Daredevil (film)

Daredevil

Promotional poster
Directed by Mark Steven Johnson
Produced by Avi Arad
Gary Foster
Arnon Milchan
Written by Mark Steven Johnson
Stan Lee
(Comic book)
Bill Everett
(Comic book)
Starring Ben Affleck
Jennifer Garner
Michael Clarke Duncan
Colin Farrell
David Keith
Jon Favreau
Joe Pantoliano
Music by Graeme Revell
Cinematography Ericson Core
Editing by Armen Minasian
Dennis Virkler
Studio 20th Century Fox
Marvel Enterprises
New Regency
Horseshoe Bay Productions
Epsilon Motion Pictures
Regency Enterprises
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date(s) February 14, 2003 (2003-02-14)
Running time 103 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $78 million
Gross revenue $179,179,718
Followed by Elektra

Daredevil is a 2003 American superhero film written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson. Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, the film stars Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who fights for justice in the courtroom and out of the courtroom as the masked vigilante Daredevil. Jennifer Garner plays his love interest Elektra Natchios, Colin Farrell plays the merciless assassin Bullseye, David Keith as the washed up fighter, and Michael Clarke Duncan plays Wilson Fisk, also known as the crime lord Kingpin.

The film began development in 1997 at 20th Century Fox and Columbia Pictures, before New Regency acquired the rights in 2000. Johnson chose to shoot the film primarily in Downtown Los Angeles despite the Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan setting of the film and the comics. Rhythm and Hues Studios were hired to handle the film's CGI needs. Graeme Revell composed the Daredevil score which was released on CD in March 2003, whereas the various artists soundtrack album, Daredevil: The Album, was released in February.

Reviews of the film were generally mixed or average. Despite this, the film still enjoyed a profitable theatrical run and became February's second biggest release. The film was successful enough to allow a spin-off film, Elektra, which was released in 2005. A longer R-rated director's cut of the film was released in 2005, which included an entire sub-plot removed from the theatrical release.

Contents

Plot

Beginning in medias res, a wounded Daredevil clutches a cross at the top of a church. Daredevil clambers into the church and collapses as a priest who knows his identity approaches him in concern. His life then flashes before his eyes: as a child, Matthew Murdock lived in Hell's Kitchen with his washed-up boxer father, Jack Murdock. Jack constantly reminds Matt to get an education and make something of himself, and not wind up like him. When young Matt takes a shortcut home one day, he stumbles across his father beating up a man at the behest of local mob boss Fallon. Horrified, Matt runs blindly away from the scene, and runs afoul of a forklift which swerves to avoid him and accidentally pierces a barrel of biohazardous fluid, drenching Matt's face in the substance.

Matt later wakes up in a hospital and learns that he is blind. However, despite his loss of sight, his other four senses function with super-human accuracy, hearing and touch in particular. While Matt uses his sonar-like hearing to train his body, his redeemed father decides to fight again in the ring. Fallon then approaches Jack and orders him to throw an upcoming fight. When he does not, he is brutally murdered by a shadowy figure, later revealed to be the Kingpin, who drops a red rose. Matt is heartbroken by his father's death.

Many years later, Matt is operating as the vigilante Daredevil at night, and lawyer during the day, protecting Hell's Kitchen in particular. The Kingpin's numerous criminal activities have finally been picked up by the press, notably by journalist Ben Urich, so he decides to set up his former partner, Nikolas Natchios, making it appear as if he was the Kingpin. Matt is intrigued when he meets Nikolas's daughter, Elektra Natchios, who defeats him in hand-to-hand combat in thier first encounter. Despite her initial distrust of him, the two soon begin a relationship. Shortly after, Nikolas and Elektra are attacked by the lethal and unstable assassin, Bullseye, who was dispatched by the Kingpin. Despite Daredevil's best efforts, Bullseye kills Nikolas and implicates Daredevil, enraging Elektra, who swears revenge.

Later, when Daredevil goes in search of Bullseye, he runs into Elektra, and reluctantly fights her. When Elektra impales Daredevil through the shoulder with one of her sai blades, she unmasks him and gazes at Matt in horror. Bullseye suddenly appears, and Daredevil can only watch helplessly with his sonar-sense as Bullseye fights with, then kills Elektra with her own sai. Returning to the first scene, Daredevil enters the church, intending to recuperate and recover his strength. Unfortunately, Bullseye tracks him down, and the two battle ferociously across the church, with Bullseye taking advantage of Daredevil's weakness to sound after noticing it. Once Bullseye manages to knock the air out of Daredevil, he raises a jagged metal pipe to kill him. Using his powerful hearing, Daredevil hears a S.W.A.T. officer cock his rifle and times it so that his bullet fires horizontally through both of Bullseye's hands, incapacitating him. Daredevil then pushes the assassin through a stained-glass window, and watches him crash onto the hood of Urich's car. Daredevil then faces Kingpin for a climactic battle. Despite his appearance, the Kingpin turns out to be a powerful fighter, and overpowers Daredevil throughout most of the fight. Daredevil loses sight of Kingpin, and bursts a pipe so that the rushing water would allow his sonar hearing to see his enemy, and brings Kingpin to his knees. When Daredevil is about to deal the final blow, he contemplates what it means to be a hero, and offers the Kingpin a sardonic smile as he awards him his life. He informs the Kingpin that he is aware that he will not be imprisoned indefinitely, and as he leaves, tells him that he will always be waiting for him. Kingpin, having learned in the fight that Matt is Daredevil, threatens to expose him; however, Matt counters by actually threatening Kingpin's own reputation for "being beaten by a blind man". Matt offers one final thought before departing, ordering the Kingpin to stay out of Hell's Kitchen.

Ben Urich writes a story about Daredevil's true identity, but decides to delete it, thus allowing Matt to continue his role as the protector of New York City. The credits cut back to a shot of Bullseye, who is recovering in the hospital, pining a pesky fly's wings to the wall with a syringe despite full-body traction.

Cast

Stan Lee, Frank Miller, and Kevin Smith, each notable for their work on the Daredevil comics, also have cameo roles throughout the film.[6] The director's cut version also features Jude Ciccolella and Coolio in a sub-plot removed from the theatrical version.

Production

In 1997, 20th Century Fox optioned the rights from Marvel Enterprises, and Chris Columbus was chosen to direct the film. In 1998, Marvel was facing bankruptcy. During this time 20th Century Fox allowed the option to expire, so Disney began negotiations in order to acquire the rights. In 1999, the negotiations failed to work out so Marvel sets the project up with Sony's Columbia Pictures.[16] During this time, Chris Columbus and Carlo Carlei co-wrote a script together,[17] before Mark Steven Johnson got signed to write the screenplay. By 2000, Sony decided to cancel the project,[16] as the two companies reportedly could not come to an agreement over Internet rights.[18]

New Regency entered negotiations with a more satisfying offer, attaining the character rights from Marvel in 2000 to produce the film, with 20th Century Fox handling the distribution.[19] Mark Steven Johnson was rehired and his script was turned in during 2001, which was praised by Ain't It Cool News' Harry Knowles.[16][20] Prior to shooting, producer Gary Foster said that in comparison to other comic book-based films before it, this film would be "more character-driven ... darker ... edgier,"[21] whilst Marvel Studios Executive Kevin Feige felt the script was one of the strongest comic scripts Marvel had received.[22]

20th Century Fox wanted to start filming in Canada in order to save money. This plan was contended by Johnson, and the film's cinematographer, Ericson Core, after they found a preferred area for shooting around downtown Los Angeles' Arcade Building. Core noted that the appeal came from the "beautiful, old brick buildings and great rooftops," which they felt was perfect for a depiction of Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, in comparison to the studio's choice where the filming would be done in Montreal or Vancouver. Due to their insistence, coupled with Ben Affleck's disinterest in filming in Canada (after having filmed there for his previous film, The Sum of All Fears) they were able to overturn the studio's mind.[23]

A side-by-side view of the scene from the Guardian Devil graphic novel, and the film. Several scenes were taken shot-for-shot of comic books.

When the look of the film was being decided, Mark Steven Johnson opted to use direct scenes from the Daredevil comics. Joe Quesada's artistic take in Guardian Devil (Daredevil (vol. 2) #1-#8) was an influence on the film, with Johnson noting that they would "literally take out a scene from the comic book that Joe did […] Here's Daredevil on the cross, you know, it's that scene from 'Guardian Devil'. You just shoot that."[3] Throughout the film, Ben Affleck had to wear "cataract milky-blue" contacts, which would effectively make him blind. This was considered great by Johnson, as it would aid his performance.[24]

The sound plays an integral part in the film, as the superhero relies on it in order to form his 'sonar sense'. Post-production sound was done by supervising sound editor John Larsen and sound designer Steve Boeddeker and is heard taking place immediately after Matt's optic nerve is seen mutating. The mutating of the nerve was done by Rhythm and Hues Studios, who also worked on the sonar-sense which became referred to as "shadow world." Shadow world was made using just CGI except in a scene where Elektra and Matt Murdock are in the rain, the scene was done using CGI over film.[24]

The score to Daredevil was written by Graeme Revell, and was released on March 4, 2003.[25] He was attracted to the focus of "human-ness" on the Daredevil, torn emotionally and physically by his superhero status. Avi Arad asked Revell to concentrate more on the emotions of Daredevil and Elektra, whilst Mark Steven Johnson wanted to stay clear from any gothic and action movie clichés. Revell tried to avoid too much individual motifs but some characters would have an identifiable sound, like Bullseye would have guitar undertones, while Kingpin would have bass beats. Guitarist Mike Einziger of Incubus collaborated with Revell for any additional rock elements. Revell thoroughly enjoyed working with Johnson, describing the director as "positive" and "responsive" when it came to experimenting (as opposed to feeling "locked in a box of preconceptions") which he felt lead to "cool stuff." Varèse Sarabande put together the score record.[26]

Release

Marketing

Aside from expected TV commercials during such TV hits as Friends and Law & Order, as well as one in the second quarter of the Super Bowl, there was also a tie-in with Kraft, an in-store promotion at Wal-Mart, a marketing campaign with Hamilton Watch Company, who designed the watch Matt wears in the film,[27] and a weeklong Daredevil segment on Entertainment Tonight.[28] As part of an online form of marketing, a viral e-mail drive was started, where participants would be entered in a contest where they could win prizes such as Daredevil t-shirts, Game Boy Advance games, and cufflinks. To enter the drawing, the user had to book tickets for the film online, then pass an e-mail on to someone else. The idea was to encourage online ticket booking, which at the time was seen as a growing trend.[29] The Game Boy Advance game was released on February 14, 2003, and was created by Encore, a subsidiary of Navarre Corporation.[30] The soundtrack to the film, Daredevil: The Album, was released in February 2003.[31]

Box office

Daredevil opened theatrically on February 14, 2003, on 3,471 screens.[16] The film took first place in its opening weekend, grossing $45,033,454. At the time, it became the second biggest February release, behind Hannibal.[32] By the second weekend the film saw a 55.1% decline in takings but managed to maintain the number one spot, beating new release Old School by $639,093.[33] By the third weekend release, Daredevil saw a further 38.5% drop in sales, and so fell to third place at the box office.[34] The film grossed over $102 million in North America, and over $76 million in the rest of the world, totalling the film's worldwide takings at just over $179 million, grossing over double its budget of $78 million.[35] Avi Arad addressed the top spot success by saying "we are five for five with record-breaking box office successes [with Blade, X-Men, Blade II then Spider-Man] and have two more Marvel releases slated for this summer [which are X2 and Hulk]. It's a testament to the broad appeal of these characters before mainstream audiences outside of the core comic fans. These super heroes have been successful within the Marvel pantheon for decades; it only makes sense that their translations to the big screen are just as fruitful."[36]

Due to the film's violent scenes, Daredevil was banned in Malaysia. 20th Century Fox had appealed to Malaysia's censorship board to change its decision, hoping that the film would be due for release in Malaysia on February 27, 2003.[37] Malaysian newspaper The Star also noted that the ban was due to the film theme being "focused on the dealings of a secret society," as well as some sensuality. The article criticized the Film Censorship Board of Malaysia for having these reasons to ban the film, but at the same time allowing films such as Final Destination 2, which contained violent content, and Infernal Affairs, which focused on the dealings of a secret society, before suggesting that the board should have considered banning The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers for "having scenes containing violence using weapons and hands," a direct quotation of which the article cited as being another reason why Daredevil was banned.[38]

Reception

Daredevil received mixed reviews from critics.[39][40] Review aggregate website Rotten Tomatoes reported that 44% of critics gave the film positive feedback, based on 205 reviews,[39] with a 26% rating from 34 selected "top critics".[41] At the website Metacritic, which assigns its own subjective rating out of 100 to each review, the film has received an average score of 42, based on 35 reviews.[40] Film critic Roger Ebert gave the film 3 out of a possible 4 stars and called the film good, despite noting the almost typical superhero background. Of the actors, he stated that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were suitable for their roles, whilst Michael Clark Duncan's presence alone was menacing. He finished by saying "I am getting a little worn out describing the origin stories and powers of superheroes […] Some of their movies, like this one, are better than others."[42] Houston Chronicle's Bruce Westbrook considered it "the best Marvel movie to date, it's as well-written and character-driven as some of today's Oscar contenders, and its story doesn't stall with hollow flamboyance."[43] The Austin Chronicle's Kimberly Jones praised the film, the actors, and felt that though an unproven director, "Johnson has just signed his meal ticket with this marriage of big brains, big brawn, and–most happily–big heart."[44]

Empire's Kim Newman gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, and felt people "will like the characters more than the film," before adding that there are enough strong moments to guarantee a good viewing.[45] The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw stated that the film held "unconvincing touches" but was more enjoyable than Spider-Man and as dark as Tim Burton's Batman.[46] BBC film critic Nev Pierce believed the film had spectacular set-pieces, but felt there was no strong narrative arc to keep the viewer interested.[47] The Wall Street Journal's Joe Morgenstern considered the film to be neither original nor great but felt it maintained "many grace notes and interesting oddities."[48] The Globe and Mail's Rick Groen said the film was "not woeful, not wonderful, merely watchable."[40] The Philadelphia Inquirer's Steven Rea thought the film brought a variance of humour and violence, but felt it didn't work as well as it could have.[40] James Berardinelli felt the film was merely a satisfactory superhero film.[40] TV Guide's Frank Lovece noted that for a superhero film the characters are more grounded to reality, respectively, but also felt it was "a movie for grown-ups, not kids."[49]

Particularly negative reviews included the one by The New York Times' Elvis Mitchell, who said the film was "second-rate and ordinary,"[39] whilst Variety's Todd McCarthy considered it "a pretender in the realm of bona fide superheroes."[50] Time Out's Trevor Johnston praised Ben Affleck, feeling he "persuades us of the pain of sightlessness and supersensitive hearing," but also felt writer/director Johnson's construction fails all involved in the film.[51] Slate's David Edelstein believed Johnson copied a lot of Batman, and concluded by saying "that's not so bad: The movie looks best when it looks like other, better movies."[52] The Chicago Tribune's Michael Wilmington thought the film grabs the attention, but felt it doesn't reward it.[40] The New York Post's Lou Lumenick panned the film, describing it as a "mind-numbing, would-be comic-book franchise, which often seems as blind as its hero -- not to mention deaf and dumb."[40]

Director's cut

A director's cut of the film was announced for a spring 2004 DVD release. This version contained new additions like previously unseen footage and a removed subplot, and was to be a bit darker with an R rating. The film, released in 2.35:1 widescreen format, was release with DTS and Dolby Digital sound. The new version of the film has newly recorded commentary to accompany it, featuring Mark Steven Johnson and Avi Arad. A "Making of Director's Cut" featurette also accompanied the film. The release date of the DVD was later pushed back to November 30, 2004.[53][54] On September 30, 2008 the director's cut was released on Blu-ray.[55] The DVD release of the directors cut removed the wealth of bonus material included on the theatrical cut's DVD release, but it was restored for the Blu-Ray release (although the Blu-Ray release only contains the director's cut).

Kevin Feige commented on this version of the film, believing "the people who had other opinions [of Daredevil] will be won over by this new version."[53] Reviewers like Empire's Danny Graydon seemed to reaffirm this opinion by considering this version a "considerable improvement on the original version," notably preferring the more violent undertones, a lesser focus on the romance, and the equal focus of Daredevil and his lawyer alias Matt Murdock and the subplot involving Coolio. Some gripes still remained though, as Graydon felt Affleck did not suit himself in the Daredevil outfit, and that Michael Clark Duncan as the Kingpin was done in an over-the-top manner.[56] IGN's Jeff Otto and Andy Patrizio also deemed this version an improvement over the original. They felt this version was more loyal to the Frank Miller feel of the Daredevil world, with more focus on themes such as Murdock's struggle with his Catholic upbringing. On the whole they felt the film would be far more pleasing to the fans, and overall better than the theatrical release.[57]

Soundtrack

Future: Sequel or Reboot?

Kevin Feige has stated "there are many more stories to be told with old Hornhead and we'd love to tell them someday."[53] Avi Arad has also said that a sequel will begin development once the rights go from 20th Century Fox to Marvel Studios.[58] Director Mark Steven Johnson showed interest in returning to direct with the Born Again storyline, as well as suggesting Mr. Fear as a possible villain.[59]

During 2004, Ben Affleck shot a cameo role for the spin-off film, Elektra, at the request of Daredevil co-star Jennifer Garner.[60] In October 2004, Affleck stated he would only return in the lead role if Fox would renegotiate to tell the darker stories of Daredevil, and showed interest in a Kevin Smith graphic novel which included Mysterio, as well as the Born Again storyline.[61] However, in November 2006 Affleck stated that he would never reprise the role, having felt "by playing a superhero in Daredevil, I have inoculated myself from ever playing another superhero... Wearing a costume was a source of humiliation for me and something I wouldn't want to do again soon."[62]

In July 2006, Michael Clarke Duncan showed interest in returning for the role of the Kingpin, but stated that he would not be willing to gain weight as he felt "comfortable" being down to 270 pounds. However, he jokingly showed willingness to change his mind if he was offered $20 million. Duncan suggested that the character is portrayed to have been training a lot in jail in order to become faster in combat against Daredevil, also working as a way to fit his weight loss into the story.[63]

In July 2008, Jason Statham had expressed interest in appearing as Daredevil in the future. Statham requested "just give me the chance, I would love to be Daredevil." Frank Miller commented in agreement "I think he should be Daredevil too."[64] In October 2008, 20th Century Fox executive Tom Rothman said that "a Daredevil reboot is something we are thinking very seriously about." Rothman added that "what it really needs is, it needs a visionary at the level that [The Dark Knight director] Chris Nolan was. It needs someone, it needs a director, honestly, who has a genuine vision."[65] In February 2010, reboot news was further reported by Deadline Hollywood who announced 20th Century Fox and New Regency are looking to develop the reboot with News Corp. Vice President Peter Chernin producing and David Scarpa writing the script. Intentions are said to move forward so that the film rights to the character would not revert back to Marvel.[66]

References

  1. ↑ Tim Swanson (October 3, 2001). "Affleck homes in on Daredevil role". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117853634.html?categoryid=13&cs=1. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Tim Swanson (December 5, 2001). "Farrell targets Daredevil". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117856845.html?categoryid=13&cs=1. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Rob Worley (August 7, 2002). "Daredevil". Comic Book Resources. http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=14178. Retrieved 2008-05-12. 
  4. ↑ Ryan J. Downey (June 24, 2002). "Affleck, Garner Open Up About Daredevil". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1455368/20020621/story.jhtml. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  5. ↑ John Gunn (June 20, 2002). "Daredevil Press Day!!". JoBlo.com. http://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=620. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Ryan J. Downey (February 6, 2003). "Ben Affleck Dares to Dream Daredevil". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/shared/movies/features/a/affleck_daredevil_feature_030206. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Stax (March 27, 2002). "More Daredevil Casting Tidbits". IGN. http://movies.ign.com/articles/356/356228p1.html. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Stax (January 27, 2002). "Daredevil's Done Deals". IGN. http://movies.ign.com/articles/317/317940p1.html. Retrieved 2008-03-24. 
  9. ↑ Zorianna Kit; Chris Gardner (January 11, 2002). "Daredevil parade". The Hollywood Reporter. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1247304. Retrieved 2008-03-24. 
  10. ↑ Ryan J. Downey (June 3, 2002). "Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck Suit Up For Daredevil". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1454976/story.jhtml. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  11. ↑ "Colin Farrell Interview". UGO. http://www.ugo.com/channels/filmTv/features/minorityreport/colin.asp. Retrieved 2008-02-22. 
  12. ↑ Dave McNary (January 9, 2002). "Duncan takes on Daredevil". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117859327.html?categoryid=1350&cs=1. Retrieved 2008-02-23. 
  13. ↑ Daniel Robert Epstein. "Michael Clarke Duncan Interview". UGO. http://www.ugo.com/channels/filmTv/features/daredevil/michael.asp. Retrieved 2008-02-23. 
  14. ↑ Dave McNary (February 22, 2002). "Daredevil has partner in Favreau". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117860914.html?categoryid=13&cs=1. Retrieved 2008-02-24. 
  15. ↑ Dave McNary (March 17, 2002). "IGN FilmForce Exclusive: Which Matrix Star Has Been Cast in Daredevil?". IGN. http://movies.ign.com/articles/355/355712p1.html. Retrieved 2008-02-24. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 "Beyond Hell's Kitchen": Making Daredevil. [DVD]. 20th Century Fox. 2003. 
  17. ↑ Stax (April 26, 2001). "Daredevil: The Man Without Ed". IGN. http://movies.ign.com/articles/057/057419p1.html. Retrieved 2008-03-06. 
  18. ↑ KJB (July 12, 2000). "Daredevil Exits Columbia". IGN. http://movies.ign.com/articles/036/036436p1.html. Retrieved 2008-03-06. 
  19. ↑ Michael Fleming (July 12, 2000). "Marvel's Daredevil on pic trail". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117783612.html?categoryid=13&cs=1. Retrieved 2008-02-14. 
  20. ↑ Harry Knowles (April 2, 2001). "Harry reviews Mark Steven Johnson's Perfect Daredevil script!!!". Ain't It Cool News. http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=8574. Retrieved 2008-02-14. 
  21. ↑ Stax (July 11, 2001). "Daredevil Ready for a Fall Start?". IGN. http://movies.ign.com/articles/301/301274p1.html. Retrieved 2008-03-06. 
  22. ↑ Stax (July 26, 2001). "Make Way for Daredevil". IGN. http://movies.ign.com/articles/301/301768p1.html. Retrieved 2008-03-06. 
  23. ↑ John Calhoun (March 2003). "Man Without Fear". American Cinematographer. http://www.theasc.com/magazine/mar03/daredevil/index.html. Retrieved 2008-05-23. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Daredevil. [DVD]. 20th Century Fox. 2003. 
  25. ↑ Steve Head (February 6, 2003). "Incoming: Daredevil Score CD News". IGN. http://movies.ign.com/articles/385/385217p1.html. Retrieved 2008-05-08. 
  26. ↑ Kuljit Mithra (February 2003). "Interview With Graeme Revell". ManWithoutFear.com. http://www.manwithoutfear.com/interviews/ddINTERVIEW.shtml?id=Revell. Retrieved 2008-05-08. 
  27. ↑ Keith W. Strandberg (January 31, 2003). "Hamilton Appears in New Daredevil Movie". AllBusiness.com. American Time. http://www.allbusiness.com/services/museums-art-galleries-botanical-zoological/4359100-1.html. Retrieved 2008-12-04. 
  28. ↑ Ron Grover (February 3, 2003). "For Fox, It's Daredevil vs. February". BusinessWeek. http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/feb2003/nf2003023_4386_db011.htm. Retrieved 2008-06-09. 
  29. ↑ Claire Billings (February 11, 2003). "Fox boosts email database with Daredevil promotion". Brand Republic. http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/170201/fox-boosts-email-database-daredevil-promotion/. Retrieved 2008-06-09. 
  30. ↑ "Daredevil for Nintendo Game Boy Advance Ships to Retailers". FindArticles.com. Business Wire. February 3, 2003. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2003_Feb_3/ai_97184686. Retrieved 2008-06-10. 
  31. ↑ "For The Record: Quick News On Foo Fighters, Daredevil, Saliva, Glassjaw, Iron Maiden, Stone Sour & More". MTV News. January 3, 2003. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459365/20030103/foo_fighters.jhtml. Retrieved 2008-12-17. 
  32. ↑ Brandon Gray (February 18, 2003). "Daredevil Hits Box Office Bullseye". Box Office Mojo. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1237&p=s.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-12. 
  33. ↑ "Weekend Box Office: February 21–23, 2003". Box Office Mojo. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2003&wknd=008&p=.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-12. 
  34. ↑ "Daredevil Weekend Box Office". Box Office Mojo. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekend&id=daredevil.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-12. 
  35. ↑ "Daredevil". Box Office Mojo. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekend&id=daredevil.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-12. 
  36. ↑ "Marvel Proves Heroic at the Box Office; Daredevil is Third Consecutive Marvel Studios Motion Picture Release to Capture Top Box Office Position". FindArticles.com. Business Wire. February 26, 2003. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2003_Feb_26/ai_98082015. Retrieved 2008-05-12. 
  37. ↑ "Malaysia bans Affleck's Daredevil". BBC News. February 14, 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2760429.stm. Retrieved 2010-04-24. 
  38. ↑ Geoffrey Lip; Izuan Shah (February 20, 2003). "Kapow, crash, boom, ban?". The Star. 
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 "Daredevil". Rotten Tomatoes. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/daredevil/?. Retrieved 2010-04-24. 
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 40.4 40.5 40.6 "Daredevil". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/daredevil#critics. Retrieved 2008-02-26. 
  41. ↑ "Daredevil - Cream of the Crop". Rotten Tomatoes. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/daredevil/?critic=creamcrop. Retrieved 2010-04-24. 
  42. ↑ Roger Ebert (February 14, 2003). "Daredevil". Chicago Sun-Times. http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030214/REVIEWS/302140301/1023. Retrieved 2008-02-26. 
  43. ↑ Bruce Westbrook (March 26, 2004). "Daredevil". Houston Chronicle. http://web.archive.org/web/20080303060620/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ae/movies/reviews/1777962.html. Retrieved 2010-04-24. 
  44. ↑ Kimberly Jones (February 14, 2003). "Daredevil". The Austin Chronicle. http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Calendar/Film?Film=oid%3A144942. Retrieved 2008-02-26. 
  45. ↑ Kim Newman. "Daredevil"]. Empire. http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/ReviewComplete.asp?FID=8811. Retrieved 2008-02-26. 
  46. ↑ Peter Bradshaw (February 14, 2003). "Daredevil". Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2003/feb/14/artsfeatures2. Retrieved 2010-04-24. 
  47. ↑ Nev Pierce (February 12, 2003). "Daredevil". BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/02/07/daredevil_2003_review.shtml. Retrieved 2008-02-26. 
  48. ↑ Joe Morgenstern (February 14, 2003). "Daredevil". The Wall Street Journal. http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117919958.html?categoryid=31&cs=1. Retrieved 2008-02-26. 
  49. ↑ Frank Lovece. "Daredevil". TV Guide. http://movies.tvguide.com/daredevil/review/136515. Retrieved 2010-04-24. 
  50. ↑ Todd McCarthy (February 14, 2003). "Daredevil". Variety. http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117919958.html?categoryid=31&cs=1. Retrieved 2008-02-26. 
  51. ↑ Trevor Johnston (February 14, 2003). "Daredevil". Time Out. http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/64955/daredevil.html. Retrieved 2008-02-26. 
  52. ↑ David Edelstein (February 14, 2003). "Ben in Tights". Time Out. http://slate.msn.com/id/2078582/. Retrieved 2008-02-26. 
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 "Daredevil Movie Update". ComicsContinuum. January 22, 2004. http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0401/22/index.htm. Retrieved 2008-12-22. 
  54. ↑ "Pre-Order the Daredevil Director's Cut!". Superhero Hype!. August 25, 2004. http://www.superherohype.com/index.php?id=1919. Retrieved 2008-12-22. 
  55. ↑ "Daredevil Defies Blu-ray". IGN. August 8, 2008. http://bluray.ign.com/articles/897/897436p1.html. Retrieved 2008-12-22. 
  56. ↑ Danny Graydon. "Daredevil: The Director's Cut (15)". Empire. http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?DVDID=10547. Retrieved 2008-12-22. 
  57. ↑ Jeff Otto; Andy Patrizio. "Daredevil: Director's Cut". IGN. http://dvd.ign.com/articles/559/559295p1.html. Retrieved 2008-12-22. 
  58. ↑ Larry Carroll (June 2005). "Future Shocks: What's Ahead for Avi Arad and His Marvel Empire". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/shared/movies/interviews/a/arad_avi_062005/. Retrieved 2008-02-18. 
  59. ↑ Daniel Robert Epstein. "Mark Steven Johnson, director of Daredevil (Fox)". UGO. http://www.ugo.com/mini/tombstone/johnson.asp. Retrieved 2008-02-18. 
  60. ↑ "High in the sky Benny bares all". The Sydney Morning Herald. July 29, 2004. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/28/1090694021565.html. Retrieved 2008-12-23. 
  61. ↑ Robert Sanchez (October 15, 2004). "Ben Affleck on a Possible Daredevil Sequel". IESB. http://web.archive.org/web/20041020072634/http://www.iesb.net/movies2/movie101504.htm. Retrieved 2010-04-24. 
  62. ↑ Peter Sciretta (November 2, 2006). "Ben Affleck says No to Daredevil sequel". UGO. http://www.slashfilm.com/article.php/20061102afflecknodaredevil. Retrieved 2008-07-15. 
  63. ↑ Kellvin Chavez (July 6, 2006). "Duncan Not in Transformers But Talks Daredevil 2!". LatinoReview.com. http://web.archive.org/web/20070301015920/http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=699. Retrieved 2010-04-24. 
  64. ↑ Geoff Boucher (July 31, 2008). "Jason Statham: "I want to be Daredevil."". Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2008/07/jason-statham-i.html. Retrieved 2008-12-04. 
  65. ↑ Geoff Boucher (October 2, 2008). "IESB Exclusive: FOX's Tom Rothman on a Daredevil Reboot". IESB. http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5566&Itemid=99. Retrieved 2008-12-04. 
  66. ↑ Mike Fleming (February 5, 2010). "Exclusive: Latest Marvel Hero To Reboot". Deadline Hollywood. http://deadline.com/2010/02/exclusive-latest-marvel-hero-to-reboot/. Retrieved 2010-02-07. 

Further reading

External links

Daredevil
Creators
Stan Lee • Bill Everett
Supporting characters
Black Widow • The Chaste • Milla Donovan • Echo • Elektra • Iron Fist • Jessica Jones • Franklin "Foggy" Nelson • Master Izo • Dakota North • Karen Page • Stick • Ben Urich • White Tiger
Villains
Bullet • Bushwacker • Bullseye • Cobra • Death-Stalker • Gladiator • The Hand • Jester • Kingpin • Kirigi • Lady Bullseye • Leap-Frog • Machinesmith • Man-Bull • Masked Marauder • Matador • Mister Fear • Mr. Hyde • Nuke • The Owl • Paladin • Purple Man • Stilt-Man • Typhoid Mary
Films
Daredevil (2003) (soundtrack) • Elektra (2005) (soundtrack)
Television appearances
The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989 TV movie) • "Framed" (Spider-Man: The Animated Series) • "The Man Without Fear" (Spider-Man: The Animated Series)
Comic books

Daredevil/Bullseye: The Target • Daredevil: End of Days • Shadowland • Ultimate Daredevil and Elektra • Ultimate Elektra

Storylines
"Born Again" • "Guardian Devil" • "Return of the King" • "Without Fear" • "Shadowland"
Marvel Comics films
Live-action
Serials
Captain America (1944)
Single
films

The Amazing Spider-Man (1977) • Red Sonja (1985) • Howard the Duck (1986) • The Punisher (1989) • Captain America (1990) • The Fantastic Four (1994) • Hulk (2003) • The Punisher (2004) • Man-Thing (2005) • The Incredible Hulk (2008) • Punisher: War Zone (2008) • Kick-Ass (2010) • Thor (2011) • Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) • Untitled Spider-Man Reboot (2012)
Series
Blade

Blade (1998) • Blade II (2002) • Blade: Trinity (2004)
Daredevil

Daredevil (2003) • Elektra (2005)
Fantastic Four

Fantastic Four (2005) • Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider (2007) • Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012)
Iron Man

Iron Man (2008) • Iron Man 2 (2010)
Spider-Man

Spider-Man (2002) • Spider-Man 2 (2004) • Spider-Man 3 (2007)
X-Men

X-Men (2000) • X2 (2003) • X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) • X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) • X-Men: First Class (2011)
Animated
Single
films

The Invincible Iron Man (2007) • Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007) • Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008) • Hulk Vs (2009) • Planet Hulk (2010) • Thor: Tales of Asgard (2011)
Series
Ultimate Avengers

Ultimate Avengers (2006) • Ultimate Avengers 2 (2006)
See also
Marvel Cinematic Universe • The Avengers film project • The Punisher films
Films directed by Mark Steven Johnson
1990s
Simon Birch (1998)
2000s
Daredevil (2003) · Ghost Rider (2007)
2010s
When in Rome (2010)