Unmasking Daredevil: Ranking Marvel's Live-Action Costumes from Movies & TV Shows

Summary

Daredevil's costumes have significantly evolved over time, from the simplistic black outfit in his earlier appearances to the vibrant red suit in the Daredevil TV series.

Various iterations of Daredevil's costume have yielded varied outcomes, as certain renditions have faced challenges in replicating the monochromatic fabric from the original comics to the screen.

However, the most exceptional live-action portrayal of Daredevil's suit thus far can be found in Daredevil Season 2. This updated red ensemble boasts subtle alterations that enhance its overall design, such as an improved headpiece that fits snugly and a smoother, more streamlined front.

Daredevil, the iconic Marvel hero, is known for his wide array of superhero costumes. While he is most recognized for his all-red, skin-tight outfit in Hell's Kitchen, he has also donned various other ensembles, ranging from sleek black to vibrant yellow. Even in the MCU, Daredevil's appearance has undergone significant changes, which is equally true in his earlier, pre-MCU appearances.

However, the simplicity of Daredevil's comic book look poses a challenge when adapting it for the screen. The plain-colored fabric often does not translate as well onscreen as it does on the page. Different creative teams have approached updating Matt Murdock's outfits for both movies and television with mixed success. As fans anticipate his return in the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again TV streaming series, they can reflect on the multitude of superhero suits he has worn throughout his adventures.

6 The Trial Of The Incredible Hulk

Before Daredevil became one of the best TV shows in the MCU, the character of Matt Murdock made an appearance in the 1989 made-for-TV movie, The Trial of the Incredible Hulk. This movie was a continuation of The Incredible Hulk TV show that aired from 1978 to 1982, and it featured a partnership between Matt Murdock and Bruce Banner as they fought against Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin. The creators of the movie made the smart decision to keep Daredevil's outfit simple and black, in order to work within the limitations of their budget. However, the suit could have been improved by adding more lines, details, or elements to break up the plain black, especially during dark scenes where it tends to blend into the background. Additionally, the headpiece of the suit, which was a tight skull cap, looked slightly unusual compared to later interpretations where it was shown as a tied-on accessory. Nonetheless, the suit is not terrible and it played a significant role in Daredevil's journey towards better and more iconic looks.

5 Daredevil Movie Suit

In the early 2000s, superhero movies began to gain popularity and make significant strides towards becoming mainstream. However, there was a general confusion about how to effectively adapt vibrant superhero costumes for live-action films, with some exceptions. While Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films embraced the bold, colorful looks straight from the comic books, other franchises, like Fox's X-Men series, aimed for a more realistic approach. The Daredevil film from 2003 fell somewhere in between. The protagonist, portrayed by Ben Affleck, sported a full leather suit that retained some brightness in its red color.

Although the Daredevil suit from 2003 made an effort to stay faithful to the look of the comic book, it has not aged well. The thick leather material appears impractical and uncomfortable for the character to fight in, and the molded brow line on the helmet looks passable when Murdock is angry but awkward at other times. However, when compared to the disappointing redesign of Colin Farrell's Bullseye in the same movie, Daredevil's outfit can be considered a relatively modest victory.

4 Daredevil Season 1 Red Suit

In Daredevil season 1, Matt Murdock's unveiling of his modern take on the classic suit was a thrilling moment after his predominantly black attire. Recognizing the need for modifications to translate the simple red fabric from the pages of Marvel Comics to live-action, the red suit in season 1 incorporates a combination of blacks and reds, along with protective paneling and visual fabric patterns. While not without flaws, this suit served as a strong foundation for the subsequent improved designs.

However, one drawback of this Daredevil outfit is its headpiece, which prevents it from being ranked among the best superhero suits in the MCU. From certain angles, the headpiece appears somewhat distorted. The small and impractical eye holes are positioned relatively low, which accentuates the forehead and can give the appearance of a larger forehead. Additionally, the front of the mask is black instead of red, and the overall mixture of black and dark shade of red in the suit makes it somewhat difficult to discern in the final low-light battle between Daredevil and Kingpin.

3 Daredevil Series Black Suit

Plenty of superhero movies and TV shows have struggled by attempting to maintain a realistic approach to their characters' costumes. However, Daredevil season 1 successfully captures the essence of Matt's first homemade suit, which he prominently wears throughout most of the season and again in Daredevil season 3. While the show's other, more flamboyant suits possess their own appeal, Daredevil's simplistic black attire exudes a raw and genuine quality. The addition of Muay Thai ropes encircling each fist is a subtle yet impactful detail that greatly enhances the overall aesthetic. Not only does this choice provide a much-needed visual contrast, but it also intensifies the impact of every single punch, evoking a sense of brutality and violence.

2 She-Hulk Maroon & Yellow Suit

Daredevil made his return to the MCU through She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, where he encountered Jennifer Walters both inside the courtroom and in the world of superheroes. Matt Murdock underwent a remarkable transformation, with his new attire receiving a logical explanation from the show's in-universe suit designer. This new look successfully brings to life one of Daredevil's more vibrant outfits from the pages of Marvel Comics. In the comics, Matt's original Daredevil suit featured a prominent yellow color as a tribute to his late father's boxing robes. Although the show doesn't explicitly reference this connection, the combination of yellow and maroon works effectively within the lighter tone of She-Hulk's narrative. Only time will reveal whether this refreshed attire will become a permanent part of Daredevil's wardrobe.

1 Daredevil Season 2 Updated Red Suit

Daredevil season 2 introduces an upgraded suit for Matt Murdock, provided by his armorer as a replacement for his damaged original. This new suit maintains the essence of its predecessor while introducing subtle enhancements that make it the most impressive live-action Daredevil attire thus far. One notable change is the reduction of black fabric, now replaced by various shades of red and maroon. Additionally, the headpiece specifically accommodates actor Charlie Cox, boasting improved molding around the eyes and a sleeker front without the triangular brow lines.

Fortunately, Daredevil has been fortunate enough to have each live-action rendition of his suit excel in some aspect, with each attempt aiming to capture the character's rich visual history from the Marvel Comics' pages. The hero's appearance has always played a significant role in reflecting both Matt Murdock's modest superhuman abilities and his role as a protector at the local level. As Marvel Studios prepares for the release of Daredevil: Born Again in 2024, fans can surely look forward to the unveiling of the next small-screen outfit for The Man Without Fear.