This article contains spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again season 2.
Spider-Man and Daredevil are often linked in Marvel lore. Both are street-level heroes in New York City with tragic pasts and enduring guilt. While Peter Parker relies on humor to face adversity, Matt Murdock grapples with profound inner turmoil. For Peter to experience a brand new day in the MCU, Matt must first endure a very dark day—which is exactly what transpired in the season 2 finale of Daredevil: Born Again.
Matt Murdock survives Mayor Wilson Fisk’s assault and the Anti-Vigilante Task Force (AVTF), but he is left broken. His identity is exposed, and he is imprisoned for his vigilante activities. With Daredevil out of action, New York City’s need for Spider-Man has never been greater.
Wilson Fisk’s Downfall and the Rise of Mayor Sheila Rivera
The biggest shift in the MCU’s status quo is Wilson Fisk’s removal from office. Throughout season 2, Fisk exploited public sympathy after the Bullseye assassination attempt to push anti-vigilante laws. The AVTF, targeting marginalized individuals and controlled by Fisk’s media outlets like The BB Report, gained widespread support from fearful New Yorkers. However, the AVTF’s extreme measures led to fear and violence, culminating in a courtroom drama that reasserted the rule of law.
By the season’s end, Fisk is no longer mayor. His campaign director, Sheila Rivera, takes his place. Rivera’s brief appearance in the Brand New Day trailer suggests she may embrace the very vigilantes Fisk once demonized. This shift could redefine New York City’s relationship with costumed heroes.
Will New Yorkers Embrace Spider-Man in Brand New Day?
MCU films have often kept Spider-Man at arm’s length from New Yorkers. While Spider-Man: Homecoming featured lighthearted interactions with citizens, the city’s sentiment toward him remains ambiguous—especially after J. Jonah Jameson released footage of Spider-Man killing Mysterio in Far From Home.
Born Again season 2 opened with New Yorkers tolerating the AVTF’s brutality in exchange for perceived safety. However, as the AVTF’s leader, Benjamin “Dex” Powell, and his thugs escalated their oppression, ordinary citizens joined protests outside the governor’s office. Brand New Day may mark a turning point, with citizens rallying behind Spider-Man—particularly if he faces villains like Boomerang, Tarantula, Scorpion, and Tombstone, all confirmed to appear in the film.
Public Sentiment Shifts Toward Vigilantes
The finale of Daredevil: Born Again suggests New York City is ready to welcome Spider-Man. The removal of Fisk and the rise of Mayor Rivera indicate a potential shift toward supporting costumed heroes. With Daredevil imprisoned and the city in turmoil, Spider-Man’s role as a protector may finally be embraced by the public.
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