Life for Daredevil?

by Ray Keating

Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

December 19, 2018

Is it really the end for “Daredevil,” “Iron Fist,” “Luke Cage,” “Jessica Jones,” “The Punisher,” as well as “The Defenders”? With Netflix cancelling assorted Marvel series, the assumption has been that this is the end for these heroes. But the chairman of Walt Disney direct-to-consumer and international offers hope to fans.

I made the case in a recent analysis that it would make sense for Disney to find a home for “Daredevil” and Company. But then along came a report that we highlighted from Variety seemingly killing off any possibility for a resurrection.

But now in an interview, The Hollywood Reporter asked Kevin Mayer, chairman of Walt Disney direct-to-consumer and international, the following question: “Would you consider reviving the Marvel shows that Netflix canceled?” Mayer answered: “They are very high-quality shows. We haven't yet discussed that, but I would say that's a possibility.”

I know, I know, people in Hollywood say lots of things. But if it works with contracts, etc., these Marvel Netflix shows are high quality, and would attract subscribers to Disney+ or Disney’s Hulu.

At the very least, we can say that all is not lost. Hope remains. And in the superhero universe, sometimes that’s where great things start ... or get re-started.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with the three latest books being Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story and Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story. He can be contacted at raykeating@keatingreports.com.