While when DAREDEVIL first hit Netflix last year, the idea of THE DEFENDERS seemed like a distant pipe dream, the fact is that we’re getting closer to it becoming a reality. Like with their Phase One on the film front, Marvel has been laying the groundwork for what will eventually be a team-up between all their street-level superheroes.

Both Daredevil and Jessica Jones have exceeded all expectations as characters, and with the most recent season of DAREDEVIL, Marvel and Netflix really seemed to have taken it to a whole new level. But not only does that most recent season work so well as a standalone story, it doubles as a setup for THE DEFENDERS as well.

In a recent interview with Empire, actor Charlie Cox, who plays Daredevil/Matt Murdock in the series, talked about how his most recent season works a pre-cursor to THE DEFENDERS, and what its importance is in the big picture.

“[Daredevil] can’t do this alone. He’s been so adamant about being a lone wolf, about doing it himself, so I think that in order for him to get to THE DEFENDERS we needed this second season. We needed to see him be broken individually so that he can – he’s willing to form a team.

The lesson that Matt has had to learn in the second season of DAREDEVIL is that he needs help.”

Those who have finished the season of DAREDEVIL know exactly what Cox is talking about. While the character was more lethal than ever before, there was a definite unwillingness to open to those closest to him, and as a result, his life quickly spiraled out of control.

This works beautifully in the big picture, as once again, Marvel and Netflix are using these extra seasons/series to develop the characters even further. While it’s easy to brush it off as them going bigger and badder, the fact that they’re actually furthering the characters and testing their morals and ideals just proves how great their creative heads are over there. Plot is great, but plot is nothing without a solid understanding of the characters, and a constant internal conflict. 

THE DEFENDERS begins shooting this fall. 

DAREDEVIL seasons one and two is streaming on Netflix right now!

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SOURCE: Empire