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The horned superhero from Marvel, Daredevil, conceived by the iconic Stan Lee and Bill Everett, hasn’t been the most acclaimed character on screen in terms of live-action renditions. This is partly attributable to the limited attempts made to elevate Matt Murdock, the man behind the mask, along with his alter ego. However, the varied reactions to the performances of those selected to embody the legendary comic book figure also played a role in that diminished fame.
The earliest endeavor emerged in the late 1980s, riding on the coattails of creator Kenneth Johnson’s acclaimed television series, “The Incredible Hulk,” featuring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno as Dr. David Banner and the Hulk, airing for five seasons from 1977 to 1982. Daredevil (portrayed by Rex Smith) debuted in the TV film, “The Trial of the Incredible Hulk,” which acted as a sequel to the series.
Audiences needed to wait until 2003 for the first cinematic and high-budget version showcasing the crimson devil. That was when the relatively unseasoned director, Mark Steven Johnson, had his opportunity to leave a mark with “Daredevil.” Initially starring Ben Affleck during his fluctuating career period, the film was a commercial hit, yet critics and viewers were largely dissatisfied with its overall caliber. The character was subsequently put on hold for over a decade, until he finally experienced a commendable adaptation in 2015 through Netflix’s “Daredevil” series. Charlie Cox assumed the lead role for three seasons, concluding in 2018, before reprising it for Disney+’s ongoing “Daredevil: Born Again” (which also welcomed back Jon Bernthal’s Punisher). Today, we gather to evaluate all three actors who have portrayed the Marvel hero to date.