Charlie Cox Almost Played Foggy Nelson—But He Insisted on Daredevil: “‘I will come, but I’m only reading for Matt”

Charlie Cox has become the definitive Daredevil for many fans, bringing the blind lawyer-turned-vigilante Matt Murdock to life in Netflix’s Daredevil series. Since debuting in the role in 2015, Cox has earned widespread praise for his intense and emotional performance, making the character a fan favorite.

However, things could have turned out very differently. Charlie Cox’s journey to becoming Daredevil was anything but straightforward. Shortly before heading to Scotland for a retreat, he had auditioned for Netflix’s Daredevil series. Though he wasn’t the obvious choice—since Matt Murdock is typically depicted as tall, redheaded, and, to Cox’s initial surprise, blind—the producers saw something in him.

While in the remote Highlands, Cox received an exciting call from his agent: Netflix wanted him to come to Los Angeles for further testing. But just as he got the news, the call cut out due to poor reception. Stuck with a tough choice, he could either leave the retreat to reconnect or wait until Monday. Despite his desperation, he honored his commitment and stayed.

By the time he got a signal again on Sunday night, five voicemail messages were waiting for him. The producers were interested—but not for the role of Matt Murdock. Instead, they wanted him to audition for Foggy Nelson, Murdock’s best friend. But after a weekend of deep reflection, Cox felt emboldened. He made his stance clear.

“And for whatever reason, having had this kind of empowering experience, I said, ‘I will come, but I’m only reading for Matt. I’m only reading for the lead,’

Cox understands that it wasn’t just a weekend retreat that secured him the role of Daredevil—it was a combination of factors. His audition, his screen tests, and his acting skills all played a crucial role. However, he still wonders if that moment of self-belief, gained during his time in Scotland, helped tip the scales in his favor.

At a pivotal moment, when producers saw him as a better fit for Foggy Nelson, Cox took a stand. Rather than settling, he insisted on auditioning only for the lead role of Matt Murdock. That confidence, whether consciously or not, may have influenced how the producers saw him. Sometimes, people don’t recognize your potential until you do—and for Cox, believing in himself may have made all the difference. Ultimately, his bold decision led to a career-defining role that changed his life.

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