Disney+ has a new superhero in its corner. The streaming platform’s latest Marvel series “Daredevil: Born Again” is breaking records with an impressive 7.5 million views globally in just five days. This makes it Disney+’s biggest premiere of 2025 so far, showing that viewers are eager to see Charlie Cox return as the blind vigilante of Hell’s Kitchen.
Fans are particularly excited about the show’s more mature tone. Many viewers are praising the series as “brutal” and “an absolute win” on social media platforms. The strong response suggests Disney+ has successfully brought back the gritty essence that made the original Netflix series so popular with audiences.
The first two episodes dropped on Tuesday, instantly capturing attention and creating buzz across streaming platforms. This strong performance could signal a shift in Disney+’s content strategy, potentially opening doors for more adult-oriented superhero stories in the future.
A Record-Breaking Premiere on Disney+
“Daredevil: Born Again” didn’t just show up—it smashed through the virtual doors of Disney+, racking up an impressive 7.5 million views globally in just five days. This feat makes it Disney+’s biggest premiere of 2025 so far, sending a clear message: fans are hungry for more of Matt Murdock’s gritty, street-level justice.
For a platform known for its family-friendly content, “Born Again” represents a daring pivot toward darker, more mature storytelling. And it’s paying off.
How “Born Again” Sets Itself Apart
Unlike many Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series, “Born Again” leans hard into the themes that made the original Netflix “Daredevil” series a fan favorite. The brutal fight choreography, the raw emotional depth, and the moral ambiguity of Hell’s Kitchen’s resident vigilante are all back—this time, with the full weight of Disney’s production power behind it.
Critics and audiences have taken note. Rotten Tomatoes reports an 85% critic score, while fans have responded with an equal 85% audience score. Although slightly below the original series’ ratings (which soared in the 90% range), “Born Again” holds its own, particularly with its upgraded visuals and a narrative that feels like a natural evolution rather than a rehash.
The Most Violent Show on Disney+?
Yes, and proudly so. Early reviewers and audiences have pointed out that “Daredevil: Born Again” is possibly the most violent and gritty offering in Disney+ history. The series doesn’t pull punches—literally. It embraces Daredevil’s brutal fight style, blending bone-crunching action with emotional storytelling that digs deep into Matt Murdock’s psyche.
This bold move places “Born Again” in direct contrast to other MCU series, proving that Disney+ isn’t afraid to push boundaries and expand the tone of its superhero catalog. Fans of darker, more grounded superhero tales have long clamored for this kind of storytelling within the MCU, and “Born Again” delivers.
Charlie Cox’s Triumphant Return
At the heart of the series’ success is Charlie Cox’s return as Matt Murdock/Daredevil. Cox seamlessly steps back into the role, bringing with him the quiet intensity and moral complexity that made his original portrayal iconic. His chemistry with co-stars, including Vincent D’Onofrio’s chilling Wilson Fisk, remains a highlight.
And this isn’t just a nostalgic callback. Cox’s Murdock shows growth—a man grappling with legacy, purpose, and personal demons. It’s a performance that anchors the show and offers both longtime fans and new viewers a compelling reason to tune in.
What This Success Means for Marvel and Disney+
The triumph of “Daredevil: Born Again” signals a shift in Disney+ strategy. As streaming platforms battle for dominance, Disney+ is showing it’s willing to broaden its content offerings, catering to adult audiences looking for complex, mature storytelling.
For Marvel Studios, the success of “Born Again” could open the door for other street-level heroes and more grounded stories within the MCU. Could this mean more content featuring The Punisher or Jessica Jones? Time will tell, but the appetite is clearly there.
What’s Next for Daredevil?
With a record-breaking premiere under its belt, fans are already speculating about what’s next for Daredevil. Will we see him team up with other heroes? Could this lead to a new Defenders lineup?
For now, “Born Again” stands as a shining example of how a reboot can honor its source material while pushing the story forward. And with the MCU entering a new phase, Daredevil might just be the key to bridging the street-level stakes with the universe-spanning adventures Marvel is known for.
Key Takeaways
- Daredevil: Born Again achieved 7.5 million views in its first 5 days, becoming Disney+’s biggest premiere this year.
- Viewers are responding positively to the show’s darker, more mature approach to Marvel storytelling.
- The successful launch demonstrates strong audience demand for character-driven superhero content on streaming platforms.
Disney+ Achieves Remarkable Viewership
Disney+’s streaming platform has reached another milestone with the debut of “Daredevil: Born Again.” The platform continues to expand its subscriber base while delivering content that resonates with viewers.
Daredevil: Born Again’s Impressive Performance
“Daredevil: Born Again” has made a significant impact on Disney+, drawing 7.5 million views in just five days after its release. This Marvel series, which previously had a home on Netflix, has successfully transitioned to Disney’s streaming platform while maintaining its appeal to fans.
The show has received praise from critics and viewers alike. Many have described it as “brutal” entertainment that still manages to fit within Disney+’s family-friendly ecosystem. Some reviews have even called the opening episode “the best pilot of any MCU series thus far.”
The strong performance indicates that Disney’s strategy of reviving popular Marvel properties is paying off with viewers.
Analysis of 7.5 Million Views Milestone
The 7.5 million views achievement is particularly notable as it comes at a time when Disney+ recently announced surpassing 150 million subscribers across its platform. This viewership milestone demonstrates the pulling power of Marvel content on the service.
Several factors likely contributed to this success:
- Existing fanbase: The original Netflix series had a dedicated following
- Marvel brand strength: The MCU connection drives automatic interest
- Quality production: Maintaining the tone that made the original popular
This performance helps justify Disney’s investment in reviving the series. While some critics note that “some of the spirit is gone” compared to the Netflix version, the viewership numbers suggest audiences are still eagerly embracing the character’s return.
Implications for Streaming Content Wars
Daredevil: Born Again’s impressive 7.5 million views in just five days signals a major shift in the streaming landscape. This success demonstrates how mature content can drive significant viewership and affect competitive positioning.
Strategic Wins for Disney+
Disney+ has struggled to shed its family-friendly image and attract adult viewers. Daredevil: Born Again represents a breakthrough in this strategy. The show’s darker tone and more violent content marks a deliberate pivot toward mature audiences while leveraging Marvel’s built-in fanbase.
This success validates Disney’s decision to bring back the Netflix Marvel characters with their grittier style intact. It shows that Disney+ can effectively compete in the adult content space that competitors like HBO Max and Netflix have dominated.
The strong viewership numbers also justify Disney’s reported $225 million investment in the series. For a platform seeking to reduce subscriber churn, having a hit show that appeals to different demographics than their typical content is invaluable.
Impact on Competitors
Netflix may feel the sting most acutely from Daredevil’s success. Having originally developed the character for streaming, Netflix lost a valuable IP when Disney reclaimed its Marvel properties. The strong performance proves Netflix’s early vision was correct.
Other streaming services must now reconsider their content strategies. With Disney+ showing it can successfully expand beyond family content, competitors like Paramount+ and Peacock face increased pressure to define their unique value propositions.
Amazon and Apple might accelerate their investments in genre content with built-in fanbases. The success of Daredevil: Born Again demonstrates how passionate fan communities can drive immediate viewership.
The mature content direction also indicates that Disney+ is directly challenging HBO Max in the premium adult drama space, potentially reshaping viewer expectations across platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Daredevil: Born Again has quickly established itself as a major success for Disney+. Viewers have questions about its content, connections, and future plans.
What has contributed to the success of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’?
The strong fanbase from the original Netflix series has significantly boosted viewership numbers. Many loyal viewers were eager to see Charlie Cox return as Matt Murdock.
The show’s more intense and mature tone compared to other Disney+ Marvel content has also attracted viewers. Based on search results, the series appears to have a notably violent approach for a Disney+ production.
Strategic marketing that highlighted the return of beloved characters helped generate buzz before the release date.
Is ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Yes, Daredevil: Born Again is officially part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series integrates the character into the broader MCU storyline.
Charlie Cox previously appeared as Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home and She-Hulk, confirming the character’s place in the main MCU timeline.
The show maintains its own distinct tone while acknowledging connections to other Marvel properties.
Who is in the cast of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’?
Charlie Cox returns in his role as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, continuing the character he established in the Netflix series.
The search results mention “several familiar faces,” suggesting that other actors from the original series have returned for this Disney+ version.
The cast includes both returning favorites and new additions to expand the Daredevil storyline.
What are the critical reviews saying about ‘Daredevil: Born Again’?
Reviews describe the show as “brilliantly intense” according to Variety. Critics appreciate the show’s approach to the character and storyline.
Some reviews indicate it’s “alright” rather than great, suggesting mixed opinions about certain elements of the series.
The violence level has been a talking point in reviews, with some noting it may be “the most violent project on Disney+.”
How does ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ compare to previous Daredevil series?
The Disney+ version appears to maintain some of the intensity that fans appreciated from the Netflix series. However, there are differences in tone and approach.
According to search results, some longtime fans have mixed feelings, noting “good and bad news” when comparing this version to the Netflix original.
The show seems to acknowledge the events of previous seasons, with one result mentioning that “Daredevil season 3 picks up right after the finale of The Defenders.”
Are there any additional seasons planned for ‘Daredevil: Born Again’?
While specific renewal information isn’t contained in the search results, Disney+ typically evaluates viewership numbers before announcing additional seasons.
The strong initial viewership of 7.5 million in just five days suggests there could be interest in continuing the series.
Marvel and Disney+ have been expanding their television offerings, making additional seasons likely if the audience response remains positive.
