Marvel Studios has made many fans happy by deciding to bring back actors from Netflix and Marvel Television's TV shows, with Charlie Cox, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Jon Bernthal all set to reprise their respective roles in Daredevil: Born Again.
Cox and D'Onofrio have already shown up in the MCU, of course, but the news that Sandrine Holt is replacing Ayelet Zurer as Vanessa Fisk has raised some eyebrows. Whether it's scheduling issues or an indication Marvel Studios wants a fresh start with some of these characters, it's become clear not everyone will be returning for this series.
With that in mind, we've singled out those who could, and probably should, be recast in the MCU. Whether they have too much baggage from Marvel Television's inconsistent storytelling or are simply no longer right to play these characters (and perhaps never were), we think you'll have something to say about our picks.
To check them out, you just need to click on the "Next" button below.
5. Foggy Nelson
You can't have Daredevil with Foggy Nelson. Elden Henson did a great job playing Matt Murdock's best friend, particularly when it came to portraying the hurt he felt upon learning that his buddy moonlights as a masked vigilante. Unfortunately, things went downhill from there, with Foggy becoming less supportive and more of a whiner before parting ways with Matt.
That was majorly out of character, and while we appreciated seeing Foggy receive his own agency, he's someone who needs to be by Matt's side as a friend, fellow lawyer, and source of inspiration.
Henson was fine as this version of Foggy, but if the character is going to be more of a comedic presence in this series, then there are likely better actors out there to play him. It's already been semi-confirmed that the actor won't be part of Daredevil: Born Again, and we'd rather see Foggy recast than put out to pasture.
4. Ben Urich
While Ben Urich's death may have shocked audiences in Daredevil, it was also a tremendous waste of a character who has been a huge part of the Man Without Fear's mythos over the years.
By killing this intrepid reporter, Marvel Television robbed us of the chance to see his unique dynamic with Daredevil explored in greater detail; don't forget, it was Ben who figured out that Matt Murdock was secretly Daredevil, choosing not to publish that story in fear of outing one of the only heroes in New York City fighting to save Hell's Kitchen.
Marvel Studios needs to ignore what happened on Netflix and bring Ben back with a new actor. We loved what Vondie Curtis-Hall brought to the table and would be happy to see a diverse actor cast in the role again. However, a Ben who is more of a peer to Matt than his senior might make more sense for this story.
3. Luke Cage
Mike Colter is an undeniably talented actor but was never quite right for Luke Cage. While he made for a decent enough Power Man in the first half of the show's debut season, the moment it headed down a more comic-accurate route, Colter just felt wildly out of place.
Now, at 46 years old, we'd go so far as to argue he's too old to continue playing this beloved Hero for Hire in the MCU (there's also the issue of season 2's bizarre cliffhanger that saw Luke become a crime lord).
The actor certainly doesn't look his age, but the Luke Cage role feels like one that would be better suited to a young, up-and-coming Black actor who can make Power Man their own. We've no doubt there is an amazing comic book movie or TV role for Colter, but Cage showing up as Harlem's protector in Daredevil: Born Again requires a fresh start.
2. Gladiator
One of the most infuriating things about Daredevil, and Marvel Television in general, was its outdated approach to handling costumed characters. Whereas the MCU was embracing superheroes, these shows seemed to be stuck in that early 2000s mindset, with just the odd nod to a suit or obscure Easter Eggs and nicknames meant to reference their comic book roots.
That, unfortunately, was the case with Melvin Potter. Becoming a recurring presence in this series, he created the Man Without Fear's suit (minus the "DD," of course...) and dropped several references to one day becoming Gladiator. It just never ended up becoming a reality.
Matt Gerald is a capable actor and one we'd have no complaints about seeing reprise this role in Daredevil: Born Again. However, if Gladiator is going to be given his due, an actor who can handle Melvin's unhinged nature and make us believe in a guy dressed as a, well, gladiator with razors on his fists, is required.
1. Elektra
Elodie Yung exceeded expectations as Elektra, even in the midst of poor storytelling and inconsistent writing. The actress gave her the mysterious, exotic vibe that the version played by Jennifer Garner was sorely lacking, and it finally felt like we had a truly badass take on this anti-hero...until she was killed off in an underwhelming nod to the comic books.
Later returning as part of The Hand, the door was left open to us seeing more Elektra down the line, though we'd prefer if the MCU literally forgot pretty much everything that's happened in the past.
We're over the character's connection to that clandestine group of ninjas and wouldn't be against her suiting up as Daredevil similar to what's been happening on the page lately. Like many actors here, Yung is cursed with too much baggage to do Elektra justice on screen and Marvel Studios needs to cast someone who can play her in this series and a possible spin-off.