One of the first lessons in superheroics 101 is the concept of a secret identity. If you’re going to fight the underworld and major criminals, you’re going to need to protect both yourself and your loved ones when going about daily life. Netflix’s version of Daredevil seemed to know this from the start of his vigilante career, becoming the man in black by repurposing simple black garments and wearing a mask. While we did have to wait for the signature Daredevil costume, Matt Murdock succeeded in keeping his identity mostly secret- the exception being Claire Temple and Foggy.
Now the question is: will Daredevil’s identity be discovered by Punisher in Season 2? Marvel just released a new teaser for Daredevil’s sophomore season, and the imagery seems to imply that Frank Castle is going to blow up, literally, Matt Murdock’s spot. Take a gander at the image below.
This image, which was part of the teaser released on Marvel’s official twitter page, seems abundantly clear. The Punisher slowly comes out of the shadows. As he becomes more illuminated, you see he is carrying Daredevil’s signature mask in his hand. Frank Castle then looks to the mask before the frame goes to black.
So, how likely is it that this will actually play out in Netflix’s Daredevil? After all, Punisher discovering Daredevil’s true identity seems like a major plot point, so why would Marvel reveal this moment before Season 2 is even released?
Honestly, I do believe that The Punisher will eventually find out that Matt Murdock is Daredevil. From the limited trailers and marketing materials we’ve been introduced to thus far, it seems like Season 2 of Daredevil will revolve around the conflicting morality and ideology of the two vigilantes.
Both Daredevil and Punisher navigate through Hell’s Kitchen and the underworld by violence and acting above the law. The only difference is that Punisher will use any means necessary. These includes murder, kidnapping, extortion, and of course, lots and lots of bullets. While Matt Murdock admits to being tempted to kill during his adventures, he has thus far resisted the urge. Daredevil will presumably be trying to track down and stop Punisher, before realizing that their causes aren’t especially separate from each other.
As the two become more connected, it can be assumed that Daredevil’s true identity will eventually be revealed to Punisher. Whether this realization will be by force or voluntarily remains to be seen. But since Matt Murdock has already revealed himself to a few characters, it doesn't seem completely out of character for this to occur.
Another possibility is that Punisher removed Daredevil’s mask to see his face, but isn’t going to reveal it to the world. He could end up giving the mask back, and continuing their conflict with the added knowledge of Matt’s identity.
Finally, this entire trailer could just be a case of clever marketing by Netflix and Marvel. The teaser itself is rather captivating, and the concept of Punisher walking off with Daredevil’s mask is definitely going to start a few conversations. Maybe that’s all it is really about- a cool trailer to get us excited for Season 2.
Check out the teaser in question below.
What do you think? Is Punisher going to figure out Daredevil’s identity, are the two going to be honest with each other, or is this all just a cool trailer? Sound off in the comment section below.
Daredevil Season 2 will be released in its entirety on March 18th.
