Kingpin enters politics inDaredevil: Born Again, and this move could have a surprising connection to an essential storyline for theMCU’s X-Men. While theMCU’s Daredevil series continues several aspects of the Netflix series, it also places its characters in strikingly new directions at the season’s beginning, with Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock has retired from being Daredevil and is committed to helping people as an attorney. Meanwhile, Vincent D’Onofrio’sWilson Fisk becomes the mayor of New York City, showing he could be having a change of heart.
Kingpin’s winning campaign isn’t entirely surprising. Despite his criminal history, many New Yorkers saw his political rise as a story of redemption. He also knew how to appeal to a large percentage of the city’s population by addressing rising crime. The public’s response to Kingpin’s plans suggests a division among the public regarding superheroes. The rise in public disdain towards heroes and vigilantes illustrates thatthe MCU timelinecould be establishing an important X-Men storyline before mutants arrive.
Kingpin’s Election Win Presents The Rise Of Anti-Superhero Sentiment In The MCU
Many New Yorkers supported his anti-vigilante policies.
Many MCU characters are growing their careers in politics in 2025, including Thunderbolt Ross, Wilson Fisk, and Bucky Barnes. While Ross ran a campaign of unity and hope, Kingpin ran a campaign based on people’s fears and used heroes as scapegoats for the rise in crime in the city. During his first speech as mayor, Fisk says, “We don’t need a gun-toting vigilante who wears a skull on his chest or a man who dresses in a spider outfit or a guy who wears devil horns to save us.” His victory suggests that people are embracing more anti-superhero sentiments.
Every Superhero Active In New York In The MCU Who Would Break Kingpin’s Vigilante Laws
Kingpin’s anti-vigilante laws in Daredevil: Born Again jeopardizes several Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes still operating in New York City.
Some fully support the Avengers, believing that they are the best heroes to protect humanity, even if there is some damage. Even Thunderbolt Ross wanted to rebuild the Avengers after they brought everyone back from Thanos' snap. However, Kingpin’s encounters with vigilantes have left him incarcerated or injured, so his thoughts aren’t surprising.It’s also not shocking how many people agree with Fisk, especially New Yorkers. New York has suffered significant damage from superhero battles, including inThe Avengers,The Incredible Hulk, andSpider-Man: No Way Home.
The X-Men’s Introduction Could Create More Disdain Toward Superheroes
The exposure of the mutant gene could cause a panic.
The MCU is already laying the groundwork for the X-Men’s introduction. Marvel introduced a few mutants, including Ms. Marvel and Namor, andAdamantium debuted inCaptain America: Brave New World. However, the mutant gene still hasn’t been exposed in the MCU. Many people could have it, but simply haven’t exhibited any powers. It’s likely that something will happen in the MCU that triggers the gene, and once it does,a sudden rise of super-powered individuals could cause a global panic, leading to disdain toward mutants.
Daredevil: Born Againestablishes that anti-superhero sentiment is rising, and could worsen once mutants become more common. Even those who try to help, like Cyclops or Beast, could be seen as freaks or villains by those who voted for Fisk. Fisk uses vigilantes as scapegoats for the rise in crime, and that logic could become more popular once super-powered individuals become more common. Even in the MCU, people still have hatred toward many of the heroes who protect them.
Anti-Mutant Politics Are An Essential Part Of The X-Men’s Story
Mutants are often used to show the dangers of discrimination and bigotry.
A crucial part of the X-Men’s story is anti-mutant sentiment. It’s a divisive issue that divides humanity and mutants themselves. Professor X and his X-Men fight for humanity despite their disdain for mutants, while Magneto and many others believe mutants are superior and should attack humankind before they strike first. The government also passed several anti-mutant policies, leading to developments like the Sentinels, powerful robots tasked with rounding up mutants.
The MCU does have a difficult task with this narrative sincesuperheroes have existed in this universe for a long time. It would be strange for the public to love heroes like Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, or Thor, but hate mutants once they emerge. However, the X-Men do exist in Marvel Comics, and still receive hatred from much of humanity.X-Men ‘97demonstrated how mutants are still scorned and shunned in a world where Iron Man and Captain America are revered. Establishing this element of the X-Men’s story will be tricky, butDaredevil: Born Againcould be laying the groundwork.
