Is Netflix's Daredevil Officially Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Brad Winderbaum, the executive producer of Echo, shared his thoughts on whether Netflix's Daredevil series is considered part of the official MCU canon.

Marvel Studios is starting the new year off with a big announcement, as they prepare to debut their 2024 TV lineup with the mini-series Echo.

The show Echo, marketed as a spin-off of Marvel's Hawkeye mini-series, will follow the story of Maya Lopez, a deaf Native American assassin evading the mob boss she worked for in New York City.

The series will feature the iconic Marvel characters Daredevil and Kingpin, previously seen in the Netflix series Daredevil. Marvel fans have debated whether the Daredevil series is officially part of the MCU canon, especially with his appearance in Echo. One of Echo's executive producers has now provided insight on the matter.

Netflix

Echo producer confirms Daredevil’s place in MCU canon

In an interview with Screen Rant before the release of Echo, MCU executive producer Brad Winderbaum was questioned about whether he considers Netflix's Daredevil to be a part of the MCU's Sacred Timeline. Daredevil, along with series such as Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and The Defenders, were produced by Marvel Television rather than Marvel Studios, which was responsible for all of the MCU's films and series like Loki and WandaVision, despite being technically connected to the Marvel umbrella.

Fans have debated whether these shows are part of the MCU due to this distinction, particularly since Daredevil made a cameo in Tom Holland's Spider-Man trilogy. Marvel Studios has not made an official statement, but Winderbaum offered his own perspective.

Until now, we've been a little hesitant about what qualifies as the Sacred Timeline," Winderbaum explained. "This hesitation stemmed from a period at the studio where we were focused on ensuring the success of our partnerships and managing the development of Netflix content.

We were mindful of each other's projects, but there was a lot to juggle. Now that some time has passed and we see how well the stories have come together, I, Brad Winderbaum, am confident in saying that it is indeed part of the Sacred Timeline."

While Winderbaum's viewpoint is not an official declaration, it would be logical for Marvel Studios to integrate Daredevil into their new Sacred Timeline given the character's previous appearances in multiple MCU projects. Additionally, as the studio shifts its focus from quantity to quality in upcoming projects, it presents the ideal opportunity to revamp the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again and solidify its place in the MCU.

For all the latest Echo content, check out Dexerto’s full coverage here.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I am thrilled to hear that Netflix's Daredevil series is officially part of the MCU canon. I have been a fan of the Daredevil series since it first premiered on Netflix, and I was disappointed when it was canceled after three seasons. However, I am glad that Marvel Studios has decided to bring the character back into the fold. I believe that Daredevil is one of the most well-written and well-acted superhero shows ever made, and I am excited to see what Marvel Studios has in store for the character in the future.

I also appreciate that Marvel Studios is taking the time to integrate Daredevil into the MCU in a way that makes sense. The character's appearance in Echo is a great way to reintroduce him to the MCU, and I am confident that Marvel Studios will do a great job of weaving him into the larger narrative of the MCU. I am excited to see what the future holds for Daredevil and the rest of the MCU.