Defenders Comeback: Luke Cage and Iron Fist in Daredevil: Born Again Season 3

The Defenders are coming back! Marvel fans are currently enjoying the second season of "Daredevil: Born Again". But that's not all – a third season is already certain! First set photos now make it clear that Matt Murdock will be reunited with familiar faces: Luke Cage and Danny Rand ("Iron Fist")!

Mike Colter and Finn Jones in Daredevil: Born Again

Actors Mike Colter and Finn Jones were spotted on the set of "Born Again" Season 3. Also seen alongside them is Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, who is already part of the Season 2 cast.

All of these superheroes previously had their own show on Netflix. They appeared together in a major crossover in "Marvel's The Defenders". Now that "Daredevil" has continued on Disney+ with "Born Again", the rest of the Defenders are also making their return there.

Krysten Ritter in Daredevil: Born Again

Ritter spoke about her comeback some time ago – and made it clear that even after Season 2 of "Born Again", there is still no end in sight for Jessica Jones.

"It's so great to be back, returning to Jessica after three seasons and 'The Defenders' and now joining the MCU. I'm so excited to bring back this iconic character, and without giving too much away, there is much more in store for Jessica Jones. This is going to be an incredible season!"

The Punisher: One Last Kill

Since filming is currently underway, we can expect the third season of "Born Again" in 2027. We'll see the Punisher again much sooner than that. Jon Bernthal already returned as Frank Castle in the first season of "Born Again". He will soon reprise the role in "The Punisher: One Last Kill". The Marvel special will be available to stream on Disney+ starting May 12, 2026. A first image of the Punisher has already been released. You can find all further details about the special here.

The World of Hell's Kitchen

The Marvel shows on Netflix ran from 2015 to 2019 and showcased a significantly darker and more mature side of the superhero world. This was a deliberate departure from the classic Marvel movie tone.

Daredevil

It all started with "Marvel's Daredevil". The series tells the story of blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who roams Hell's Kitchen at night as a masked vigilante. Portrayed by Charlie Cox, Daredevil not only fights criminals but also grapples with moral questions surrounding justice and vigilantism. The elaborately staged fight scenes and the complex antagonist Wilson Fisk, played by Vincent D'Onofrio, were particularly popular. Over the course of three seasons, the series became a true fan favorite and laid the foundation for the entire Netflix Marvel Universe. "Born Again" Season 2 is therefore effectively the fifth season of "Daredevil".

Jessica Jones

"Marvel's Jessica Jones" then struck a distinctly different tone. The series centers on the cynical private investigator Jessica Jones, who struggles with her own traumas and her past as a superhero. The series embraced a film noir atmosphere and explores themes such as control, abuse, and personal responsibility. The first season, featuring the manipulative villain Kilgrave (David Tennant), is a particular highlight of the series. Two more seasons followed, bringing "Jessica Jones" to a total of 39 episodes.

Luke Cage

Next came "Marvel's Luke Cage", who had already appeared in "Jessica Jones". Mike Colter plays Luke Cage, a man with indestructible skin and superhuman strength who tries to leave his past behind while protecting his neighborhood in Harlem. The series combines classic superhero elements with social issues such as racism, social inequality, and identity. There are two seasons in total.

Iron Fist

"Marvel's Iron Fist" finally introduced the mystical side of the universe. Finn Jones portrays Danny Rand, a billionaire heir who returns to New York after years in a secluded monastery – as a martial arts master and the "Iron Fist", a supernatural power. However, the series was generally received negatively and struggled to gain traction with fans and critics. "Iron Fist" ran for two seasons.

The Defenders

All four heroes finally came together in the crossover "Marvel's The Defenders". The miniseries unites Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist in a shared story centered on the mysterious organization "The Hand". In the process, not only do different personalities and worldviews clash, but also the distinct narrative styles of the respective series. Overall, however, the series failed to fully meet fans' expectations.

The Punisher

At the same time, "Marvel's The Punisher" emerged as arguably the most uncompromising and brutal series. Jon Bernthal plays Frank Castle, a former soldier who embarks on a merciless quest for revenge after his family is murdered. The series goes far beyond classic superhero fare and delves deeply into themes such as war trauma, guilt, and moral gray areas. In the process, Castle is portrayed less as a hero and more as a broken anti-hero whose methods are as effective as they are terrifying.

The Return of the Defenders

Even though the Netflix universe was unexpectedly shut down back then, its influence remains palpable to this day. The show stood out for their mature storytelling, complex characters, and a close connection to real-world social issues. With the characters' current return on Disney+, Marvel now aims to continue this chapter – much to the delight of fans.