Vincent D'Onofrio's Wilson Fisk aka The Kingpin is a big part of the Echo limited series from Marvel Studios and it sounds as if the events of the first Marvel Spotlight offering sets the stage for Fisk's growing role in the MCU, moving forward.
Of course, after appearing in the Hawkeye Disney+ series, Fisk returns in Echo before squaring off with Man Without Fear in Daredevil: Born Again.
There's a growing theory among Marvel Fans that the MCU is looking to retread The Defenders storyline/universe that was previously depicted by Netflix and that the connective tissues across the various NYC street-level Marvel shows will be Fisk.
Interestingly enough, there are no MCU television shows announced for Phase 6 of the MCU, as of this date. Currently, Phase 6 is set to begin on May 2, 2025 with Fantastic Four and conclude with Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. That's a two-year period that would be perfect for introducing (or maybe re-introducing) a few of Marvel's Defenders.
In an interview with ScreenRant, Echo executive producer Brad Winderbaum had an interesting response to the interviewer's comments that the Echo miniseries makes it feel like Wilson Fisk is being setup as the Thanos of the street-level corner of the MCU.
"You kind of hit the nail on the head," said Winderbaum. He continued, "And I can't say too much, only that as a chapter of Wilson Fisk's life, this is a crucial one and sets the stage, in some remarkable ways for what's coming next."
All five episodes of Marvel's Echo will arrive on January 9 at 6PM PST on Disney+ and Hulu.
Echo stars Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez / Echo, D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, Tantoo Cardinal as Chula, Zahn McClarnon as William Lopez, Chaske Spencer as Henry, Devery Jacobs as Bonnie and Graham Greene as Skully. Additionally, Charlie Cox's Matt Murdock / Daredevil makes a guest appearance.
Marion Dayre (Better Call Saul) created the series and serves as head writer alongside Amy Rardin (The Carrie Diaries, Charmed). Sydney Freeland (Deidra & Laney Rob a Train) directed the first episode and served as head director of the series.
Echo Official Synopsis
Streaming exclusively on Disney, the origin story of Echo revisits Maya Lopez, whose ruthless behavior in New York City catches up with her in her hometown. She must face her past, reconnect with her Native American roots and embrace the meaning of family and community if she ever hopes to move forward.