Vincent D'Onofrio Reveals Wilson Fisk's Film Rights Issues for Daredevil: Born Again

Vincent D’Onofrio, star of Daredevil: Born Again, recently shared that his iconic Hell's Kitchen villain, Wilson Fisk, is restricted from appearing in films.

“The news isn’t great,” D’Onofrio told Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. “It’s tough for Marvel to utilize my character due to complex ownership issues.”

He elaborated: “I’m limited to TV projects. A standalone Wilson Fisk film isn’t possible. It’s all tangled in rights disputes. I’m unsure if or when that could change.”

This likely eliminates D’Onofrio’s Fisk from Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday. It also raises questions about a potential Charlie Cox-led Daredevil film, where Fisk’s villainous presence would be anticipated.

D’Onofrio debuted as Fisk, New York’s formidable crime boss and future mayor known as Kingpin, in Marvel’s Daredevil. The 2015 Netflix series ran for three seasons, concluding with nearly 40 episodes in 2018. Fans and critics have lauded D’Onofrio’s performance, and he remains thoughtful about shaping Fisk’s character, drawing from unique inspirations.

“In fight scenes or when holding a weapon, they seemed uneasy,” D’Onofrio told IGN last month, referencing the grounded performances of Harrison Ford and other legendary actors who influenced his nuanced portrayal of the villain.

“They brought humility to their action moments. That authenticity resonates. Gary Cooper in Sergeant York, when he aims as a sniper, shows humility in his gaze. It’s striking. That approach elevates action sequences. We’re very mindful of it.”

Daredevil: Born Again’s first season is streaming weekly on Disney+, with its finale set for April 15, 2025.