By Michael Ahn ’22
With the third season being absolutely golden, Daredevil has been one of the most popular shows on Netflix. After multiple seasons of massive success, entertainment analytics such as Parrot Analytics estimate Daredevil to be the fourth most popular Netflix Original show. So why did Netflix cancel such a popular show?
According to Netflix,
“Marvel’s Daredevil will not return for a fourth season on Netflix. We are tremendously proud of the show’s last and final season and although it’s painful for the fans, we feel it best to close this chapter on a high note.”
At least officially, Netflix seems to believe that simply finishing the series with season 3, which was incredibly successful, would be better than taking another shot at season 4.
But what does this mean for the future of Daredevil?
Netflix further explains,
“While the series on Netflix has ended, the three existing seasons will remain on the service for years to come, while the Daredevil character will live on in future projects for Marvel.”
While it’s clearly ambiguous as to what “Daredevil the character will live on” means, it could mean that Daredevil could one day rebooted or perhaps even brought back, although it is highly unlikely.
Furthermore, Netflix has been cancelling its other original Marvel Cinematic Universe shows as well. Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Punisher have all been cancelled, and Jessica Jones is soon to follow.
Although Netflix did not officially state this, it is highly likely that Netflix is cancelling their Marvel shows to begin permanently cutting their ties with Disney.
For the past few years, Disney and Netflix enjoyed a mutual and stable relationship with each other. In return for Netflix airing its Original shows under the banner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Disney had always granted Netflix a significant portion of its Marvel films and shows.
But with the upcoming launch of Disney Plus, Disney’s very own streaming service, Netflix would be in direct competition against Disney.
It has already been confirmed that Disney’s new movies, including Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, Spider-man: Far From Home, and most if not all future MCU movies will not be available on Netflix. Furthermore, other Disney movies such as Dumbo, Aladdin, The Lion King, Toy Story 4, and even Star Wars: Episode IX will not be available on Netflix.
With Disney’s discontinuing support for Netflix, it only makes sense for Netflix to begin cutting its service for Disney as well.
