Wilson Fisk is arguably television's greatest villain.
Vincent D'Onofrio's portrayal across Netflix and now Disney+ has created an antagonist of unusual depth—terrifying yet sympathetic, monstrous yet human.
Born Again gives Fisk his most ambitious arc yet: Mayor of New York City.
Here's a deep dive into Kingpin's journey through Born Again and D'Onofrio's finest moments.
The Mayor Storyline
Fisk's political rise changes everything.
The Setup: Post-Blip chaos enabled Fisk's campaign. He presented himself as a law-and-order candidate who could restore stability.
The Reality: Same Kingpin, different costume. His criminal empire never stopped—it just gained legitimate cover.
The Power: As Mayor, Fisk controls police, prosecution, and policy. Hell's Kitchen is essentially his territory with legal backing.
The Challenge for Matt: Fighting a criminal is one thing. Fighting the Mayor is another. Legal channels favor Fisk.
The Corruption: Born Again shows systematic abuse of power. Fisk isn't just breaking laws—he's rewriting them.
D'Onofrio's Performance Evolution
How has Fisk changed since Netflix?
Physical Presence: D'Onofrio remains imposing. But there's weariness now—the Echo shooting left marks beyond scars.
The Voice: That distinctive cadence—halting, precise, dangerous. It's evolved. More controlled, more political.
Emotional Range: Netflix Fisk exploded with rage. Born Again Fisk is more calculated. The explosions come, but they're rarer.
Vanessa's Absence: Without his wife present (though referenced), Fisk is untethered. This affects his stability.
The Craft: D'Onofrio has played this role across multiple projects now. His understanding is deep. Every choice is deliberate.
Best Kingpin Moments Ranked
D'Onofrio's finest work in Born Again.
5. The Press Conference: Fisk as public figure, lying smoothly. The contrast with who he really is creates tension.
4. Private Threat: A quiet scene where Fisk threatens someone without raising his voice. More frightening than any explosion.
3. The Violence Returns: When Fisk finally loses control—the brutality is shocking even after everything we've seen.
2. Confronting Matt: Their conversation in Episode 7. Two men who understand each other too well. The dialogue crackles.
1. The Monologue: Episode 9 features an extended Fisk speech that rivals his Netflix best. D'Onofrio delivers a masterclass in controlled menace.
Every scene he's in elevates the episode.
What's Next for Wilson Fisk
Born Again's ending positions Fisk for future stories.
His Status: Without spoiling specifics—Fisk's political career faces consequences. But Kingpin has survived worse.
Season 2 Potential: D'Onofrio is confirmed for Season 2. Expect continued presence.
The Pattern: Fisk has been defeated before. He always returns. Prison didn't stop him last time.
Broader MCU: Could Kingpin appear in Spider-Man 4? Other projects? D'Onofrio seems willing.
The Legacy: Whatever happens, Wilson Fisk is locked into Marvel history. D'Onofrio created something permanent.
Why Kingpin Works
What makes this villain special?
The Humanity: Fisk genuinely believes he's helping. His love for Vanessa is real. His damage is explained.
The Physicality: D'Onofrio's size and movement create threat without words. Presence matters.
The Contrast: Sophisticated art collector. Brutal murderer. The same person.
The Relationship with Matt: They're mirrors. Both believe they're saving Hell's Kitchen. Both are partially right.
The Writing: From Netflix to Born Again, writers understood what made Fisk work and protected it.
The Performance: D'Onofrio brings everything. He treats Fisk with respect while showing his monstrousness.
Wilson Fisk is why Daredevil matters. And he's not finished.