Ben Affleck’s connection to Daredevil is something that’ll never be forgotten by comic book fans. Back in 2003, he took on the role of Matt Murdock in Daredevil, a movie that didn’t quite land with critics but still holds a special place within the hearts of many fans. His portrayal of the blind lawyer turned vigilante didn’t have the identical cultural impact because the MCU’s later heroes, but it surely definitely helped lay the groundwork for superhero movies within the early 2000s.
Since then, the character of Daredevil has seen a large revival, most notably in Netflix’s 2015 Daredevil series, which redefined the character as darker, grittier, and more mature. Despite the gap between his turn because the Man Without Fear and the newer versions, Affleck’s time within the red suit stays iconic, and it’s clear that his tackle the character left a long-lasting mark on superhero cinema. His version of Matt Murdock won’t have been a part of the MCU’s massive phase, but it surely’s actually a part of the conversation when discussing the evolution of Marvel on-screen.
Ben Affleck Address Daredevil: Born Again
Ben Affleck might’ve been the primary to don the enduring red suit within the Daredevil movie, but in relation to the MCU’s tackle the Man Without Fear, he’s completely satisfied to sit down back and revel in the ride, just don’t expect him to mess with Jon Bernthal’s version of Punisher!
In a light-hearted interview with Jake Takes promoting The Accountant 2, Affleck addressed his time as Daredevil and reflected on how far the superhero genre has come since his 2003 film. He revealed that while he hasn’t caught up with Netflix’s Daredevil or Daredevil: Born Again, he definitely has loads of respect for the characters and the actors involved.
When asked concerning the infamous Punisher, Affleck couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well, his Punisher is nice,” he said, acknowledging the sheer intensity of Bernthal’s performance. “I wouldn’t tangle with [Jon Bernthal’s] Punisher,” he added with fun, highlighting just how brutal and no-nonsense the character is within the MCU’s gritty world.
Affleck also took a moment to reflect on the evolution of superhero movies, noting how Kevin Feige’s leadership at Marvel Studios helped bring clarity and balance to the genre. “Daredevil was an interesting story,” Affleck explained. “It was before Kevin Feige had stepped into the role of running Marvel… He imposed a type of clarity of tone across those movies… It paved the way in which for nice actors like him to essentially get it done.”
So while Affleck may not have watched the brand new Daredevil, he actually understands the impact of its transformation within the MCU, especially in relation to characters like Bernthal’s Punisher.
Daredevil: Born Again and 2003’s Daredevil Box Office Comparison
2003’s Daredevil had a recipe for achievement that appeared like a no brainer. With Ben Affleck because the titular hero, Colin Farrell because the psycho Bullseye, and an ensemble that included Jennifer Garner as Elektra and Michael Clarke Duncan because the menacing Kingpin, it must have been a slam dunk. But by some means, it didn’t quite live as much as expectations. Despite all that star power, the movie received mixed reviews, with critics criticizing the story and lack of substance, and it still lingers with a 43% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Ouch.
The film did usher in $182 million globally, but considering its $78 million budget, it didn’t make the type of box-office splash that a few of its peers did. As an example, X-Men 2, released the identical 12 months, made $407 million on a $110 million budget, proving that Daredevil didn’t exactly deliver on its potential. It appeared like Marvel’s beloved hero just couldn’t find his footing on the massive screen.
Fast forward to Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Daredevil, and Born Again is offering a glimmer of hope. With a powerful 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, this latest iteration of Matt Murdock is proving to be a success with audiences and critics alike. It’s a chief example of how the character can shine when given a fresh approach, and possibly, just possibly, it’s the proper time for a Daredevil movie within the MCU. Fingers crossed!
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