The true inspiration behind Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Daredevil in the Marvel series Daredevil: Born Again is deeply rooted in the comic book character's rich history, as well as Cox's understanding of Matt Murdock's complexities. However, there isn’t a single "true" inspiration story—rather, Charlie Cox drew from multiple sources to bring the character to life on screen. Here are a few key elements that influenced his portrayal: 1. The Character's Comic Book Origins: Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett, with input from Jack Kirby. First appearing in Daredevil #1 in 1964, Murdock is a blind lawyer who fights crime as Daredevil in Hell's Kitchen, New York. His story is marked by tragedy, resilience, and moral complexity. Cox's portrayal taps into the duality of Murdock’s nature, balancing the character’s superhero side with his everyday struggles as a blind man and a lawyer, creating a grounded, empathetic version of Daredevil. 2. The Influence of Born Again (the comic): Daredevil: Born Again (1986), written by Frank Miller with art by David Mazzucchelli, is one of the most influential arcs in Daredevil's history. This story follows Murdock's fall from grace after his secret identity is exposed, and his struggle to rebuild his life. The storyline focuses on themes of resilience, redemption, and moral ambiguity, elements that Cox brings into his performance. While Cox’s character may not directly mirror the events of Born Again, the emotional depth and vulnerability that Matt Murdock experiences in this arc inspired much of the tone for the character’s journey in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+. 3. Charlie Cox’s Own Approach: Cox, who has portrayed Daredevil since the original Netflix series, brings a personal understanding and empathy to the role. He has mentioned in interviews that he’s drawn to the character’s moral conflict, his commitment to justice despite personal cost, and his internal struggles with faith and identity. The evolution of Cox’s portrayal reflects the character’s growth. Born Again in the MCU promises a more mature, layered version of Murdock, similar to the way Cox portrayed him in the previous series but with new challenges and emotional depth. 4. Cultural and Psychological Influences: Daredevil's psychological complexity and emotional depth also play a role. His trauma—stemming from the loss of his father, his blindness, and the constant danger he faces—has always been central to his charact