Marvel movies are cool and successful, but there was a time before the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) when that wasn’t necessarily the case. 20 years ago such a work came into the cinemas and the world-famous leading actor is still ashamed of his role in it – now on Disney + to see.
Today we know Ben Affleck mainly as Batman in the so-called DCEU, the extended film universe of DC. But 20 years ago, the actor slipped into another superhero role and at Marvel of all places, because Ben Affleck was Matt Murdock alias „Daredevil“. His early superhero adventure is now available to watch on Disney+, but is it really such a good idea?
Daredevil (2003) on Disney+: When “Batman” was still fighting for Marvel
Even then, the comic adaptation received mixed reviews. Nobody was really impressed, least of all “Daredevil” itself. In retrospect, Affleck did no good words left for the film. His sad summary: “The only film I really regret is Daredevil. That just pisses me off. I love this story, this character and the fact that she was messed up like that sticks with me.” (Source: Far Out).
A little foretaste in trailer form:
In the meantime, however, Affleck has been able to overcome his “trauma” and is remembered today not least as Batman – darker and cooler than Daredevil at the time. The role has meanwhile been implemented much better with Charlie Cox in the former Netflix series. So good that this Daredevil nice Guest appearances in the MCU was allowed to lay down and soon got his own new series.
Not a good movie, but still important for Marvel
And what’s left to say about the 2003 film? If you overlook the obvious weaknesses, you get a typical one Superhero epic with a 90’s vibe, even if the film was already shot in the two-thousanders. So, before you get bored, you can check out this rather uncool Marvel movie (watch it on Disney+).
Likewise with Disney+:
Worth mentioning and so important for the MCU: Jon Favreau, now known as “Happy” Hogan and director of Iron Man, embodies in “Daredevil” Franklin Nelson – friend and fellow lawyer of the titular superhero. Who would have thought then that Favreau would co-found today’s MCU 5 years later. Just one warning, the spin-off film Elektra, starring Affleck’s ex-wife Jeniffer Garner, is also available on Disney+, but much worse (Rotten Tomatoes only 11 percent). Definitely avoid and don’t look at it.
