Marvel’s Returning Character Is Even More Exciting Than Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers Comeback

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Now that the first trailers for Avengers: Doomsday are out, fans are incredibly excited to see favorite Marvel characters return. The trailers hint at storylines from the past and promise the big, nostalgic moments Marvel is known for. The news that Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans (as Steve Rogers) will both be back has especially thrilled fans.

Having Captain America back is a major event, bringing fans back to the popular era of the Infinity Saga. But Marvel has more exciting things coming up beyond big movie releases and bringing back classic Avengers. In 2026, another character who’s been missing for a while will return, and this time, their story will be told on a streaming series instead of in theaters.

Royce Johnson is returning as Brett Mahoney in the second season of Daredevil: Born Again. After not appearing in the first season, his return is exciting news for fans of the original Daredevil series. It suggests Marvel is dedicated to building on the success and spirit of the earlier Netflix shows.

Brett Mahoney Is Officially Returning In Daredevil: Born Again Season 2

Mahoney’s Return Signals A True Reconnection To Daredevil’s Netflix Roots

The news that Brett Mahoney will be back for season two of Daredevil: Born Again came straight from Royce Johnson on Instagram, making it feel like a personal and exciting announcement instead of just a formal press release. For fans who enjoy the grounded, street-level stories within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this was a particularly welcome confirmation.

Brett Mahoney wasn’t a showy character, but he was a vital part of Daredevil. As a police detective wrestling with his own morals, he helped connect the world of vigilantes with that of law enforcement. His complex bond with Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) deepened the show’s exploration of right and wrong and made it feel more realistic.

The first season of Daredevil: Born Again felt disconnected. Without the character Mahoney, the show’s world lacked depth and a relatable human element that previously grounded the bigger storylines. Many fans were confused by his absence, particularly because Marvel usually prioritizes maintaining consistency with its established universe.

Having Brett Mahoney return for season two of Daredevil: Born Again would bring back a vital emotional connection. The show is strongest when the action feels real and has consequences for the characters, and Mahoney played a key role in making that happen.

Why Mahoney Was Not In Daredevil: Born Again Season 1

Born Again’s Soft Reboot Approach Left Several Beloved Characters Behind

Originally, the plan for Daredevil: Born Again wasn’t to continue the story directly from the Netflix show. Marvel Studios intended it to be a fresh start with a simpler cast and a story that better suited Disney+. Because of this, some characters from the previous series were cut or given smaller roles during the early stages of production.

This explains Brett Mahoney’s absence. The show’s creative team was prioritizing attracting new viewers over pleasing existing fans. Although Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) stayed as main characters, many of the supporting actors were removed as a result.

Marvel initially had different plans, but they later changed course. After making substantial changes to the story, the studio decided to incorporate elements from the former Netflix series. This included bringing back beloved characters like Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson), and Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer), which indicated a significant change in the show’s overall style and feel.

Unfortunately, these changes weren’t enough to significantly impact the first season. Mahoney’s departure happened as the show was still figuring out its direction. Now, with season 2 being developed by creators who are building on the success of the original series on Netflix, Daredevil: Born Again can truly act as a continuation of the story, instead of a hesitant reboot.

Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Looks Like A Huge Improvement

Creative Stability And Fan-Focused Decisions Point To A Stronger Second Season

Early signs point to season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again being a much stronger and more focused show. Unlike the first season, which faced major changes during filming, this new season is being planned from the beginning with a clear and consistent creative direction. This alone should fix the problems viewers had with the pacing and overall feel of the first season.

A key strength of the new season is the return of familiar faces. Having Brett Mahoney, Karen, Foggy, and Vanessa Fisk back means the show can recreate the strong emotional connections that made the original Daredevil so compelling. These characters aren’t just supporting players—they deeply influence how Matt Murdock’s actions impact the story and viewers.

Brett Mahoney returning signals a bigger change: Marvel is now embracing the positive response to its fan base, rather than avoiding it. While the first season felt hesitant and inconsistent, the upcoming second season of Daredevil: Born Again looks like it will recapture the gritty, realistic feel that made the original Daredevil series so well-regarded.

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2025-12-27 15:29