Wilson Fisk actor Vincent D’Onofrio refutes a Marvel fan’s argument that Kingpin‘s violence was toned down in Daredevil: Born Again. After three seasons of Netflix’s Daredevil series, D’Onofrio’s Kingpin officially joined the MCU in Hawkeye and returned in Echo. Fisk finally reunited with Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock four years later in Daredevil: Born Again, where his villainous plans took a darker turn.
On X, Vincent D’Onofrio expressed his disagreement with a fan’s complaint that Wilson Fisk was “nerfed” in the MCU. D’Onofrio argued his portrayal of Kingpin in Daredevil: Born Again and all his past performances “have been called many things but never nerfed.” Check out D’Onofrio’s response below:
“I have to say i disagree with all that you say. To be honest my performances have been called many things but never nerfed. Lol. Yet i don’t play the part just for you and you don’t watch tv just for me. So we are even and i accept your criticism. No matter the lack of good sportsmanship, fairness and legitimacy.”
Wilson Fisk Was The Opposite Of Nerfed In Hawkeye & Daredevil: Born Again
Although Marvel Studios has made a few subtle changes to Daredevil’s tone and violence, all characters from Netflix’s Marvel shows are the same versions that fans know and love. Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin doesn’t have to maintain the exact level of violence and anger from his previous appearances to be a compelling character. D’Onofrio and Cox are particularly invested in their characters, so every creative decision is approved by two performers who understand Kingpin and Daredevil to the core.
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I’m So Glad Daredevil: Born Again Brought Back The 1 Thing About Kingpin I’ve Missed In His Last Two MCU Appearances
Daredevil: Born Again returned Wilson Fisk to his Kingpin status, and I’m glad he got back the one thing missing from his last two MCU appearances.
Not only did Marvel not nerf Kingpin, but Marvel actually gave Wilson Fisk a significant boost in strength. Physically speaking, Kingpin took massive blows in Hawkeye, including Kate Bishop’s arrows, a car at full speed and a gunshot to the face. In Daredevil: Born Again, Kingpin crushed Commissioner Gallo’s head with his bare hands. The MCU has made it quite clear that Kingpin’s body almost reaches superhuman levels of strength and endurance.
It Makes Sense For Wilson Fisk’s Strength And Behavior To Fluctuate
Image via Disney+
Wilson Fisk’s strength has seemingly increased since he last appeared in Netflix’s Daredevil season 3. However, Kingpin attempted to tone down his cruelty in Daredevil: Born Again season 1. Motivated by his marital struggles, Fisk tried to leave his Kingpin days behind and drive his ambition towards politics. Fisk slimmed down and sold a friendly image to New York, earning the elections. Yet, Fisk’s Kingpin strength and ruthlessness gradually returned as he resorted to unlawful practices.
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I’ve Figured Out The Significance Of Kingpin Ripping His Suit In Daredevil: Born Again Episode 6
Daredevil: Born Again episode 6 shows Wilson Fisk ripping one of his suits, with the scene holding a deal of underlying thematic meaning.
It would be boring to watch characters maintain the exact same strength level and behavior across every single appearance. All Marvel heroes and villains need to evolve and show a different side of their personality in each installment. This allows the characters to become fully three-dimensional and their actors to explore all the intricacies of their portrayal. Next time Kingpin appears, he might be even more brutal than he was in Daredevil: Born Again.
Source: Vincent D’Onofrio / X
