Daredevil is now officially a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) thanks to Spider-Man: No Way Home, and there are several Phase 4 movies and shows in which he could appear. For nearly a year, rumors circulated that Charlie Cox was set to reprise his role as Matt Murdock, years after Daredevil was canceled by Netflix. He played Daredevil in the Netflix live-action Marvel series Daredevil for three seasons before returning in The Defenders. While there is no confirmation that Daredevil’s appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home makes those shows MCU canon, it does set the character up for an exciting Phase 4 future.
Spiderman: No Way Home
Almost immediately after Spider-Man: Far From Home, fans began speculating about Daredevil’s MCU return in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Peter Parker’s life would change as a result of Mysterio revealing Spider-identity, Man’s and he might face legal trouble. The trilogy finale confirmed how difficult Mysterio made life for Peter and those close to him, and it was suggested that he hire a good lawyer. Enter Charlie Cox, who reprises his role as Matt Murdock for a brief cameo. Daredevil did not appear in action during his brief appearance, but the hints that Matt Murdock is already Daredevil in the MCU are clear. The blind lawyer catching a brick thrown through the window behind him demonstrates that he is much more than a good lawyer.
The decision to bring back Charlie Cox as Daredevil for this brief Spider-Man: No Way Home scene suggests that there will be a lot more of the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen in the MCU’s future. Marvel Studios has yet to confirm the specifics of those plans, but there are over a dozen upcoming MCU movies and shows in the works. Daredevil’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe could include appearances in many of them, and the wait for his return may not even be that long.
Spiderman 4
Now that aliens and multiversal threats may be in Spider-past, Man’s scanning the New York streets for crime suggests that he and Daredevil may cross paths in the MCU’s Spider-Man 4. Daredevil, like the rest of the world, is unaware that Peter is Spider-Man, but Matt Murdock’s appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home could pave the way for a future team-up. With Spider-Man starting a new life, he may seek out Matt in an attempt to learn his Daredevil secret. They may also cross paths while on the lookout for the same threat. This could lead to Spider-Man and Daredevil collaborating to take on Kingpin, bringing their recurring comic book team-ups to the MCU.
Avengers 5
Daredevil could also make a return in the next Avengers film after Spider-Man: No Way Home.
In the comics, Matt Murdock joined the New Avengers under the leadership of Luke Cage. With Captain Marvel, Shang-Chi, Captain America, and others slated to join the team in the future, the MCU’s Avengers superhero lineup is already taking shape in Phase 4. Daredevil could be one of the new recruits when Avengers 5 comes out in a few years. With the MCU’s heroes only becoming more powerful and superhuman, Daredevil’s addition to the Avengers could provide them with someone more grounded, allowing him to fill a similar role as a highly skilled fighter who isn’t invincible as Hawkeye or Black Widow.
She-Hulk
Daredevil’s return to the MCU could happen next year in She-Hulk. For quite some time, there have been rumors and teases that Charlie Cox will reprise his role as Matt Murdock in the Disney+ series. Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) is a talented lawyer in her own right, so having her and Matt cross paths is quite natural. Daredevil’s She-Hulk role should be much larger than what Spider-Man: No Way Home provides, as they could be court rivals or superhero friends. This could be the MCU property that reintroduces Matt in a superhero suit. It’s unclear whether this would be done using any of Daredevil’s suits or a new look more akin to one of the Man Without Fear’s comic costumes.
Shang-Chi 2
There’s also a chance that Daredevil will appear in Shang-Chi 2. While the sequel has been the subject of speculation regarding Iron Fist’s possible return to the MCU, the story of the film could also include Matt Murdock. The Ten Rings organization may be the best explanation for Daredevil’s MCU return in Shang-Chi 2. According to theories, Xialing could transform the group into the MCU’s version of The Hand, including Elektra as a member or introducing The Chaste. In the comics, The Hand, The Chaste, and Elektra all have strong ties to Daredevil. While Matt is not a martial arts expert like Shang-Chi, the two may team up in Simu Liu’s sequel to take on the Ten Rings/The Hand.
Black Widow 2?
Daredevil’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe could also be linked to Black Widow 2. Daredevil and Black Widow have a very close relationship in the comics, as Matt Murdock and Natasha Romanoff fought crime together and began a romantic relationship. Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow may no longer be in the MCU, but Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) is poised to take over at some point. Because Marvel was never given the opportunity to bring Daredevil and Black Widow’s romance to life as it was in the comics, the MCU could put its own spin on the relationship and make Matt and Yelena romantically involved. Even if the MCU doesn’t want to explore Matt and Yelena on a romantic level, he could cross paths with her during a mission to at least acknowledge the comic connection between Daredevil and Black Widow.