Charlie Cox Explains Why Karen & Foggy Were Absent From the Original ‘Born Again,’ Says He Is Uncertain Whether the Show Will Continue Beyond Season 2

‘Daredevil: Born Again’ is one of the most highly anticipated projects, despite facing a rocky development. Initially, the show was set to take a very different approach, with some insiders even describing it as “boring.”

The biggest shock, however, was the exclusion of Elden Henson’s Foggy Nelson and Deborah Ann Woll’s Karen Page from the reboot. This decision sparked outrage among fans, who took to social media to protest their absence.

Later, it was announced that the series would undergo a major creative overhaul, reducing its episode count and shifting its focus. These changes also led to the return of beloved characters, much to the relief of fans.

After production resumed following the SAG-AFTRA strike, leaked set photos confirmed what fans had been hoping for—Karen and Foggy were officially back.

Now in his most recent interview, Charlie Cox & the showrunners addressed why both characters were absent from the original draft. The creative team struggled to find the right way to include them. Sana Amanat, one of the key figures behind the show, admitted that while their story wasn’t forgotten, it simply hadn’t been properly integrated into the initial plans. Cox also recalled that while there were ideas for Karen and Foggy later on, the early version of the show didn’t really acknowledge their whereabouts.

However, that changed with the series’ creative overhaul. Woll, who was surprised by her return, admitted that stepping back into Karen’s shoes after so long felt strange at first. She was worried it might feel like she was just imitating her past performance. But thanks to the natural chemistry between her, Henson, and Cox, everything quickly fell into place, and she was able to slip back into the role seamlessly.

The first scenes featuring Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll, and Elden Henson together were captured by paparazzi, showing them leaving their law office, Nelson, Murdock, Page: Attorneys at Law—a dream they had at the end of the original series. They were also spotted filming outside Josie’s Bar, their go-to hangout.

Cox reflected on how strange it felt that Karen and Foggy weren’t originally included in the reboot, calling it “painful and odd.” He had kept them updated on what he knew, but actually being back on set together, both in-character and reminiscing off-screen, was an emotional moment. Filming in Hell’s Kitchen—which wasn’t used in the Netflix show—added to the surreal experience, and seeing fans on the street made the reunion feel even more special.

They hadn’t been there, and that felt painful and odd. I’d spoken with them both and told them what I knew and what I understood to be happening, but for them to then be on set, walking down the street, reminiscing over the past in the scene as well as behind the scenes, it was quite emotional. We were in Hell’s Kitchen, which was bizarre. We didn’t really shoot in Hell’s Kitchen previously. But we actually happened to be coming out of a storefront and there were lots of fans on the street. It was healing.

Marvel brought back Karen and Foggy because they were seen as the heart of both the original show and Matt Murdock’s story. Their presence challenges Matt and forces him to face their shared past.

Cox also addressed the potential future of the show, as you are likely aware the show was renewed for a second season even before the first season’s premiere. Cox says he doesn’t know about any plans beyond Season 2 but thinks it would be great if the story continues. After overcoming a difficult development process, Marvel now has renewed confidence in Daredevil.

“It would be cool for that journey to continue.”

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!