Spider-Man Nowhere to Be Seen as Kingpin Tightens Grip on New York

Daredevil: Born Again raises questions about the Friendly Neighborhood hero's absence during Fisk's rise to power.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:55pm

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Spider-Man is noticeably absent as Wilson Fisk, also known as the Kingpin, consolidates control over New York City through his Anti-Vigilante Task Force in the second season of Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+. This raises concerns about the web-slinger's whereabouts and whether he is fulfilling his responsibilities to protect the city.

Why it matters

Spider-Man is one of the most prominent superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and his absence during Fisk's power grab is puzzling. Fans are left wondering if the hero is aware of the situation and why he hasn't intervened to stop the Kingpin's reign of terror over New York.

The details

In Daredevil: Born Again season 2, episodes 2 and 3, Fisk's Anti-Vigilante Task Force is given broad powers to imprison anyone deemed a threat, including the vigilante Swordsman. Fisk is able to control the legal system, ensuring that those imprisoned receive unfair trials and are wrongfully convicted. This expansion of Fisk's influence raises concerns about the safety of other superheroes and vigilantes in the city.

  • Daredevil: Born Again season 2, episodes 2 and 3 were released on Disney+ in April 2026.
  • Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the hero's fourth standalone MCU project, is set to premiere in the near future.

The players

Wilson Fisk

Also known as the Kingpin, he is a powerful crime lord who has established control over New York City through his Anti-Vigilante Task Force.

Spider-Man

The Friendly Neighborhood superhero, who is noticeably absent during Fisk's rise to power in New York.

Daredevil

The vigilante hero who is at the center of the conflict with Fisk in Daredevil: Born Again season 2.

Swordsman

A vigilante who was imprisoned by Fisk's Anti-Vigilante Task Force and wrongfully convicted in an unfair trial.

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What they’re saying

“It is difficult to imagine a hero like Spider-Man simply letting the AVTF walk around New York, imposing Fisk's warped will over its citizens.”

— Lewis Glazebrook, Author

What’s next

Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the hero's upcoming fourth standalone MCU project, will need to address what happened in New York during the events of Daredevil: Born Again season 2 and explain Spider-Man's absence.

The takeaway

The absence of Spider-Man during Fisk's consolidation of power in New York raises questions about the hero's whereabouts and whether he is fulfilling his responsibilities to protect the city. Fans will be eager to see if the MCU addresses this issue in future projects, particularly Spider-Man: Brand New Day.