Vincent D’Onofrio opened up about the challenge he faced while filming scenes with Matthew Lillard for Daredevil Born Again Season 2. The actor, known for playing Wilson Fisk, also called Kingpin, explained how his character’s strong dislike for Lillard’s new role carried over during production.
D’Onofrio spoke on the official Daredevil: Born Again podcast, which streams on Disney+ and Marvel’s YouTube channel. He described reading the script pages and feeling immediate frustration at having to share scenes with the character Mr. Charles, played by Lillard. The intensity of Fisk’s emotions influenced D’Onofrio’s own reactions on set.
Daredevil Born Again Season 2 premiered on March 24, 2026, on Disney+. Viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and other countries can stream new episodes weekly on the platform. The season brings back familiar faces from the Marvel series while introducing fresh dynamics in New York’s criminal and political world.
How Wilson Fisk’s Feelings Affected the Actor
D’Onofrio plays the powerful Wilson Fisk, who now serves as mayor of New York. In the new season, Fisk crosses paths with Mr. Charles, a mysterious figure portrayed by Matthew Lillard. Mr. Charles appears as someone who operates behind the scenes and shows little respect for Fisk’s authority.
The veteran actor shared that Fisk’s point of view stuck with him during filming. He recalled thinking, “F—, I got to do a scene with f—ing Charles. Like, I hate this f—ing guy.” This reaction happened even though the two actors share a friendly relationship off camera.
D’Onofrio noted that he and Lillard exchange hugs when they meet. Yet, the demands of the role made it difficult for him to stay in the same room with his co-star while shooting certain scenes in Daredevil Born Again Season 2. He pointed out that this kind of bleed from character to real life had not occurred before on this show, though it happened with other projects in his long career.
The comment highlights the depth D’Onofrio brings to Wilson Fisk. Fans have long praised his ability to make the larger-than-life villain feel real and layered. This time, the on-screen tension with Mr. Charles tested that commitment in a new way.
Matthew Lillard Joins the Daredevil Born Again Cast
Matthew Lillard, recognized for roles in Scream and Five Nights at Freddy’s, steps into the Marvel universe as Mr. Charles in Daredevil Born Again Season 2. Early episodes show the character as a calm but commanding presence who deals in power from a distance. He helps shape events on a larger scale and does not seem intimidated by Fisk’s position or strength.
Lillard has spoken positively about reuniting with D’Onofrio. The two previously worked together years ago on another project. Lillard described D’Onofrio as someone who carries real weight in his performances, especially through his intense gaze and screen presence.
Their shared scenes in the season focus on a power struggle. Mr. Charles challenges Fisk in ways that feel fresh for the series. This dynamic adds new pressure to Wilson Fisk as he tries to maintain control over Hell’s Kitchen and beyond.
The addition of Lillard fits into a season that also features the return of Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones. Charlie Cox continues as Matt Murdock, also known as Daredevil. Other returning cast members include Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson, Wilson Bethel as Bullseye, and Ayelet Zurer as Vanessa Fisk.
The Story Context in Daredevil Born Again Season 2
Daredevil Born Again Season 2 picks up with Wilson Fisk firmly in the mayor’s office. His influence over the city grows, but new threats and alliances test his plans. Matt Murdock balances his life as a lawyer and vigilante while facing the changes in New York under Fisk’s rule.
The introduction of Mr. Charles brings a different kind of opponent for Fisk. Unlike street-level fighters or personal rivals from past seasons, this character operates with a detached, strategic style. Their interactions create moments of verbal and psychological tension that stand out in the early episodes.
D’Onofrio’s comments on the podcast give fans a small window into the filming process. Actors often talk about staying in character to deliver stronger performances. In this case, the dislike built into the script made the work feel more demanding for D’Onofrio.
Production for the season took place in New York from early 2025. Directors including Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead helped shape the look and tone. The team aimed for tighter action and deeper character moments compared to the first season.
Viewers who started watching on March 24, 2026, have already seen the premiere episode, which sets up the clash involving Fisk and Mr. Charles. The season runs for eight episodes, giving time to develop these new relationships alongside ongoing stories for Daredevil and his allies.
Why This Moment Stands Out for Fans
Many fans follow the behind-the-scenes stories from Marvel projects. D’Onofrio has built a reputation for thoughtful interviews about his work as Kingpin. His honesty about the difficulty with Lillard’s scenes shows how seriously he takes the role.
It also reminds audiences of the difference between the actors’ real friendship and the conflict their characters share. Lillard brings energy and unpredictability to Mr. Charles, which seems to have pushed D’Onofrio to dig deeper into Fisk’s mindset.
Social media reactions after the podcast clip spread quickly. Fans discussed how method-like approaches can make performances more believable, even if they create temporary awkwardness on set. Others appreciated the glimpse into the creative process for a major Disney+ series.
Daredevil Born Again Season 2 continues the story that began with the character’s Netflix roots and moved into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. The show mixes street-level drama with bigger political elements. Wilson Fisk’s mayoral run adds layers of power, corruption, and personal stakes.
Matthew Lillard’s character arrives at a key time. As Fisk expands his reach, someone like Mr. Charles represents forces that operate above or around traditional crime structures. Their scenes together give D’Onofrio fresh material to explore different sides of the Kingpin.
The podcast appearance by D’Onofrio offers one of the clearer looks at the filming experience for these specific moments. He made it clear the feeling came directly from the material and his character’s strong reaction to Mr. Charles.
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Release Details for Global Audiences
Daredevil Born Again Season 2 became available to stream starting March 24, 2026, exclusively on Disney+.
- In the USA, episodes drop weekly on Disney+.
- Audiences in the UK, Canada, and Australia access the season on the same platform with local release timing.
- Viewers in India and other international regions can watch on Disney+ Hotstar or the main Disney+ service, depending on the country.
All episodes air in their original English language with subtitles and dubs available in many regions. The first season remains available for those catching up before diving into the new chapters.
The series maintains its mature tone with strong language, violence, and complex moral questions. It builds on the foundation laid in earlier Daredevil stories while expanding the world for new and returning viewers.
D’Onofrio’s story about the scenes with Lillard adds a human touch to the production of a big superhero show. It shows that even experienced actors can find certain roles and co-stars challenging when the writing hits the right notes of conflict.
Fans continue to watch and discuss how these dynamics play out across the season. The power struggle between Fisk and Mr. Charles forms one of the early talking points after the premiere.
Daredevil Born Again Season 2 keeps the focus on character-driven stories in a heightened world. D’Onofrio’s comments help explain why some scenes may feel especially charged when audiences reach them.
The actor’s long history with the Kingpin role brings consistency and depth. His willingness to share the personal side of filming helps fans connect more with the effort behind the performances.
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