Disney+ Replaces Superhero with New Actor in Historic MCU First

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In an exciting development for Marvel Studios, a character’s superhero role is set to be passed on in a unique manner within the realm of their Marvel Disney+ series. This marks a groundbreaking moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s streaming domain as one hero prepares to hand over their mantle to another.

In the filming of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, it’s been confirmed that Ava Ayala will take up the role of White Tiger, as seen in Marvel Comics. Although fans had speculated this, it marks a significant moment in MCU history because Ava inheriting the White Tiger mantle from her late uncle, Hector Ayala, makes it the first time a streaming-exclusive superhero title has been passed on from one original Disney+ character to another. The second season of Daredevil: Born Again is expected to hit Disney+ in March 2026.

Indeed, it’s true that other characters have adopted the identity of someone else, particularly after the release of “Avengers: Endgame.” However, in the realm of streaming, only the White Tiger character has been succeeded by another without ever appearing on the big screen. You can learn about Hector Ayala, who was set to star in “Daredevil: Born Again,” here.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Ava Ayala, played by Camila Rodriguez, first appeared as the White Tiger in the third episode of Daredevil’s reboot series, “Born Again,” in Season 1. However, it was only in Episode 4 that she was properly presented to viewers following her uncle’s demise and displaying the White Tiger amulet. It appears that the MCU’s White Tiger narrative is just getting started and will further develop when Season 2 premieres in March 2026.

Marvel Disney+ Characters Who Inherited MCU Mantles

Compare the fresh superhero exchange in “Daredevil: Born Again” with other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) instances where a character’s role was taken over by another, to see how it stacks up.

Captain America (John Walker & Sam Wilson)

In a sense, the events surrounding the White Tiger in “Daredevil: Born Again” might find a parallel in the journeys of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and John Walker (Wyatt Russell), who each took on the mantle of Captain America following Steve Rogers. Unlike John Walker, introduced through the streaming series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier“, Sam Wilson’s Captain America status is a cinematic endeavor. Despite their different origins, both characters assuming the role of Captain America at distinct times significantly impacted the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but in strikingly contrasting ways.

Hawkeye (Kate Bishop)

Over the course of the Disney+ series, Hawkeye, Hailee Steinfeld’s character Kate Bishop gradually takes on the mantle of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming marksman hero. However, whether she’s officially taking over as Hawkeye is uncertain because the title transition is only suggested in the series finale. Additionally, there were plans for more Hawkeye content, but a potential Season 2 could be at risk due to the “insult offer.

Hulk (She-Hulk)

Given that the Hulk (portrayed by Bruce Banner) will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe following the events of She-Hulk, and since Jennifer Walters has assumed the role of She-Hulk in the series finale, there’s some debate on whether or not Tatiana Maslany’s character (who adopts the She-Hulk persona) should also be included. However, considering that she receives mentorship from Bruce Banner at one point and fully embraces her She-Hulk identity, it seems reasonable to include her in the discussion.

Wiccan 

It’s quite an unusual twist, as William Kaplan from the series “Agatha All Along” is now host to Billy Maximoff, or Wiccan (played by Joe Locke). This change happens following Billy’s apparent death in the final episode of WandaVision on Disney+.

Falcon (Joaquin Torres)

In the film, “Captain America: Brave New World,” we delved deeper into the relationship between Joaquin Torres (played by Danny Ramirez) and Sam Wilson’s character, often referred to as his wingman. However, unlike Joaquin who was first introduced on Disney+ in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Sam Wilson did not assume the role of Falcon within the Disney+ platform.

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2025-06-05 23:35