Netflix Casts the New ‘Daredevil’ for 13-Episode Marvel Series
Charlie Cox has been cast as Daredevil in Netflix and Marvel’s new series of the same name about a blind superhero who uses his other senses and abilities to fight crime. Cox takes over the tights in this 13-episode, straight-to-series order from the binge-friendly streaming service, according to sources at Variety.
Cox is best known for his role opposite Claire Danes in “Stardust,” but also had a recurring role on “Boardwalk Empire.” The British actor also appeared in the Al Pacino-starring film adaptation of “The Merchant of Venice” and “Casanova.” He also has a small role in the upcoming Dracula origin story with Dominic Cooper, “Dracula Untold.”
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Daredevil is the most recognizable character of the four new Marvel series getting shows on the streaming giant — Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage are the others — but he’s not necessarily the most popular. Ben Affleck’s 2003 film of the same name was met with harsh backlash despite an excellent cast (including Colin Farrell, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Jon Favreau). Many fans found solace in the director’s cut, a version supposedly much better than what most saw in theaters, but that didn’t erase the bad memories of a blind future Batfleck running around in devil horns.
Drew Goddard, the writer/director of “The Cabin in the Woods” and one of the writers behind “World War Z,” recently exited as the program’s showrunner, and Steven S. DeKnight took over. DeKnight has small screen superhero experience as a writer and producer of “Smallville.” Goddard remains attached to “Daredevil” as a consultant.
While it would be easy to be dismissive of the new show given its past, Marvel has proven itself time and time again, surpassing expectations and creating enjoyable, marketable entertainment. Can they do it again? We’ll have to wait to find out. “Daredevil” and the three other live-action superhero series are scheduled to premiere in 2015.
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