‘Animals’ Star Ben Affleck Reveals Whether Kevin Feige Has Called About a Daredevil Return
Ben Affleck’s history with superheroes is long and complicated. Before he ever wore Batman’s cowl, he starred as Matt Murdock in 2003’s ‘Daredevil’, a Fox production released years before Marvel Studios built its interconnected universe.
The film’s legacy has been mixed, and for a while Affleck seemed ready to leave the character behind. In 2006, he said he would never reprise the role, explaining that playing one superhero had essentially made him want to avoid playing another.
Times have changed since then. The Daredevil rights returned to Marvel Studios in 2013, the Multiverse Saga has revived characters from past eras, and Affleck’s name regularly pops up in fan speculation about a possible return.
Now, Affleck has finally addressed whether Marvel Studios has reached out. In an interview with Josh Horowitz, he was asked if Kevin Feige had approached him about returning as Daredevil in the MCU.
Affleck revealed that Feige has not contacted him about the role. However, he made it clear he would welcome the call, saying he wishes Feige would reach out. The actor also had kind words for the Marvel Studios president. During the same conversation, Affleck said that of all the producers who claim to understand what audiences want, Feige is the only one he would truly believe.
That respect isn’t new. In 2025, Affleck told CinemaBlend that his ‘Daredevil’ film came out before Feige took charge of Marvel, and he praised Feige for bringing a clear, consistent tone to the studio’s movies.
He explained that Feige figured out how to balance humor, seriousness, and action in superhero films. According to Affleck, that approach helped pave the way for great actors to succeed in the genre.
The interview also touched on Affleck’s time at DC. He confirmed he never met with the studio about directing ‘Man of Steel’, despite past rumors. Affleck did reveal that he once considered directing a standalone Batman film. Ultimately, he decided it wasn’t something he wanted to pursue.
While Affleck may be open to a return, Marvel already has its Matt Murdock. Charlie Cox played the character in Netflix’s ‘Daredevil’ from 2015 to 2018 before Feige confirmed he would carry the role into the MCU.
New trailer for ‘ANIMALS’, directed by & starring Ben Affleck. The film follows a mayoral candidate who must steal money to pay a ransom after his son is kidnapped. Releasing October 9 on Netflix. https://t.co/bWPQvlZJTd
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 15, 2026
Cox later appeared in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ and headlined ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ on Disney+. Affleck admitted in 2025 that he hadn’t yet watched the new series, but said he loves the character and wishes Cox the best.
Recent reports have indicated that ‘Born Again’ has been canceled. Even so, Marvel continues to develop new projects that pull from the franchise’s history. Marvel’s multiversal storytelling has opened the door for many past heroes to return. Affleck was even rumored to appear in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ after reportedly being spotted on set, though that cameo never materialized as Daredevil.
With the MCU continuing to embrace legacy characters, fans are hopeful Affleck’s wish could eventually come true. For now, though, the ball appears to be firmly in Feige’s court. Affleck certainly has plenty to keep him occupied.
His new Netflix film ‘Animals’, which he directed and stars in alongside Kerry Washington, premiered on October 9. Still, his openness to returning as Daredevil is sure to fuel fresh speculation. If Marvel ever does make the call, it seems Affleck would be ready to answer.
Would you like to see Ben Affleck return as Daredevil in the MCU?
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