Kingpin fans are caught in a conundrum of sorts ever since the Hawkeye finale revealed Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk. However, the series’ cryptic handling of the big bad’s return has everyone wondering if he’s in fact the same character from Netflix’s Daredevil series or a soft reboot for Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Warning: Article contains spoilers for Hawkeye episode 6 and Spider-Man: No Way Home
Earlier this month, Marvel Studios finally addressed the involvement of Marvel characters introduced in the fan-favorite Netflix’s Daredevil series. Fans got their first look at Charlie Cox’s return as the blind lawyer helping Peter Parker (Tom Holland) through his identity expose in Spider-Man: No Way Home. And that followed-up with Kingpin’s return in Hawkeye episode 6, after a brief tease in the prior episode. But currently, the entire fandom seems to have only one question in mind: is D’Onofrio playing the same Fisk from Daredevil?
The 62-year-old star recently discussed his return in Hawkeye and although he didn’t outright indicate his character’s portrayal from Daredevil as canon, D’Onofrio assured that Fisk has the same “emotional life” he developed while playing the antagonist in the Netflix show.
Unfortunately, some fans are not convinced with D’Onofrio’s response while others are choosing to remain patient till his potential return, most likely in Disney Plus’ Echo series. Readers can check out some reactions below.
Hawkeye & Daredevil's Kingpin Are The Same, Confirms Vincent D'Onofrio https://t.co/HMPVqsjpNn
— Vincent D'Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) December 23, 2021
Vincent D'Onofrio saying that he's playing the same Kingpin from Marvel's Daredevil and that his criminal empire took a major hit during the events of the snap/blip is so fucking cool pic.twitter.com/H7hgmlumKP
— That REDACTED Guy #NWH (@REDACTEDSpider) December 23, 2021
You will say that the #Kingpin of #Hawkeye is the same of #Daredevil, but in Daredevil I didn't see that Kingpin will tear car doors with his hands, that he will not be affected by arrows or that he survives such a car at high speed and an explosion.
— GMG (@GabiMG_News) December 23, 2021
Until we see evidence it's the exact same, it probably isn't.
— There Is No More Flash (@Do1tBroLy) December 23, 2021
Some also think MCU’s version of Kingpin is a variant
I’m still sticking with my variant theory. Unless they find a way to connect all the ‘dots’ then it can’t be the same version. They need to somehow show how he became basically indestructible and had a ‘family’ and gang organisation we never knew about. Feels like this is just pic.twitter.com/4ASISf270x
— Josh Barron (@Jongo_bosh) December 24, 2021
Vincent D'Onofrio breaks down his return as Kingpin and that #Hawkeye finale cliffhanger. Plus, will there be a #Daredevil reunion with Charlie Cox? pic.twitter.com/66ZsksZejS
— TVLine.com (@TVLine) December 24, 2021
The reason why Kingpin wasn’t living in some ivory tower and looked to be working in some run down place is because he lost his power after the events of Daredevil season 3, per Vincent D’Onofrio. This officially makes the events of the show MCU canon! pic.twitter.com/3MlwwYljkS
— Tom Smith (@Tom_Smith717) December 23, 2021
The #Kingpin has spoken, now everybody shut up about canon.
Glad to have you back, sir. #Hawkeye https://t.co/MlE2nAC9c7
— Dominic Miller (@MrDominicMiller) December 24, 2021
D’Onofrio even pitched in to clear up a fans’ query regarding if Kingpin is from the Daredevil series and not a soft reboot.
Trust me In Hawkeye I'm playing the character as if the character from DD survivor of "the blip"Is now set on getting back his city.
The blip weakened his crown, his authority over his kingdom. Now he wants it back. He's in damage control mode.
That's all. Merry Merry.— Vincent D'Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) December 23, 2021
While speaking to THR, D’Onofrio also addressed the few add-ons to Kingpin’s nature such as his ability to withstand more punches as well as his newfound brute strength.
“He’s a bit physically stronger than he was. He has more strength and he can take a lot more physical abuse. But in Hawkeye, the thing that will continue to ground him is that he’s based in an emotional foundation. That’s what I think is the key to my portrayal of Fisk. You can do anything you want with him, but his inner self is that of a child and a monster.”
One thing that’s left many puzzled is if Kingpin was a direct victim of the blip or rather lost his power over the city as a result of the blip. Hopefully, the wait won’t be long for the answer to unravel in the upcoming MCU Phase 4 titles.
Hawkeye is currently available to stream on Disney Plus
