Is Delaying Kingpin’s MCU Return A Mistake?

Explore the unexpected delay in Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin return to the MCU

By Amitabh Mukherji
September 12,2023
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Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have been buzzing with anticipation for the return of Vincent D’Onofrio‘s Kingpin, a character he famously portrayed in Netflix’s Daredevil and later reprised in 2021’s Hawkeye. However, it appears that this highly-awaited return has hit a roadblock. Recent reports suggest that Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin will not be making his MCU comeback in 2023 as originally expected.

The Postponement Of Kingpin’s Return

Kingpin

Originally scheduled to debut in November 2023, the Disney+ series Echo was set to bring back Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin in a significant way. The series was expected to release all six episodes in one go, providing fans with an immersive experience and a reunion with the iconic character. However, the latest reports indicate a significant delay in Echo’s release, now slated for January 2024. Despite the setback in the premiere date, the show will still adhere to its original plan of releasing the entire season at once.

This delay comes as a surprise and a disappointment to fans who were eagerly anticipating the return of Kingpin. The character’s presence in the MCU has generated immense excitement since his appearance in Hawkeye, where it was revealed that he had acted as a surrogate uncle to Alaqua Cox’s Maya Lopez, also known as Echo.

Exploring Kingpin’s Role In The MCU

Kingpin

With the postponement of Echo, fans are left with several burning questions about Kingpin’s role in the MCU. The show is expected to explore the complex dynamics between Kingpin and Maya Lopez, as well as potentially revisiting the long-anticipated reunion with Charlie Cox’s Daredevil. These aspects raise intriguing possibilities for the storyline.

The Escape From Prison

Kingpin

One of the foremost questions on fans’ minds is how Wilson Fisk, the notorious Kingpin, managed to escape from prison. This assumes that he is the same version of the character from the Daredevil series. Daredevil fans will recall a pivotal scene at the end of the series where it seemed that Kingpin’s imprisonment was a permanent solution. He had chosen to remain behind bars to ensure the safety of his beloved Vanessa. Given this commitment, Fisk’s escape is bound to perplex viewers.

Fans may wonder whether Matt Murdock (Daredevil) upheld his end of the deal or if there was a change of heart on Kingpin’s part. The deep love Kingpin exhibited for Vanessa throughout Daredevil raises questions about why he would risk her safety by venturing outside prison. Unraveling the circumstances behind Kingpin’s escape is sure to be a central element of Echo’s narrative.

Maya Lopez’s Backstory

Echo

Echo, as the titular character of the series, promises to shed light on Maya Lopez’s backstory. In Hawkeye, viewers learned that Kingpin had played a significant role in her life, acting as a surrogate uncle while simultaneously being a crime boss. The series is likely to delve deeper into this complex relationship and how Maya’s past intertwines with Kingpin’s criminal empire.

Furthermore, the show may explore how Maya fits into the established backstory of Kingpin from Daredevil. This connection is vital in understanding the character dynamics and the motivations that drive Kingpin and Echo’s interactions. Fans are eager to uncover the missing pieces of their shared history.

Conclusion

Kingpin

While Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin was poised for a triumphant return to the MCU in 2023, the postponement of the Disney+ series Echo has left fans in anticipation. The delay offers an opportunity for the creators to craft a compelling storyline that addresses the mysteries surrounding Kingpin’s escape from prison and explores the intricate relationship between Kingpin and Echo. As we await the series’ premiere in January 2024, MCU enthusiasts can only speculate about the exciting developments and revelations that lie ahead in the interconnected world of Marvel’s superheroes and villains.