigation or Luke in a Harlem standoff—rather than a full team-up dominating the season.
- Conflict and Growth: The Defenders’ differing philosophies (Jessica’s reluctance, Luke’s community focus, Danny’s mysticism) could clash with Matt’s no-kill code, especially as he grapples with Bullseye’s violence and Frank Castle’s lethal methods.
This setup lets Season 2 balance solo Daredevil moments with team dynamics, making the Defenders’ return a pivotal part of the war without overshadowing Matt.
The Post-Credits Scene and Frank Castle’s Shadow
While the Defenders are the big draw, the Season 1 post-credits scene—Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) escaping Fisk’s Red Hook prison—looms large. How does the Punisher tie into a Defenders reunion?
- Frank’s Role: His breakout, marked by a brutal arm-snap and a creaking cage door, sets up his 2026 Punisher TV special. Scardapane clarified this isn’t just a tease for the special; it keeps Frank active in the Born Again universe. He could cross paths with the Defenders, especially since the AVTF uses his skull logo.
- Defenders vs. Punisher: Frank’s lethal approach would spark tension with the Defenders, particularly Matt and Luke, who reject killing. Jessica, with her moral grayness, might sympathize but still clash. This friction could drive compelling drama, forcing the team to confront their limits.
- Narrative Impact: The special might run parallel to Season 2, with Frank targeting the AVTF while the Defenders focus on Fisk. A brief crossover—say, Frank saving Luke or Jessica in a firefight—could tie the stories together.
Frank’s presence adds a wild card to the Defenders’ plans, ensuring Season 2 stays unpredictable and raw.
Challenges and Hopes for a Defenders Comeback
Bringing back the Defenders isn’t without hurdles, but the payoff could be huge:
- Logistical Issues: Coordinating Ritter, Colter, and Jones’ schedules, plus budget constraints, could limit their roles to a few episodes. Scardapane’s focus on story-driven appearances suggests Marvel’s aware of these challenges.
- Balancing Nostalgia and Innovation: Fans want the Netflix vibe, but Season 2 needs fresh faces like Angela del Toro (potentially White Tiger) or Muse to keep things new. The Defenders can bridge old and new without stealing the spotlight.
- MCU Integration: Born Again is a street-level cornerstone, and a Defenders reunion could set up ties to Spider-Man 4 or other New York-based projects. Fisk’s takeover might even draw attention from bigger MCU players, like Doctor Strange, though Scardapane will likely keep it grounded.
If done right, the Defenders’ return could be a love letter to fans and a bold step for the MCU’s urban underbelly.
Final Thoughts
Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 is poised to be a battle for New York’s soul, and a Defenders reunion could be its beating heart. Matt Murdock’s call for an army, paired with Scardapane’s hints and the Season 1 finale’s stakes, makes Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist’s return feel like a natural next step. Whether they’re clashing with Fisk’s AVTF, sparring with Frank Castle, or rallying alongside Karen and Angie, the Defenders could elevate Season 2 into a street-level epic. As we await 2026, one thing’s clear: Hell’s Kitchen needs its heroes, and the Defenders might just answer the call.
