Matt Murdock | |
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Marvel Cinematic Universe character | |
First appearance |
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Based on | |
Adapted by | Drew Goddard |
Portrayed by |
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In-universe information | |
Full name | Matthew Murdock |
Aliases |
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Nickname | Matt |
Occupation |
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Affiliation |
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Family |
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Significant others | |
Religion | Catholic |
Origin | Hell's Kitchen, New York City, United States |
Nationality | American |
Mentor | Stick |
Partners |
Matthew "Matt" Murdock is a fictional character primarily portrayed by Charlie Cox in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name—commonly known by his alias, Daredevil. In the MCU, Murdock is a lawyer by day who specializes in legal defense alongside his colleagues Foggy Nelson and Karen Page, while also aiding other superpowered individuals within New York City. He further pursues a personal crusade to inflict his own brand of justice at night, masquerading as a masked vigilante hoping to remove the corruption facing Hell's Kitchen following the Battle of New York from The Avengers (2012). Murdock is blind, which with training enabled him to develop his other senses to superhuman levels. His activities would eventually bring him into conflict with enemies such as businessman Wilson Fisk and the Hand organization in the process, the latter of which he combatted alongside the Defenders when they successfully resurrected and weaponized a former ally and lover from his past, Elektra Natchios. Following Fisk's defeat, Murdock returns to his law practice, successfully defending Peter Parker against criminal charges pressed against him as well as entering a romantic relationship with fellow superhuman lawyer Jennifer Walters.
In addition to Parker and Walters, he would also come to the defense of and befriend other heroes, namely Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Danny Rand, and Frank Castle, among other acquaintances.
As of 2024[update], the character has appeared in the Marvel Television series Daredevil (2015–2018), the miniseries The Defenders (2017), the Marvel Studios film Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), the Disney+ television series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022) and Echo (2024). Future appearances include Daredevil: Born Again (2025). An alternate version of the character is set to appear in the animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2024), with Cox reprising the role.
Cox's portrayal received significant praise critically and from fans, with the "#SaveDaredevil" campaign and petition being launched for his return after Daredevil's cancellation in 2018, which Cox attributed in October 2022 as having been responsible for his return to the role.[1][2][3]