Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 136

Robert Downey, Jr. Hid His Doctor Doom Casting News From the Avengers Group Chat, But Not From Tom Holland

One of the most important parts of being an actor in the MCU is to keep your mouth shut at all times. Revealing any critical information is enough to ruin your career. And the actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe don’t play about this at ALL, including Robert Downey, Jr. He kept his new role as Doctor Doom a secret from literally everyone, including his fellow Avengers actors. Jeremy Renner, who plays Hawkeye, said in a recent interview that Downey didn’t say a word about his casting as the MCU’s Doctor Doom to the Avengers group chat (sounds so epic). 

Marvel Studios

“I had no idea. The son of a bitch didn’t say anything to me,” Renner said. “We’re good friends. There’s the Avengers family chat. The original six. He said not a peep. I got online and started blowing up his phone like, ‘What’s going on? You’ve been hiding this from us the whole time?’ It’s exciting news. I’m really, really excited about it.” Honestly, it was in Robert’s best interest to keep his mouth shut, lest he wants to face Kevin Feige’s wrath.

One person Robert Downey, Jr. did share the news with, though, is his on-screen protege, Tom Holland. Although Holland is famous for spoiling the MCU, he managed to keep this secret. Holland revealed on the “Rich Roll“ podcast, “I’ve been speaking to [Robert Downey Jr.] a lot, especially about him making his [Marvel] return, which is super exciting. That was a tough secret to sit on because I have a reputation for ruining things and I strategically have done no press.” Very smart of Holland.

It’s likely we’ll see Spidey back on our screens sooner rather than later, given that Spider-Man 4 is in the works. But maybe he’ll pop back up in a film with Robert Downey Jr. as well. Renner also hinted that he would possibly return in the next two Avengers movies, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. We will see what happens.

Originally published on August 1, 2024.

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READY OR NOT 2 Is Happening with Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, and Radio Silence

When it comes to Final Girls, one of the best is undoubtedly Samara Weaving’s Grace le Domas in Ready or Not. She goes from having the best day of her life to fighting for her life in the span of one night. Just imagine the horror of your newly minted in-laws trying to kill you in the name of a nasty family curse. The final scene of Ready or Not is a classic and fans have always wondered what happened to Grace after that harrowing experience. Now, we will get answers because Ready or Not 2 is in the works with Samara Weaving and Radio Silence returning. 

Searchlight Pictures

The creative collective and Weaving recently worked together on Scream VI, where she portrayed the ill-fated professor who died in the opening scene. According to Deadline, Samara Weaving recently spoke about the possibility of a Ready or Not 2 film with Radio Silence. “I’m all in,” she said. “I think we’re all in, I don’t know. I think we’re all in…I don’t know if we’ve had our blood handshake, but pretty much. We’ve done the spit handshake, but we haven’t cut each other’s hands and rubbed our blood together.”

Universal Pictures/Searchlight Pictures

Additionally, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Lisa Frankenstein actress Kathryn Newton has also come aboard the movie.

What Is the Release Date for Ready or Not 2?

Of course, we don’t know any further details about Ready or Not 2 at this time. But we know that we cannot wait to see what happens next.

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Matthew Modine, Kaitlyn Dever to Star in GODZILLA X KONG Follow-Up

Actress Kaitlyn Dever is about to debut in HBO’s The Last of Us as Abby Anderson, fighting off both infected clickers and Ellie alike. But it looks like after that she’ll set her sights on something a whole lot larger. According to Deadline, Dever will join the cast of Legendary’s Monsterverse follow-up to Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire. While the giant ape and the behemoth lizard are always the stars of those movies—not to mention others like Mothra—the list of human cast members are just as impressive.

Dever has an increasingly impressive filmography including feature films Booksmart and No One Will Save You as well as television roles in Dopesick and Unbelievable. She was also in 142 episodes of that Tim Allen show Last Man Standing. Did you know that show was on for as many seasons as Home Improvement and yet no one ever talked about it? Weird.

Hulu/Warner Bros.

Of course, her role in The Last of Us season two later this year will see her play Abby, the controversial co-lead of the second Naughty Dog video game. Without spoiling it for anyone who hasn’t played the game, Abby is the second protagonist, the player character for about half the playtime, and who stands in direct conflict with Ellie and Joel. Between that and her essentially solo turn in the alien invasion film No One Will Save You, Dever should be plenty prepared to tangle with some Titans.

Netflix

Joining Dever so far in the cast is Jack O’Connell, who will play her brother in the Godzilla X Kong follow-up movie. Additionally, Stranger Things‘ Matthew Modine has just come aboard as well. Modine’s role in the Godzilla x Kong sequel movie is not yet disclosed.

Additionally, Dan Stevens will reprise his role as “Trapper” and Delroy Lindo will also star.

While we don’t have a title yet for the film—which continues on from the top 10 box office hit of 2024—we do know Adam Wingard won’t return to direct. The franchise’s new director will be Grant Sputore working from a script by Dave Callaham. No release date yet.

Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. He hosts the weekly pop culture deep-dive podcast Laser Focus. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Letterboxd.

Originally published on January 24, 2025.

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THE LAST OF US Shares New Cast and Photos

The Last of Us ended its first season on HBO with Joel and Ellie returning to the commune in Colorado. Sure, Joel might have doomed all mankind to save one young girl, but at least they have a place nice to live. For now. Fans of Naughty Dog’s popular video game franchise know new terrors and sadness await the pair in the years to come, and we’ll see all of it come to life when the hit series begins adapting the sequel game in its second season, which will premiere April 13, 2025. What else can we expect from the show after a lengthy wait?

Recently a slew of new casting was revealed for The Last of Us season two. New actors joining the series will play both expanded roles from The Last of Us Part II game and roles original to the show. The latest cast members include Joe Pantoliano, Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, Hettienne Park, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna.

HBO’s The Last of Us is filling out its supporting cast for Season 2 with six actors, @Variety has learned exclusively.

Alanna Ubach (Hanrahan)
Joe Pantoliano (Eugene)
Ben Ahlers (Burton)
Noah Lamanna (Cat)
Robert John Burke (Seth)
Hettienne Park (Elise Park) pic.twitter.com/DKDPKU8kT1

— The Last of Us News (@TheLastofUsNews) March 5, 2025

Pantoliano will play Eugene, a minor character from the video game. Eugene will be expanded in The Last of Us season two in a similar way that Bill and Frank were in season one of the series. In the Last of Us Part II game, Eugune is mentioned by Ellie and Dina when the come across the lab where he once grew cannabis. But in the series, Eugene will come to life and become a character that “really gets to the heart of Joel and Ellie and their relationship.”

Burke and Lamanna will also play The Last of Us Part II characters. Burke will take on Seth, a bar owner in the Jackson, Wyoming community where Ellie and Joel currently live. Lamanna will play Kat, an ex of Ellie’s in the game.

Park and Burke will play characters original to the world of The Last of Us TV series named Elise Park and Hanrahan.

Additionally, check out some fresh images for The Last of Us season two:

New look at Abby, Joel, Dina and Ellie in ‘THE LAST OF US’ Season 2.

Premiering April 13 on HBO. pic.twitter.com/VDfdolV71P

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 5, 2025

Here’s everything we know about The Last of Us‘ second season so far.

The Last of Us Season 2 PlotHBO

HBO has not yet shared an official synopsis for The Last of Us season two. We still have some idea what to expect. The franchise’s second video game will provide the source material for the TV series. Showrunner Craig Mazin has said the show will take more than one season to adapt the sequel game, but like with the television series’ first season they are not making a direct adaptation. Fans will once again see some major changes alongside some major moments and stories taken directly from the game. That might very well include a huge—though temporary—change for one character. (We won’t risk spoiling it for those who don’t know what that means.)

A recent trailer teasing upcoming Max releases in 2025 spotlighted The Last of Us season two. You can check out what this trailer chose to highlight at the 1:43 mark and then watch the full second season teaser below.

One thing that won’t change is the importance of The Last of Us Part II‘s Abby Anderson. She will debut during the second season and play a significant role in Ellie’s story. And like the video game sequel, the HBO series will also feature a time jump.

HBO

New footage from season two promises that it will definitely be explosive. Joel is tearful and Ellie is going through some sort of horrific challenges of her own. We also get a look at Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Wright in their new roles. It is not totally clear who Catherine is playing, but Jeffrey is reprising his role as the game character Isaac. According to Entertainment Weekly, he is “the quietly powerful leader of a large militia group who sought liberty but instead has become mired in an endless war against a surprisingly resourceful enemy.”

Click To View Gallery Max Max Max Max

These new images also have us super hype.

Behind the Scenes

The Last of Us‘ second season was in pre-production before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes put the show on hold. The first episode had already been written at the time. With both unions finally getting fair deals, the show is now expected to begin filming in Vancouver in early 2024.

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Co-creators, writers, and executive producers Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann are back for season two. Writers Halley Gross (The Last of Us Part II) and Bo Shim worked with Mazin and Druckmann on season two. Deadline additionally reports that The Last of Us season two has set its slate of directors, both new and old. These include four new directors: Succession‘s Mark Mylod, Perry Mason‘s Nina Lopez-Corrado, Watchmen‘s Stephen Williams, and Loki‘s Kate Herron. They join returning director Peter Hoar, who directed the incredible season one episode “Long, Long Time,” and the show’s creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.

The series comes from Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions, Word Games, and Naughty Dog.

The Last of Us Season 2’s CastHBO

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey will return as Joel and Ellie. Also expected back is Gabriel Luna. He plays Joel’s younger brother, Tommy. As is Rutina Wesley. She plays Tommy’s wife Maria.

Netflix/Naughty Dog

Regarding new casting news, The Last of Us season two has cast Kaitlyn Dever as Abby. Abby is an important character from The Last of Us Part II game. Additionally, Isabela Merced has joined the season as Dina, who also hails from the second The Last of Us game. Dina is described as “a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit.”

Most recently, Isabela Merced, who will play Dina on The Last of Us season two, shared, “I’m so excited for people to see my chemistry with Bella. Bella and I have so much chemistry. From the first day, it was there. There’s no work to be done. I really respect Bella. I just saw Catherine Called Birdy, and Bella has such range and just an honesty about their work. I’m learning so much. I’m very honored to be here.”

Max/Naughty Dog

We’re glad to hear it because we can’t wait to see Dina and Ellie’s complicated romance come to life. Currently, The Last of Us season two describes Dina as “a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit.”

Netflix/Naughty Dog

The Last of Us season two has also cast Beef‘s Young Mazino as Jess. Jess is described, per Variety, as “a pillar of his community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at a terrible cost.” That sounds ominous. Generally speaking, from Jess’s role in The Last of Us Part II, we can assume he and Ellie will build a friendship.

Finally Danny Ramirez, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, and Spencer Lord have all come aboard the second season of The Last of US, they will all feature as characters from The Last of Us Part II.

Naughty Dog/Paramount Pictures/Netflix

Variety reveals:

Ramirez will play Manny, described as “a loyal soldier whose sunny outlook belies the pain of old wounds and a fear that he will fail his friends when they need him most.” Barer will play Mel, said to be “a young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism.”

Gabrielle has been cast as Nora, “a military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past.” And Lord will appear as Owen, “a gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate.”

The Last of Us Season 2’s Release DateHBO

The Last of Us‘ second season will premiere April 13, 2025. This reported in mid February via Variety.

Max

Originally published on December 29, 2023.

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Mr. Potato Head is a Miniature Beholder for Your Next DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Campaign

Who doesn’t love a new collaborative Dungeons & Dragons figure, especially when it’s involving a beloved ’80s toy? WizKids is releasing a new figure, D&D Icons of the Realms: Potato Head Beholder Boxed Miniature. Unveiled at The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Expo, the figure has an expected release of late summer to early fall 2025. WizKids has a variety of interesting D&D figures, including the Baldur’s Gate 3 characters.

Hasbro/WizKids

Mirroring the classic toy, the figure comes with many swappable accessories. As visible in the image above, the figure comes with eight eye stalks. To switch it up a bit, there is also a fire ray stalk and a lightning ray stalk. For the central eye, there are a couple of different options. Other than the default, there is an angry eye and, if you are feeling more classy, an eye with lashes. Furthermore, mouth options include one with a moustache, one with fangs, and another with red lips. If you want the character to appear playful, use the included tongue. Additionally, expect a pair of glasses, a bag of holding, and a hat.

The figure is three inches tall and sits on a 50-millimeter clear plastic base. All the accessories from the boxed miniature and con exclusive Potato Head Beholder are completely interchangeable. The D&D Icons of the Realms: Potato Head Beholder Event Exclusive is a convention edition with special packaging on the right compared to the regular one on the left. GAME Expo attendees were the first to pick the item up at the end of February.

Hasbro/WizKids

If you are interested in getting the figure, WizKids announced it will be available at upcoming conventions and at local game stores, retailing for $24.99. The figure is also available for preorder on the WizKids website for the same price.

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A Rebellion Begins in a Special Behind-the-Scenes Look at ANDOR Season 2

Star Wars began with rebels taking down the Death Star. But those freedom fighters began their work long before A New Hope. Now we’re going to see how a bunch of small independent groups become one unified force with a singular goal. A new special look at Andor season two focuses on the birth of Star Wars‘ greatest alliance and how they found one another.

One of television’s best shows is ready to return for its epic second and final season. After recently tantalizing us with an incredible trailer, Lucasfilm has now released a special behind-the-scenes look at what awaits on Andor. It focuses on the many people who will decide to stand up to the fascists destroying the galaxy. This promo also includes plenty of new footage, as well as insights from the cast and crew.

In this video creator and showrunner Tony Gilroy says season two will see “revolutionary movements spontaneously happening all over the galaxy.” Over the course of 12 episodes, covering four years in the galaxy far, far away, we’ll see how all those groups “come together” to take down an evil empire.

Hell. Yeah.

Lucasfilm

Andor stars stars Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, Alan Tudyk, Ben Mendelsohn, and Forest Whitaker. The season will feature four three-episode arcs. Each arc will cover one year of time. The events of those four years will lead viewers right up to the start of Rogue One. Star Wars fans know that movie will mark the end of Cassian’s journey. It will end with him as one of the galaxy’s greatest heroes.

We know he never would have become one without a whole lot of other brave rebels. Now we’ll see firsthand why so many followed him when he set forth to defeat the Empire.

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This Shocking Major Death Sends DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Into Darkness

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Daredevil: Born Again is finally here and it is not pulling any punches. This Disney+ series takes us back to NYC with Matt Murdock/Daredevil, Karen Page, Foggy Nelson, and Wilson Fisk to see what’s going on there. The first episode of Daredevil: Born Again sets the stage for this season in a tragic and gut-wrenching fashion with the death of Foggy Nelson. And, as we see in episode two, it changes so many things in this world. 

We see Foggy, Matt, and Karen hanging out together and on their way to happy hour at Josie’s. I must admit, Foggy looks rather fly with his beard and a fresh haircut. Everyone seems like they are in a good place at the moment until Foggy gets a call that bothers him. A client calls and says that someone is on their way to get him, despite being in hiding at Foggy’s apartment. Matt, who is unaware that Foggy was stashing someone, goes over as Daredevil to save the day but quickly realizes it was a diversion. 

Marvel Studios

Karen and Foggy are standing outside the bar when a shot rings out, hitting poor Foggy in the chest. Karen, who always seems to have someone’s blood splattered on her face, tries to stop the bleeding as more shots happen. The shooter is Benjamin Poindexter, a former FBI agent whose projectile game is on point, hence his moniker Bullseye. Daredevil rushes back to the scene for a fantastic fight but it is too late for Foggy.

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Will Matt Murdock ‘Cross the Line’ and Kill Someone in DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN?

It makes Matt so angry that he pushes Bullseye off the top of the building, intending to kill him. As we all know, Daredevil will beat your ass but Matt’s Catholic faith makes killing a big no-no. But, in Daredevil: Born Again, Matt will have to face his darker side after the death of Foggy. Perhaps he will even have a better understanding of the Punisher’s stance concerning his enemies.

Giovanni Rufino/Marvel Television/Disney+

Bullseye survives and Daredevil disappears as Matt goes into mourning. He decides to let the cops and justice system handle vigilantes. Sure, the White Tiger is also out there fighting crime. But the city gets more dangerous following Foggy’s death and Daredevil fading into the shadows. Matt and Karen’s relationship goes through a major splinter. Karen moves to San Francisco while Matt stays and focuses on being a lawyer and his burgeoning romance with Heather.

Thankfully, Bullseye is found guilty and gets life in prison over killing Foggy and others. However, it doesn’t bring much comfort. And, with Wilson Fisk as the city’s mayor and his impossible case defending accused cop killer Hector Ayala, things certainly aren’t going to get easier for Matt any time soon. 

We will have to see how Matt continues to grapple with his friend’s untimely demise. RIP poor Foggy. You deserved so much better.

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All the MCU and Marvel Comics References in DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN

The first two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again have several Easter eggs and references, not just to the previous Daredevil series, formerly on Netflix, but also to Marvel Comics and just the MCU as a whole. Here are some key references from the first two episodes Daredevil: Born Again that you might have missed.

[image error]Daredevil: Born Again Episode 1’s Easter Eggs and ReferencesDaredevil: Born Again Introduces Kirsten McDuffie, Matt Murdock’s Love Interest From Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics/Marvel Studios

After the death of Matt Murdock’s best friend and partner, Foggy Nelson, in the opening moments of Daredevil: Born Again, we cut to a year later. Matt Murdock now has a new law practice with an attorney named Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James), and this is a reference right to Marvel’s comics. In the comics, creators Mark Waid and Paolo Rivera introduced McDuffie in their 2011 run of Daredevil. She was the assistant district attorney who eventually dated Matt Murdock and was always suspicious that he was secretly Daredevil. For a time, Kirsten and Matt set up their own law firm in San Francisco. This was a city that Matt had lived in once before. In Daredevil: Born Again, Kirsten McDuffie and Matt Murdock seem to just be platonic friends and business partners. But who knows? That might all change down the line. 

Born Again‘s Mayor Wilson Fisk Is a Reference to the Daredevil ComicsMarvel Studios/Marvel Comics

In the comics, Wilson Fisk, New York’s Kingpin of Crime, becomes Mayor of New York City, just as he does in Daredevil: Born Again. This Born Again reference is to a relatively recent development in the Daredevil comics. In 2017, Fisk first ran for Mayor of NYC, promising to restore order after a Hydra attack. He won, although Marvel later revealed he fixed the election. He even makes Matt Murdock his Deputy Mayor. But when Fisk’s meeting with criminal organizations is discovered, he loses his Mayoral position. He eventually gets it back, but not before fighting Daredevil in the streets, causing a public humiliation for himself. During his time as Mayor in Marvel Comics, he bans all vigilante activity, something he’s also doing in Daredevil: Born Again and an Easter egg we appreciate. None other than Luke Cage succeeds Fisk in office in the comics.

Daredevil: Born Again Brings in Heather Glenn, Another Romantic Reference to Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics/Marvel Studios

One of Matt Murdock’s many love interests from the comics is Heather Glenn. And she makes her way into the MCU continuity in the first episode of Daredevil: Born Again. In the MCU, Heather Glenn is a celebrated therapist and published author. She meets Matt Murdock on a coffee date set up by their mutual friend Kisten McDuffie. In the world of Marvel Comics, Heather Glenn is the daughter of a wealthy CEO. Sadly, she dies tragically after a stormy on-again/off-again relationship with Matt Murdock. Her characterization is quite different in the MCU. But her name, at least, and romantic interest in Matt Murdock in Daredevil: Born Again, is a direct reference to Marvel’s comics.

Matt Murdock References Echo Shooting Wilson Fisk in the Face in Daredevil: Born AgainMarvel Studios

During the tense diner meeting between Wilson Fisk and Matt Murdock, Matt asks Fisk if he’d started a family in the years since they’d seen each other. Fisk answers by saying, “I tried to mentor someone, but that’s the closest I’ve come.” This is a reference to Maya Lopez, a.k.a. Echo. She referred to Fisk as “Uncle,” and was very close to him. Matt Murdock retorts by saying, “Didn’t she shoot you in the face?” Which Echo did, in fact, do, at the end of the Hawkeye series. This happens once Clint Barton reveals to her that Fisk was responsible for her father’s death. The fallout of all of this played out in the Echo series, which ended with the tease of Fisk contemplating a Mayoral run in New York City.

Daredevil: Born Again Episode 2’s Easter Eggs and ReferencesRogers! The Musical Easter Egg in Daredevil: Born Again Will Delight MCU Fans… And the Harlem’s Paradise Reference Will Bring Joy to Netflix Marvel EnthusiastsMarvel Studios

In Times Square, we saw an assortment of digital billboards, just as in real life. But two are MCU-specific Easter eggs hidden in these Daredevil: Born Again ads. The first is one for Rogers! The Musical, the cringey Broadway smash about Steve Rogers/Captain America, that we first saw in Hawkeye. We guess it’s a success and still running on the Great White Way years later. The other MCU reference in Daredevil: Born Again is a billboard for Harlem’s Paradise, the nightclub last owned by none other than Luke Cage. Does that mean that Cage (Mike Colter) is coming to visit Daredevil? It might be time for a Defenders reunion.

Daredevil: Born Again Slips in a Spider-Man Easter EggMarvel Studios

In episode two of Born Again, the newly elected Mayor Fisk’s address to the city on New Year’s Eve, he mentions how the city no longer needs vigilantes on its streets, like a gun-toting maniac with a skull on his chest or a man with devil horns. Of course, we know who those guys are. But he also mentions “a man who dresses in a spider outfit.” This is, of course, a Daredevil: Born Again reference to the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Although the MCU can’t actually call him Spider-Man on a Disney+ show like Daredevil: Born Again. This is because Sony only allows Spidey to be officially referenced in live-action MCU films and not TV. (Animation is exempt). But, we all know who he means here. And it’s fitting, as Fisk was originally a Spider-Man villain. This was long before he was reimagined as Daredevil’s arch-enemy.

The White Tiger Comes Onto the Scene in Daredevil: Born AgainMarvel Studios

Another vigilante Daredevil: Born Again introduces from Marvel Comics is Hector Ayala, the White Tiger. Matt Murdock represents him in episode two when he’s arrested for killing a police officer while defending a man from assault. In the comics, White Tiger is an expert martial artist, whose powers come from mystical Jade Tiger amulets. Hector Ayala is Marvel’s first-ever Hispanic superhero, not to mention the first Latin-American main character in mainstream American comics. The mantle gets passed down to others in the comics, something Daredevil: Born Again may be setting up. In the series, he’s played by the late actor Kamar de los Reyes, who passed away in 2023 shortly after Born Again season one wrapped.

More Marvel and MCU References and Easter Eggs to Come on Daredevil: Born Again

The above are all the Easter eggs and references we’ve seen so far in the MCU’s Daredevil: Born Again so far. But if we know Marvel, there will be a ton more winks and nudges, both obvious and subtle, to come in future episodes. And we’ll be here to keep track of them all as they emerge from around the city corners.

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DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Introduces Another Vigilante Into the Mix

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Daredevil: Born Again’s first two episodes introduce us to Hector Ayala, better known as the White Tiger. It wasn’t a secret that this vigilante Marvel character, played by the late Kamar de los Reyes, would make an appearance in this series. But it wasn’t clear how he’d fit into Matt Murdock’s world until now. Here’s what happens with the White Tiger in Daredevil: Born Again.

Episode one reveals via the news that there’s more than one vigilante defending NYC. In addition to Daredevil, the people really love a hero who is called the White Tiger. He’s dressed as, well, a white tiger, and takes down baddies in the city. Outside of that, we don’t really see him in action. The show’s first episode focuses on the aftermath of Foggy Nelson’s death and Wilson Fisk’s mayoral run.

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Who Is the White Tiger in DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN? The Character’s Marvel Comics History, Explained

In episode two, we meet a man named Hector Ayala who gets into the worst of situations. He breaks up what appears to be two guys beating another dude up on a subway platform. In the midst of the brawl, one of the bad guys gets flung into a speeding train. Matt Murdock goes to visit him and, after a little check in with Hector’s heart rate, knows that this guy didn’t intentionally kill anyone.

What makes it super bad is that the two assailants are both NYC cops who were out of uniform. The third guy, later IDed as Nicky Torres, is MIA, so there’s no one to help corroborate Ayala’s version of events. That means Hector has the ultimate cards against him in so many ways. The poor guy is suffering from frequent beatings in Rikers Island because he’s a “cop killer.” So, taking on Hector’s case is not going to win Matt points with the police.

Giovanni Rufino/Marvel Television/Disney+

He gets Cherry to dig into Hector’s life a bit. It doesn’t take long to connect the dots that Hector is also the White Tiger. The trial gets underway and Matt meets with the judge and his opposition to insist that Hector’s vigilante identity not be a part of the trial to cause more unjust bias. The judge agrees and now Matt can focus on trying to find the one witness that can help this case and get him to safety, which he does with a little brawling in the mix. 

We will have to see if Matt Murdock can pull it off and gain Hector Ayala his freedom or not as Daredevil: Born Again progresses. Even if he does, it will certainly make Hector and anyone he knows/loves a target, which is something that Matt doesn’t want considering his recent loss. Will the White Tiger and Daredevil link up for action one day? Maybe so.

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What Karen Page’s MCU Future Could Look Like After DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN’s Premiere

Matt Murdock is back starring on his own show and he brought some familiar faces with him to Disney+. That included his colleagues and friends Foggy Nelson and Karen Page. If you’ve seen the first episode of Daredevil: Born Again you know what happened to both. If you haven’t and want to avoid spoilers check out the premiere and then come back to find out what Karen Page’s big move might mean for her MCU future.

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Daredevil: Born Again opened with the shocking death of the beloved Foggy Nelson. A guilt-stricken Matt Murdock was unable to deal with the loss of his best friend. That left Karen Page alone with her grief. Rather than remain in New York City, Karen moved across the country. And of all the places Marvel Studios could have chosen, the series sent her to an important locale in the franchise. Karen Page moved to San Francisco in Daredevil: Born Again.

Marvel Studios

We learned about all of this when she returned for Bullseye’s sentencing. But Karen didn’t stay long despite Matt’s pleas. It was a brief introduction to the MCU proper for Deborah Ann Woll’s character, so newcomers to the Daredevil universe might not realize just how important she was to the original Netflix series. Karen Page was also a big part of The Defenders and The Punisher. But moving to San Francisco of all places could mean the MCU still has big plans for her outside Hell’s Kitchen.

Page started as a legal secretary for Murdock and Nelson but quickly proved herself a skilled private investigator and de facto journalist. She’s also a fierce advocate for clients and for doing what’s right even at great personal cost. And with her experience working both with and for vigilantes, she’s exactly the type of person who some local San Francisco superheroes and their friends could hire when they get in a jam. Especially when all of them have a history of legal issues like Scott Lang and his associates.

Marvel Studios

San Francisco is home to Ant-Man, the Wasp, Hank Pym, Luis, and Kurt. (We didn’t forget Dave. We don’t think we’re ever going to see rapper T.I. in the MCU again.) All of them have either been incarcerated or at investigated by the U.S. government. Despite their best intentions, they can’t seem to avoid running afoul of the law, Page’s area of expertise. And, notably, while her father owned a diner on Daredevil, in the comics Karen’s dad was a famous scientist, a fact that could serve as the kind of Easter egg Marvel Studios loves to include in the MCU if she works for Hank.

Ant-Man isn’t the only MCU hero who calls the Bay area home, either. It’s also where Shang-Chi lives. Whether or not anyone in the MCU remembers Shang-Chi exists is unclear. But we remember him! And we know Karen Page is now close by if he or his friend Katy have any trouble with any legal authorities. They could also hire her if they need someone who’s good at scouring documents to find information about Shang-Chi’s sister Xialing, the new head of the Ten Rings criminal empire.

Marvel Studios

Karen Page has no special powers, but she’s a good person with valuable skills, the kind vigilantes and heroes need, even in San Francisco. And just like Matt Murdock and Frank Castle needed her help before, San Francisco’s Avengers and their friends could need her help soon, too.

The post What Karen Page’s MCU Future Could Look Like After DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN’s Premiere appeared first on Nerdist.