Vincent D’Onofrio teases Kingpin’s violent rise and Daredevil season 2 direction after Born Again finale

Vincent D’Onofrio breaks down Kingpin’s brutal MCU scene, future with Punisher, and possible Shadowland storyline.

Vincent D’Onofrio, who reprises his role as Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) in Daredevil: Born Again, spoke to Variety following the Season 1 finale, offering insight into the series’ violent climax, Fisk’s expanding political vision, and the character’s future. The final episode, now streaming on Disney+, culminates in one of the most graphic and shocking moments seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date, as Fisk kills Commissioner Gallo with his bare hands in front of his inner circle — a scene D’Onofrio called “brutal” and even more intense than Kingpin’s infamous car door kill in Netflix’s original Daredevil.

D’Onofrio explained that the creative team worked closely to differentiate the scene from other violent moments in Marvel history. The killing wasn’t just for shock value, he said, but to illustrate how far Fisk’s power has grown — and how openly he now operates in the shadows of New York’s politics.

The finale also reveals Fisk’s long-term goal: turning New York into a city-state under his personal rule, bypassing federal oversight through the Red Hook project. “First New York,” D’Onofrio said, hinting that Kingpin’s ambitions could eventually stretch beyond the city. Despite the brutality, Fisk believes he’s acting in the city’s best interest — even saying, “I love New York” in a scene meant to assert control rather than affection.

The post-credits scene hints at further conflict, as Punisher escapes from captivity, potentially setting up a rematch. D’Onofrio didn’t confirm Kingpin’s involvement in the upcoming Punisher special but praised Jon Bernthal’s performance and suggested their paths will likely cross again.

When asked about Daredevil’s new black suit and potential ties to the Shadowland storyline, D’Onofrio played coy, leaving room for future surprises in Season 2.

As Daredevil: Born Again sets the stage for Season 2 and beyond, Fisk’s reign — and the resistance against it — is just getting started.