Disney has unveiled a thrilling new trailer for *Daredevil: Born Again*, set to premiere on Disney+ on March 4. This trailer reaffirms a key plot point from the previous D23-exclusive trailer: the unlikely alliance between Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin as they face a common threat. This mysterious adversary appears to be the artistically inclined serial killer known as Muse, who has been teased in both trailers. What could compel these two arch-nemeses to join forces? Let's delve into the details of this intriguing new villain and his impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Who is Muse, and why does this superhuman murderer have the power to unite even bitter rivals like Daredevil and Kingpin? Here's what you need to know about this twisted Marvel villain.
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Who Is Muse?
Muse is a relatively new addition to Daredevil's rogues gallery, created by Charles Soule and Ron Garney, and first appearing in 2016's *Daredevil #11*. Soule himself confirmed Muse's presence in the D23 footage. This villain, reminiscent of characters from the *Hannibal* TV series, is a prolific serial killer who views murder as the ultimate form of artistic expression. In his debut, Muse created a mural using the blood of a hundred missing persons and later arranged the corpses of six Inhumans into a macabre composition.
Muse poses a unique threat to Daredevil due to his ability to act as a sensory black hole, disrupting Matt Murdock's radar sense. Combined with his superhuman strength, speed, and a chilling talent for murder, Muse ranks among Daredevil's most formidable foes.
Muse quickly becomes a nemesis to Daredevil and his new sidekick, Blindspot. Their rivalry escalates when Muse blinds Blindspot. After Daredevil finally apprehends him, Muse breaks his own fingers to prevent further artistic creation. However, his hands are later healed, and he escapes to continue his deadly spree in New York City. Obsessed with the city's vigilantes, Muse leaves twisted tributes to figures like the Punisher, even as the newly elected Mayor Wilson Fisk cracks down on vigilante activity.
This leads to a fierce rematch with Blindspot, who taps into the power of The Beast to defeat Muse. Feeling overshadowed, Muse ultimately commits suicide by walking into a fire. This dramatic confrontation occurred in 2018's *Daredevil #600*, and Muse has remained dead since. Yet, in the Marvel Universe, his return seems inevitable.
Muse in Daredevil: Born Again
The *Daredevil: Born Again* footage from D23 and subsequent trailers confirm Muse's appearance in the upcoming Disney+ series, though the actor portraying him remains undisclosed. Muse is seen in a single shot wearing a costume similar to his comic book version—a white mask and bodysuit with red, bloody tears. Additional scenes in the NYCC trailer show him battling Daredevil.
While *Born Again* shares its name with the iconic 1986 Daredevil storyline by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli, it draws inspiration from more recent comics. The original comic focuses on Wilson Fisk discovering Daredevil's secret identity and destroying Matt Murdock's life. In contrast, the series, while rooted in the ongoing rivalry between Murdock and Fisk, takes a different path, especially since Fisk already knows Daredevil's identity in the MCU.
*Born Again* hints at an alliance between Daredevil and Fisk, as seen in a scene where they meet at a diner. Matt warns Fisk of consequences if he steps out of line, to which Fisk responds, "Is that coming from Matt Murdock… or your darker half?" This suggests a new, significant threat in New York City that forces these enemies to collaborate.
Could Muse be that threat? The MCU's Daredevil narrative seems to be influenced by Charles Soule and Chip Zdarsky's comics. The post-credits scene in *Echo* indicates Fisk's ambition to become mayor, and the latest *Born Again* trailer suggests he has achieved this goal, using his resources and charisma to win over New Yorkers.
If *Born Again* follows the comics, Fisk will campaign against vigilantism. Muse, a violent killer who glorifies vigilantes like Frank Castle, directly opposes Fisk's agenda. This could make Muse the common enemy that unites Daredevil and Mayor Fisk. Daredevil aims to stop a cold-blooded killer, while Fisk seeks to eliminate a threat to his mayoral authority. This alliance, though uneasy, may be necessary for Daredevil to combat a man who wants to eradicate vigilantes like him.
*Born Again* will also feature other vigilantes like Jon Bernthal's Punisher and White Tiger, likely caught in the crosshairs of Fisk's anti-vigilante crusade. Muse's twisted artwork may glorify these figures, adding complexity to the narrative. While the series will undoubtedly explore the intense rivalry between Daredevil and Fisk, Muse emerges as the immediate and pressing threat to Matt Murdock's world. With his powers and bloodlust, Muse may be Daredevil's toughest challenge yet, making Fisk's reluctant alliance a crucial asset.
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Note: this article was originally published on 8/10/2024 and updated on 1/15/2025 with the latest information about Daredevil: Born Again.
