‘Daredevil’ Star Vincent D’Onofrio on Kingpin’s ‘Brutal’ Head-Smashing Finale, Punisher Rematch and a ‘Shadowland’ Season 2

WARNING: This article reveals significant plot points from the final episode of “Daredevil: Reborn,” currently available on Disney+. Proceed with caution if you haven’t finished watching!

In the second-to-last episode, “Daredevil: Born Again” significantly amps up the intensity, featuring one of the bloodiest scenes ever in the Marvel universe. Moreover, the series depicts New York City being completely under the dominion of Mayor Wilson Fisk (played by Vincent D’Onofrio).

The story begins by flashing back to an event that shows Vanessa Fisk persuading Bullseye to murder Foggy Nelson before the disastrous series debut. In the current timeline, Matt Murdock awakens in a hospital following his selfless act of saving Kingpin from being shot by Bullseye at a political gathering, taking the bullet for him in the previous episode. Although Matt manages to survive, Kingpin remains intent on having him killed. In response, Kingpin shuts down the city’s power and dispatches his enforcer Buck Cashman to finish Matt off during the ensuing darkness. Fortunately, Matt possesses enough energy to flee to the Punisher’s hideout, but it’s made clear that Wilson Fisk’s officers are hot on his trail.

Following a short-lived meeting earlier in the series, Daredevil and the Punisher are once again teaming up. While Matt Murdock abstains from taking lives, Frank Castle has no problem with violence towards Kingpin’s henchmen. As Matt discovers that an officer is responsible for White Tiger’s (Kamar de los Reyes) death, a grenade explodes through the window, forcing both heroes to make a hard landing on the street. In a surprising twist, Matt’s former love interest Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) shows up to tend to their wounds and whisk them away to safety.

In the heart of the city, plunged into darkness, I find myself witnessing a chilling transformation. As the power grid fails, chaos reigns on the once-familiar streets of New York. Fisk’s officers, instead of maintaining order, begin to gun down innocent civilians, leaving masks behind – a twisted attempt to implicate them as lawbreakers.

In this turmoil, Vanessa and Wilson’s grand scheme unfolds: they seek to create a city-state within the boundaries of New York, a place untouched by customs and taxes. The most harrowing moment in this series (and perhaps the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe) arrives when Fisk, before his supporters, brutally crushes Commissioner Gallo’s skull with his bare hands – a chilling display of power that leaves me reeling.

Daredevil and the Punisher confront Kingpin using their distinct methods: Daredevil mobilizes his team, while the Punisher charges into battle with guns ablaze. Kingpin’s police force manages to subdue the Punisher and capture him temporarily, but not before attempting to sway him by displaying tattoos symbolizing Kingpin’s emblem on their bodies. Repulsed by this gesture, the Punisher rejects their offer and is confined in a cell (for now) alongside other political adversaries of Kingpin. With Karen’s assistance, Matt finds closure regarding Foggy’s death and enlists his own allies to dismantle Kingpin’s regime and reclaim the city – currently under martial law. In an additional scene after the credits, it is hinted that the Punisher breaks free from his cell – paving the way for his standalone Marvel Special Presentation and potentially a future appearance in “Daredevil: Born Again.

In conversation with EbMaster, D’Onofrio delves into Kingpin’s pivotal violent scene in the final episode, discusses his overarching political aspirations, and hints at how the renowned “Daredevil” comic arc “Shadowland” could shape Season 2.

Before the season, you teased that there was a scene in “Born Again” that was more gruesome than Kingpin’s infamous car door kill in Season 1 of Netflix’s “Daredevil.” No doubt that was your head-smash moment in the finale. What was your first reaction to reading that scene?

Initially, I found myself questioning how we could set our scene apart from others. How could we ensure it wasn’t just another violent depiction similar to those seen before? Immediately, discussions ensued with our producers and special effects team about potential ways to stage the scene in a unique manner that aligned with my vision. We managed to find an innovative approach: Our scene stands out distinctly from what audiences have been accustomed to when it comes to such content. It’s quite intense. It’s a challenging topic for me as an actor to discuss, but we aim to make our show stand out by pushing boundaries.

Was it daring to assassinate the commissioner in public, given that Kingpin seemingly wields most of the authority? Is there a chance he’ll suffer any repercussions for his actions?

He holds absolute authority, but maintaining his role as mayor remains a challenge. The brutal murder of Commissioner Gallo occurred in the presence of his task force, suggesting he desires them to match his ruthless nature. Witnesses to this incident are scarce, and I’m confident that, in due time, the incident will be concealed.

Plus he has all his opponents locked up in cages. What’s his grand plan?

His primary strategy seems to involve imposing martial law within the city, which he believes will provide him an opportunity to commit numerous illegal acts and eliminate the watchdogs (vigilantes). This line of thinking suggests that he aspires to eventually extend his control beyond New York.

So he has bigger plans than just New York City?

I would say bigger plans than just New York City, but first New York.

What interpretation did you have for the moment when he gazed into the camera and declared, ‘I love New York,’ with a hint of menace? What message were you thinking he intended?

He firmly believes that New York belongs to him, which is why he cherishes it so dearly. While not everyone may share his perspective, he remains steadfast in his convictions. Indeed, he wholeheartedly believes that the city is his own, that it serves as his stage, and this is what makes him adore it all the more.

How high can he climb? Could he go all the way to the Oval Office?

I strongly disagree with that assessment. To me, he’s not so much a political figure as he is a person tainted by corruption. It seems plausible, but I’m skeptical about him choosing that course of action. You might be suggesting this due to current events, but we want to keep the show unrelated to real-world politics. In my opinion, such a move isn’t likely. However, it’s a risky and dangerous proposition given my character’s actions. As a New Yorker, born in Brooklyn and living here since my late teens, the notion of New York under martial law is terrifying. Post-9/11, I remember the fear that gripped the city as I rode its streets on my bike. The idea of bridges being closed off and only being able to enter with IDs and proof of our business inside the city seems insane. It’s hard to imagine what life in New York City under martial law would be like; it would be madness.

Are you fond of the “Daredevil” comic series, particularly the “Shadowland” narrative? Have pictures surfaced showing Charlie Cox in a black suit from “Shadowland”? Could this be a part of Season 2 as well?

Your question is quite intriguing! [Smiles] I’m not sure if I can respond to it, but it certainly piques my interest. It seems you’ve been keeping up well with the narrative.

Here’s another take on it:

Let me offer you a different perspective. Is Kingpin aware that The Punisher manages to break free from his prison in the additional scene after the credits roll? Does this situation make Kingpin apprehensive or fearful?

It’s unlikely that Kingpin would retain his title as the Kingpin if he feared the Punisher, and conversely, the Punisher wouldn’t be the Punisher if he was afraid of Kingpin. Their confrontation has occurred in the original Netflix series before, and I suspect it will happen again at some point, though I can’t predict when exactly. In the second season, their interaction thus far has been limited but significant. The creators are planning something unique with the Punisher, which promises to be intriguing. Whether this development is part of a “What If…?” film or connected to our series remains unclear, but it’s certainly exciting to consider. I’m a big fan of Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of the Punisher, and I believe he does an exceptional job in the role.

So no Kingpin in the Punisher one-shot?

If there is, nobody’s told me.

2025-04-16 05:17

Before the season, you teased that there was a scene in “Born Again” that was more gruesome than Kingpin’s infamous car door kill in Season 1 of Netflix’s “Daredevil.” No doubt that was your head-smash moment in the finale. What was your first reaction to reading that scene?

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