Daredevil: Born Again: How White Tiger’s Legacy Can Continue In The MCU

by

Summary

  • Daredevil: Born Again is receiving positive reviews as the 13th Marvel Studios TV series in the MCU.
  • Hector Ayala’s White Tiger character can have his legacy continued in the MCU through family members.
  • Potential successors to White Tiger include his niece Angela Del Toro or his sister Ava Ayala in future MCU projects.

Daredevil: Reborn” Debuts with Mainly Favorable Reactions

The Disney Plus production, which marks Marvel Studios’ 13th television series within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is a resurrection and progression of the previously aired Daredevil series on Netflix. This long-running series stars Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, who continues his quest for justice. The first two episodes bring back some essential characters like Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin (now serving as New York City’s Mayor), and introduce fresh faces such as Hector Ayala, better known as the White Tiger, portrayed by Kamar de los Reyes. Sadly, de los Reyes passed away from cancer in 2023 at the age of 56, implying that his character’s fate will remain unchanged. Nevertheless, the legacy of the White Tiger may persist within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As a movie critic, I find myself intrigued by the prospect of the White Tiger’s identity evolving in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The rationale behind this possibility is straightforward: there’s a rich comic book history that supports it. Unlike Hector Ayala, who currently holds the White Tiger identity, there are respectful and authentic ways it could be passed on in the MCU, ensuring fidelity to the original source material.

If this were to happen, several paths could open up for his successors. For instance, certain family members might step into the role, each bringing their unique take on the White Tiger persona, thereby expanding the narrative scope and adding depth to the character. This transformation could breathe new life into the storyline while still remaining true to its roots.

Hector Ayala’s Role And Fate In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Ayala was introduced as a vigilante who stepped up when Matt Murdock stopped being Daredevil. His fate is currently unknown.

In the first episode of Daredevil: Born Again, titled “Heaven’s Half Hour“, there was footage shown in a news report of a White Tiger. This segment highlighted how other New York City vigilantes had taken action following Daredevil’s absence, as Matt Murdock had halted his nightly heroics after the murder of his friend, Foggy Nelson. In the second episode, “Optics”, Kamar de los Reyes appeared unmasked, revealing his identity as Hector Ayala, the character’s civilian persona. This revelation occurred when he intervened to stop a subway altercation, but was later accused of killing a police officer during the ensuing chaos.

Matt Murdock discerned Ayala’s innocence and decided to take on his case in court. This is the current state of the character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as depicted in the first two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again. The outcome for Ayala remains uncertain at this point (although, in the comics, he was fatally shot by a corrupt officer before being able to prove his innocence). It’s unclear whether Ayala will reappear or meet his end in the following episode. However, de los Reyes’ demise signifies that Hector Ayala’s journey within the MCU is coming to an end. Amulet-wielding Ayala mentioned possessing powers; if Marvel Studios wishes to carry on his legacy, one of his relatives could potentially inherit the amulet and assume his role.

Angela Del Toro (Hector Ayala’s Niece)

Hector Ayala’s niece, Angela del Toro, is already confirmed to exist in the MCU and could take on his mantle.

After the demise of Hector Ayala in Marvel comics, his niece Angela del Toro unwillingly assumed the role of White Tiger. She viewed the vigilante life as perilous and, having witnessed her partner Harold Driver’s death during the probe into her brother’s murder, had no desire to retrace her uncle’s path. However, Matt Murdock managed to persuade her that it was her destiny.

Del Toro is already established within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having been referenced in episode 6 of Jessica Jones titled “AKA You’re a Winner!” In this episode, Jessica mentioned Del Toro as an accomplished private investigator with affordable rates, providing a possible connection to Daredevil: Born Again. Given her role as the direct heir to her uncle in the comics and her subsequent investigation into his death in the series, it seems likely that she will take over her uncle’s role in the MCU as well.

Despite being considered a potential Young Avenger due to her youthful appearance, her age might be a bit advanced for that role. However, her future within the Marvel Cinematic Universe may include joining a different team or alliance. In the comics, she was part of the New Revengers and was later brought back to life as an assassin for the Hand, much like Elektra Natchios, Daredevil’s ally. This could be replicated in the MCU, or she might join Sam Wilson’s new Avengers team, or even form a new Defenders group. The options are numerous.

Ava Ayala (Hector Ayala’s Sister)

Hector Ayala’s sister, Ava Ayala, would be another plausible successor to her brother in the MCU.

An uncertain choice for Hector Ayala’s successor as White Tiger might be his sister, Ava Ayala, though her existence hasn’t been verified within the Marvel Cinematic Universe yet. However, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to consider this possibility. In the comics, Ava is usually portrayed as a teenager, younger than her aunt, but this could still be feasible if she’s significantly younger than Hector. If she were introduced in the MCU as a teenager and given the White Tiger amulet as in the source material, she could have a promising future ahead of her.

She has been part of various comic book teams such as the Daughters of Liberty, Heroes for Hire, Mighty Avengers, and Avengers Academy. It is plausible that any of these groups could appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, her past involvement with the Avengers Academy suggests a possible link to younger Avengers members. As such, it makes sense for her character to be part of the Young Avengers in the MCU, given the source material’s precedent.

It’s been speculated that Jenna Ortega and Emily Tosta could portray Ava Ayala in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and either one would be perfect for the part. Fans wouldn’t mind if Marvel Studios decided to bypass Angela del Toro (the fourth White Tiger character from the comics) and instead introduce Ava Ayala (the fifth) with a gifted young actress cast in the role.

It’s yet to be determined how the White Tiger’s legacy will unfold in the series “Daredevil: Born Again,” but there are creative methods to carry it forward without giving the impression that Kamar de los Reyes is being disregarded or replaced. The third episode is set to premiere on Disney Plus on March 11, 2025.

Read More

2025-03-06 20:14