Daredevil’s Showrunner Sparks Controversy with Penguin Comparison: Is It a Bad Sign?

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Summary

  • Daredevil: Born Again showrunner compares the upcoming series to The Penguin, potentially hurting the show’s image.
  • Fans worry about the show’s reception due to the unnecessary comparison and bold claims made by the showrunner.
  • Comparing Daredevil to The Penguin may not be accurate, as they belong to different genres and tones.

Showrunner Dario Scardapane’s comments about “Daredevil: Born Again” stirring up a bit of debate, mainly due to one specific comparison he made with a popular DC TV series. As we get closer to the Disney+ series’ premiere, which is only a month away, his remarks could prove divisive and potentially inaccurate, as they seem to stray from the true nature of the upcoming Marvel production.

Without a doubt, HBO’s The Penguin was among the top TV shows of 2024, pioneering new paths in the superhero television realm. Just like how Daredevil on Marvel Netflix left an indelible mark, it’s no wonder fans draw comparisons between these series. Remarkably, one of the creators of Born Again has already compared their show to The Penguin, a move that might tarnish its upcoming release and the excitement built around it.

Dario Scardapane Compares Daredevil To The Penguin

Showrunner Claims The Series Is Disney+’s Darkest Yet

In an interview with SFX Magazine last week, Dario Scardapane referred to “The Penguin” as a rival to “Daredevil: Born Again.” The showrunner further explained that the upcoming Marvel series will have a more realistic and less stylistic approach compared to the “Batman” spin-off from last year. Scardapane also mentioned that the new show is pushing the boundaries of what a Disney+ series has done so far, by making comparisons to the original “Daredevil” Netflix series.

It’s quite unusual – you’re working in an isolated environment, and suddenly something unexpected emerges, making you exclaim, “Wow!” In many aspects, The Penguin serves as a close competitor to us. Yet, we are more deeply grounded, less stylistic, and more focused on the present moment. I must admit, I appreciate Penguin. We move a bit quicker, carry a bit more bite, and keep our narrative tidy and sharp.

Fans found the showrunner’s comments disappointing, and they voiced their dissatisfaction on social media about what seemed like an unwarranted comparison. Although the trailer has kept some fans excited, the comments have left a lingering unease about how the show might be perceived.

As a devoted viewer, I must say, no streaming platform has quite captured the intensity and expansiveness that our series embodies – at least, not in the way Netflix couldn’t. Our production carries a cinematic mood, though not always grim in narrative, but certainly there are some somber undertones. Yet, we push the boundaries further than any Disney Plus show has ventured before.

Bold Claims May Backfire If Daredevil: Born Again Fails

The Penguin Comparison Could Impact Reception

Regardless of whether you’re a Marvel or DC fan, making favorable comparisons between an established hit series and one that hasn’t premiered yet hasn’t gone down well with the audience. However, there’s a larger concern that needs addressing. Many superhero stories are striving to seem grounded and realistic, despite not fitting within their own fictional universe. This might also apply to Daredevil: Born Again.

If the “Daredevil: Born Again” series on the MCU turns out to be a massive success and a strong addition to the Marvel Universe, comparisons between this show and “The Penguin” might become more popular among fans, each eagerly advocating for their preferred character. Conversely, if the Disney+ series underperforms and misses its mark as a Marvel production, earlier comparisons made by Dario could prove problematic. Even if opinions are divided, such high expectations could backfire, potentially tarnishing the show’s reputation beyond what it truly deserves.

The Penguin Isn’t The Right Comparison For Daredevil

One Is A Superhero Show, The Other Isn’t

Furthermore, it appears that Daredevil: Born Again should not be compared to The Penguin. While they share similar dark and gritty styles, their genres are quite distinct. The Penguin was far from a typical superhero villain, instead embodying a Tony Soprano-esque gangster character who rose through the crime world using deceit and manipulation.

Instead of “Daredevil: Born Again,” one could say it’s fundamentally a superhero series starring a blind attorney who doubles as a masked vigilante battling evil forces. In contrast, “The Penguin” primarily revolves around a despicable villain, while Matt Murdock is unquestionably the good guy. If Marvel were to produce a dedicated Wilson Fisk/Kingpin series in the future, that might be a more appropriate comparison to “The Penguin.

Marvel Doesn’t Need To Go Darker Than Daredevil

MCU’s Evolution Makes Comparisons Unnecessary

For quite some time now, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has moved beyond its reputation for creating noisy action blockbusters with humorous hero quips. Instead, it has ventured into numerous genres, making it less surprising when a project like Born Again, a continuation and revival of the original Marvel-Netflix Daredevil, opts for a grittier approach rather than trying to match the flavor of other projects. After all, the initial Daredevil series was designed to focus on dark crime fiction, avoiding flashy crossovers. Consequently, it doesn’t feel compelled to imitate The Penguin‘s style to fit a certain mold.

Additionally, Dario Scardapane’s strategy for Daredevil: Born Again seems illogical given the context, as it aims to make the series less stylized than The Penguin. To ensure Matt Murdock’s influence is more prominent in the broader MCU, particularly in Spider-Man 4, his character should be situated within a setting and tone that aligns better with his integration into these films. Given his roles as Peter Parker’s lawyer in No Way Home and his two-episode appearances in She-Hulk, it may be necessary for Murdock to experience a shift in tone to facilitate a smoother transition back into the MCU.

Chasing Darkness Could Be A Red Flag

Creators are entitled to voice their perspectives on the projects they’re part of, much like Dario Scardapane did regarding “Daredevil: Born Again.” However, striving for a darker, more realistic feel doesn’t automatically ensure quality. For instance, DC, traditionally known for its gritty style, is veering off in a new direction under James Gunn’s leadership. It’s important to note that blindly attempting to replicate the success of “The Penguin” might raise concerns about “Daredevil: Born Again.” But if the series manages to surprise us and prove us wrong, then it could be different.

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2025-02-04 00:05