Did Luke Cage Appear in ‘Daredevil: Born Again,’ and Will He Be in Season 2?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe keeps expanding, and ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ has us buzzing about street-level heroes. With Charlie Cox back as Matt Murdock, the show dives into gritty New York crime stories. One question I keep hearing is whether Luke Cage, the bulletproof hero of Harlem, shows up in this series. Let’s break down his involvement in the first season and what might be coming in season two.
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ premiered on Disney+ on March 4, 2025, with nine episodes. It picks up after the Netflix series, focusing on Matt Murdock’s battle against Wilson Fisk, played by Vincent D’Onofrio, who’s now New York’s mayor. The show brings back familiar faces like Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page and Jon Bernthal as the Punisher. But does Mike Colter’s Luke Cage, a key player from ‘The Defenders’, make an appearance? He doesn’t appear in season one. Despite hopes, the story sticks to Daredevil’s world, with no cameo from Harlem’s hero. The season sets up Fisk’s anti-vigilante crusade, which could affect heroes like Cage, but he stays absent.
Why no Luke Cage? The first season focuses tightly on Matt Murdock’s personal and legal struggles. It’s a direct sequel to ‘Daredevil’ season three, leaning into Hell’s Kitchen over Harlem. However, there’s a nod to Cage’s world. A billboard for Harlem’s Paradise, the nightclub central to ‘Luke Cage’ pops up, hinting at his influence. This Easter egg, spotted by sharp-eyed viewers, keeps the door open for his return. The show’s creative team, led by showrunner Dario Scardapane, seems to be saving bigger crossovers for later.
Now, let’s talk about season two, already greenlit for 2026 with eight episodes. Luke Cage’s return feels likely. The season one finale ends on a cliffhanger, with Matt realizing he needs an “army” to take on Fisk’s growing power. This sets up a perfect chance for other Defenders to join the fight.
In the comics, particularly the ‘Devil’s Reign’ storyline that inspires the show, Luke Cage plays a big role, even running against Fisk for mayor. Given this, I’d bet we’ll see Mike Colter step back into the role.
What could Luke’s role look like? At the end of ‘Luke Cage’ season two in 2018, he took over Harlem’s Paradise, becoming a crime boss to control the streets. Season two of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ might explore this darker side, with Luke clashing with Fisk’s citywide influence. Or, like in the comics, he could shift back to his heroic roots, challenging Fisk politically. Either way, the show’s Game of Thrones-like vibe, with factions vying for power, screams for a heavy hitter like Cage.
Other Defenders might join too. Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones has been teased for season two, and there’s chatter about Finn Jones’ Iron Fist, though his return is less certain due to mixed reception. With filming already underway, we might get confirmation soon.
The absence of Luke Cage in season one disappointed some, but it makes sense. The show needed to re-establish Daredevil’s world before expanding. Season two, though, feels like the moment for Harlem’s hero to shine. Whether he’s throwing punches or running for office, Luke Cage’s return could steal the show. For now, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for updates as ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ continues to shape the MCU’s street-level saga.