Is Wilson Fisk Secretly Running NYC During the Explosive Thunderbolts Crisis?

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Before Thunderbolts was released, trailers hinted at a fierce clash between The Void (Lewis Pullman) and the central antiheroes in Manhattan. With Thunderbolts* following closely after the release of Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, setting the movie’s major fight in New York City creates some doubts about the chronology within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) became Mayor of New York City in Daredevil: Born Again, promising to end all vigilante activities, it’s intriguing to speculate if Mayor Fisk is in charge while Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and their team are battling a threat like The Void, which could potentially destroy Manhattan, right outside his window.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Thunderbolts*

To solve this question, we need to examine the sequence of events in the stories “Thunderbolts” and “Daredevil: Born Again“, using details provided by the projects themselves or Marvel Studios. Interestingly, the initial clue lies in “WandaVision“, which takes place a few weeks after “Avengers: Endgame“. This places the first Marvel Studios TV series on Disney+ during fall 2023, as confirmed by “The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline“. The series “Agatha All Along” directly ties to “WandaVision“, occurring three years later in the fall of 2026. According to the official Disney+ timeline, “Daredevil: Born Again” follows immediately after “Agatha All Along“, which helps determine when Fisk assumes office.

The series “Daredevil: Born Again” initiates by exploring the consequences following Foggy Nelson’s (Elden Henson) unfortunate demise, an incident causing Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) to relinquish his Daredevil identity. The placement on Disney+ signifies that the primary incidents of “Born Again” unfold a year after Foggy’s passing, making Foggy’s death occur in late 2025 according to the MCU timeline. Notably, Matt assumes the role of Daredevil in the series “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” which concludes its narrative around fall 2025 within the continuity.

In fall 2026, the storyline for the series “Daredevil: Born Again” starts with Wilson Fisk running for Mayor of New York City. The show follows his campaign and election, culminating in a chilling inauguration speech on New Year’s Day, 2027. The early episodes of the season showcase Fisk’s actions during his initial months in office, while Matt Murdock grapples with letting go of Daredevil. The mid-season episode, featuring a bank heist, takes place on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2027. Since the series has several key plot developments following this event, it’s likely that the remainder of Season 1 unfolds a few weeks or months after the bank heist, potentially in April or early May.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming film lineup, “Captain America: New World Order” is confirmed to take place in spring 2027, with a pivotal scene at the White House on April 16th, coinciding roughly with the last episodes of “Daredevil: Reborn” Season 1. The film “Thunderbolts” appears next, as indicated by Bucky Barnes already holding the position of Congressman and references to President Thaddeus Ross’ (Harrison Ford) transformation into the Red Hulk. Since there’s no winter weather in “Thunderbolts”, it seems that its events transpire during summer or fall 2027, considering Bucky has only been a congressman for a few months at most. This timeline leaves room for Wilson Fisk to potentially be the mayor during “Thunderbolts”, depending on when the second season of “Daredevil: Reborn” is released and unfolds its storyline.

Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Must Connect to Thunderbolts* Somehow

In order to preserve the logical flow of the storyline in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), particularly when multiple events occur simultaneously in the same city, the second season of Daredevil, titled Daredevil: Born Again, should recognize the significant, citywide changes brought about by the events in Thunderbolts*. Given that a divine entity was causing destruction throughout Manhattan at a time when Fisk was present, it would be unrealistic to overlook this, especially since the mayor has enforced martial law and tightened restrictions on vigilante activities within the city. The show could address this important connection in several creative ways.

*Note: Thunderbolts is not an actual MCU series or event, but it represents a hypothetical one for the purpose of discussion.

One option is that the entirety of “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2 unfolds and finishes before the events of “Thunderbolts.” This would suggest that Wilson Fisk’s mayoral storyline in Season 2 comes to an end sometime in late spring or early summer 2027, right before the Void incident transpires. By doing so, there will be no direct overlap between the two storylines; however, it might result in a somewhat rushed feel for Fisk’s subsequent significant narrative arc, as it would need to fit entirely within this tight timeframe.

An alternative scenario is that the events in Season 2 of “Born Again” coincide with those in “Thunderbolts”. In such a case, the show must address the Void crisis head-on. Kingpin might exploit the situation to strengthen his position or intensify his anti-vigilante stance, scapegoating masked individuals for the turmoil, or using the incident as a pretext for stricter measures. An episode could potentially showcase main characters being immersed in the Void’s darkness, compelling them to face their personal traumas, reflecting the Thunderbolts team’s experience.

Instead of starting right away, Season 2 could pick up after the significant events depicted in the series, Thunderbolts. In this case, the narrative would delve into the consequences that follow. Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) is likely to comment on the Void incident and clarify why a new team of Avengers, under Yelena Belova’s leadership and monitored by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), have now set up shop in his city. This could lead to tension between his authority and the actions of these government-backed superheroes. The 14-month time leap shown in the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts offers ample room for Season 2’s plot to unfold, providing an opportunity to explore the aftermath, Kingpin’s ongoing political machinations, and the build-up to the chaos of Avengers: Doomsday involving the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.

1. “Thunderbolts” has hit the big screens now!

2. The second season of “Daredevil: Born Again” will debut on Disney+, starting from March 2026.

What are your thoughts on how the second season of “Daredevil: Born Again” might tackle the happenings of “Thunderbolts”? Feel free to share your speculations in the comment section below!

\*Note: I’m assuming that you meant a potential adaptation of the Marvel Comics storyline “Thunderbolts.” If not, please correct me for accuracy.

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2025-05-04 04:44