"Daredevil: Born Again Introduces New Foe for Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk"

Disney has unveiled a thrilling new trailer for *Daredevil: Born Again*, set to premiere on Disney+ on March 4. The trailer reaffirms what was hinted in the D23-exclusive preview: Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin will unite against a common foe. This unexpected alliance might be spurred by the emergence of a new villain, the artistically inclined serial killer known as Muse.

Who exactly is Muse, and why does this superhuman murderer have the power to bring arch-enemies like Daredevil and Kingpin together? Here's everything you need to know about this chilling Marvel villain.

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Who Is Muse?

Muse is a relatively new addition to Daredevil's roster of adversaries. Introduced by Charles Soule and Ron Garney in 2016's *Daredevil #11*, this character has made a significant impact. Charles Soule himself confirmed Muse's appearance in the D23 footage.

Muse is a villain who could easily fit into a series like *Hannibal*. He is a prolific serial killer who views murder as the ultimate form of artistic expression. In his debut, Muse created a mural using the blood of a hundred missing individuals. Later, he composed a piece by arranging the bodies of six Inhumans in various poses.

Muse poses a unique threat to Daredevil because his body acts like a sensory black hole, disrupting Matt Murdock’s radar sense. Combined with his superhuman strength and speed, and a genuine talent for murder, Muse stands out as one of Daredevil’s most lethal foes.

Art by Dan Panosian. (Image Credit: Marvel)

Muse quickly becomes an enemy to Daredevil and his new sidekick, Blindspot. Their rivalry escalates when Muse gouges out Blindspot's eyes. Eventually, Daredevil apprehends Muse, who then breaks his own fingers to prevent further artistic creations. However, Muse's hands are later healed, leading to his escape and a continuation of his deadly spree in New York City.

Obsessed with the city's vigilantes, Muse leaves twisted monuments to figures like the Punisher, even as the newly elected Mayor Wilson Fisk cracks down on vigilante activities. This prompts a rematch with Blindspot, who taps into the power of The Beast, a demonic entity revered by the ninja cult The Hand, to defeat Muse. Feeling overshadowed, Muse ultimately walks into a fire to end his life.

This dramatic confrontation occurred in 2018's *Daredevil #600*, and Muse has remained deceased since. Yet, in the Marvel Universe, resurrection is always a possibility, suggesting Muse might return to continue his gruesome art.

Muse in Daredevil: Born Again

The *Daredevil: Born Again* trailers confirm Muse's presence in the upcoming Disney+ series, though the actor portraying him remains a mystery. Muse is seen in a single shot wearing a white mask and bodysuit with red, bloody tears, closely resembling his comic book appearance. In the NYCC trailer, he engages in combat with Daredevil.

Although *Born Again* shares its title with a classic 1986 Daredevil storyline by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli, the series draws inspiration from more recent comics as well. The original *Born Again* story focuses on Wilson Fisk uncovering Daredevil's secret identity and dismantling Matt Murdock's life. In contrast, the series, while rooted in the ongoing rivalry between Murdock and Fisk, appears to be taking a different path, especially since Fisk already knows Daredevil's identity in the MCU.

The series hints at an alliance between Daredevil and Fisk, as seen in a scene where they meet at a diner. Matt threatens Fisk, who responds with a probing question about whether it's Matt Murdock or his darker half speaking. This suggests a new, formidable threat in New York City that could force these two foes to collaborate.

Art by Dan Mora. (Image Credit: Marvel)

Could Muse be this threat? The MCU's take on Daredevil seems to be influenced by the works of Charles Soule and Chip Zdarsky. The post-credits scene in *Echo* indicates Fisk's interest in becoming mayor, and the latest *Born Again* trailer suggests he has achieved this goal, leveraging his resources and charisma to appeal to New Yorkers.

If *Born Again* follows the comic's lead, Fisk will campaign on ending vigilante activities in the city. Muse, in opposition to this, glorifies vigilantes like Frank Castle through his violent acts. Muse might be the common enemy that forces Daredevil and Mayor Fisk to ally, with Daredevil aiming to stop a cold-blooded killer and Fisk seeking to eliminate a threat to his mayoral authority. Daredevil may have to work with Fisk, even as Fisk campaigns against vigilantes like him.

The series will also feature other vigilantes like Jon Bernthal’s Punisher and White Tiger, who could be caught in the crossfire of Fisk's anti-vigilante efforts. Muse's twisted homage to these figures through his artwork adds another layer of complexity. Ultimately, while the series may still revolve around the intense rivalry between Daredevil and Fisk, Muse presents an immediate and formidable challenge to Matt Murdock's world. With his powers and bloodlust, Muse could be Daredevil's toughest opponent yet, and it's fortunate he has an unlikely ally in Mayor Fisk.

For more insights into the future of the MCU, explore what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and check out every upcoming Marvel movie and series.

*Note: this article was originally published on 8/10/2024 and updated on 1/15/2025 with the latest information about Daredevil: Born Again.*