Jack Duquesne Unsheathes His Sword: The MCU’s New Vigilante Hero?

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Summary

  • Jack Duquesne returns as the Swordsman, opposing Wilson Fisk’s rule in Daredevil: Born Again.
  • Duquesne’s presence hints at a bigger fight against corruption in NYC, possibly teaming up with Daredevil.
  • Swordsman’s wealth and skills make him a unique addition to the MCU, akin to an Iron Man on the street level.

The recently-aired episode of Daredevil: Born Again introduced an unexpected Marvel Cinematic Universe figure – Jack Duquesne, famously known as the Swordsman. This character’s reappearance signifies a significant milestone for the ongoing Disney+ series, which is about to conclude its first season with just three episodes remaining.

In the series “Better Call Saul”, Tony Dalton portrayed Jack Duquesne, who made his debut (and last appearance) four years ago in “Hawkeye”. His return in “Daredevil: Born Again” is not a simple Easter egg or minor role. Instead, introducing another vigilante character like him adds intrigue to the plot and hints at a potentially larger role for Jack Duquesne within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Swordsman’s Role In Daredevil: Born Again

Jack Duquesne Returns To The MCU

In episode 6 of Daredevil: Born Again season 1, titled “Excessive Force,” Jack Duquesne makes his return, now embodying more of the Swordsman persona, donning a near-perfect superhero outfit. His newfound commitment to vigilantism is evident, subtly suggested in the finale of Hawkeye. Later, we find him at a fundraiser where Wilson Fisk seeks sponsors, but their dialogue grows tense. Duquesne transforms from a potential benefactor into a clear adversary and cautions Fisk not to underestimate the influence of the city’s upper class.

It’s not entirely certain what specifically drives Jack, but it’s evident that he strongly dislikes Wilson Fisk as the Mayor of New York. He doesn’t show him the title “Mayor Fisk,” which grates on Fisk and leads him to bring up the issue. A significant portion of their discussion centers around Jack criticizing Kingpin for his anti-vigilante stance. Jack disagrees with Fisk’s crackdown, as he himself is a vigilante. This is why he confronts Kingpin so boldly in this episode.

How Jack Duquesne Fits Into The MCU At Large

Kingpin’s Vigilante War In New York Heats Up

In the role of New York’s mayor, Fisk faces the challenge of maintaining his public persona while covertly overseeing his criminal operations. This sets up an intense battle between the city’s guardians and its corrupted institutions in the upcoming series, Daredevil: Born Again. Much like Matt Murdock, who grapples with harmonizing his professional life as a lawyer with his occasional Daredevil persona. The return of Jack Duquesne hints at a more significant conflict to come, as he could potentially ally with Matt in an effort to dismantle the Kingpin. Unlike before, the old Fisk might have dismissed Jack’s direct threat, but this time, Mayor Fisk will need a strategic approach to deal with him.

In February, it was officially announced that Tony Dalton will reprise his role as Swordsman in not one but two episodes of “Daredevil: Born Again”. This indicates that we can expect to see him again. With popular characters such as the Punisher making a comeback and the emergence of villain Muse, Swordsman adds an intriguing layer to the hero-villain dynamics in New York City. Unlike Daredevil or the Punisher, Swordsman fights against corruption while enjoying the benefits of wealth and privilege, which gives him a distinct character. The future for Swordsman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains uncertain. He could potentially team up with the Avengers, as seen in the comics, or continue to serve as an unpredictable factor in Marvel’s television series.

Who Is Jack Duquesne In Marvel Comics?

Swordsman’s Origins & Powers, Explained

In the Marvel universe, Jacques Duquesne initially appeared as a villain, eventually transitioning into a hero and even teaming up with the Avengers. His first appearance was in issue #19 of Avengers (1965). Marked by a somber past, Duquesne honed his skills as a master swordsman following his father’s demise. He then employed those abilities as both a mercenary and freedom fighter. During this time, he also tutored the young Clint Barton, who would later become Hawkeye. However, their relationship was strained when Barton discovered Duquesne’s criminal history.

Over time, Duquesne managed to make amends and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Marvel’s top superheroes as a valued Avenger member. Known simply as Swordsman, he lacks any superpowers but is remarkably adept in both armed and hand-to-hand combat, particularly with swords and knives, reflecting his expertise in these weapons. In the first volume of Giant-Size Avengers, issue 2, his powerlessness led Kang the Conqueror to dismiss him during the capture of other Avengers, considering him insignificant. However, he later demonstrated his importance by joining forces with Hawkeye to rescue the captured heroes from Kang’s grasp.

When Did The Swordsman Debut In The MCU?

Hint: It Has Something To Do With Bows And Arrows

In the thrilling world of Hawkeye, I made my debut as Jack Duquesne, a wealthy socialite betrothed to Eleanor Bishop, the mother of Kate Bishop. Initially, there were suspicions that I had murdered my uncle, Armand Duquesne III, but it was later revealed that these accusations were unfounded. At first, even Kate believed this, but the truth was that her own mother had been manipulating events to make me the fall guy for her own wrongdoings, all while covertly collaborating with Wilson Fisk in the background.

Following her husband’s passing, Eleanor found herself compelled to work for Fisk in order to settle his enormous debts. In the final episode of Hawkeye, Jack demonstrated his exceptional swordsmanship by effortlessly overpowering the Tracksuit Mafia. As law enforcement apprehended criminals and medical personnel attended to the wounded, Jack playfully commented that he had enjoyed the adventure and might continue. It seems apparent now that he has fully adopted the role of a vigilante, employing his swordsmanship for the benefit of others.

Swordsman Could Be The MCU’s Street-Level Answer To Iron Man

He’s Got The Charisma For It

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Jack Duquesne is portrayed as less villainous compared to his comic book character. Actor Tony Dalton, known for his menacing role as Lalo Salamanca in Better Call Saul, brings a similar threatening allure to his depiction of Jack Duquesne. In an interview with ScreenRant in 2021, he discussed the unique take on this version of Jack Duquesne and how it diverges from the comics.

Jack Duquesne is the epitome of an affluent gent from New York City’s Upper East Side. He may come off as a bit goofy, but make no mistake, he’s a formidable swordsman. It’s hard to tell if his smile stems from naivety or knowledge, which is exactly the intriguing duality I wanted to convey.

Remarkably, Swordsman shares many traits with Iron Man from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unlike Daredevil who employs martial arts and legal strategies, and the Punisher who resorts to raw power, Swordsman utilizes his wealth and technology to combat crime in a more strategic manner, much like Tony Stark. However, unlike Iron Man, he doesn’t don a high-tech suit; instead, his wealth and skills make him formidable compared to most street-level heroes. Because he maintains anonymity, his clashes with Fisk’s administration could prove intriguing. As we eagerly await the remaining episodes of Daredevil: Born Again, let’s see how these developments unfold for him.

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2025-03-30 17:07