Summary
Daredevil: Born Again’slatest episode brought back a surprising MCU character — Jack Duquesne, also known as the Swordsman. The character’s return marks a major moment for the ongoing Disney+ series as it nears the end of its first season, with only three episodes left.
Played byBetter Call Saul’s Tony Dalton, Jack Duquesne was first (and last) seen four years ago inHawkeye. His arrival inDaredevil: Born Againisn’t just some Easter egg or minor cameo. Introducing another vigilante like him spices up the storyline and suggests he may have a bigger future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Swordsman’s Role InDaredevil: Born Again
Jack Duquesne Returns To The MCU
Jack’s exact motivations remain unclear, but he clearly opposes Wilson Fisk’s rule as Mayor of New York. In fact, he doesn’t even respect him enough to call him “Mayor Fisk,” which irks Wilson, prompting him to point it out. A major part of their conversation revolves around Jack condemningKingpin’s anti-vigilante agenda. He opposes Fisk’s crackdown because, at the end of the day, Jack himself is a vigilante. This is also why he challenges Kingpin so directly in this episode.
How Jack Duquesne Fits Into The MCU At Large
Kingpin’s Vigilante War In New York Heats Up
As New York’s mayor, Fisk must juggle his public image while secretly running his criminal empire. With this,Daredevil: Born Againis shaping up to be a major showdown between the city’s vigilantes and its corrupt system. Similarly, Matt Murdock struggles to balance his legal career with his on-again, off-again Daredevil identity. Jack Duquesne’s return suggests a bigger fight ahead, as he might even join forces with Matt to bring down Kingpin. The old Fisk may have ignored Jack’s open warning, but this time, Mayor Fisk needs a game plan.
In February,Varietyconfirmedthat Tony Dalton would return as Swordsman in twoDaredevil: Born Againepisodes, so he’s bound to appear again. With fan favorites likethe Punisher returningand the rise of the villain Muse, Swordsman’s presence makes New York’s hero-villain conflict more interesting. However, unlike Daredevil or the Punisher, he fights corruption from a place of wealth and privilege, which makes him more unique. It’s unclear what’s next for him in the MCU. He might join the Avengers, like in the comics, or simply stay a wild card inMarvel’s TV shows.
Who Is Jack Duquesne In Marvel Comics?
Swordsman’s Origins & Powers, Explained
In Marvel Comics, Jacques Duquesne started as a villain but later became a hero and even joined the Avengers. He debuted inAvengers#19 (1965) with a tragic backstory. After witnessing his father’s death, Duquesne trained himself to become a master swordsman and later used those skills as a mercenary and freedom fighter. He also mentored a youngClint Barton (Hawkeye), but they split when Barton learned about his criminal past.
Eventually, Duquesne redeemed himself and fought alongside Marvel’s greatest heroes as a member of the Avengers. Swordsman has no superpowers, but he’s exceptionally skilled in both weapons and unarmed combat. As his name suggests, he’s an expert with swords and knives. InGiant-Size Avengersvol. 1, #2, his lack of powers ledKang the Conquerorto leave him behind while capturing other Avengers, deeming him useless. However, he later proves his worth by teaming up with Hawkeye to free the captured heroes from Kang’s clutches.
When Did The Swordsman Debut In The MCU?
Hint: It Has Something To Do With Bows And Arrows
Tony Dalton’s character first appeared in Hawkeye as a wealthy socialite engaged to Eleanor Bishop, Kate Bishop’s mother. Jack was originally suspected of murdering his uncle, Armand Duquesne III, but he was later proven innocent. Kate initially believed it too, but it was actually her mother who had set him up as a scapegoat for her own crimes and framed him while secretly working with Wilson Fisk.
After Eleanor’s husband died, she had no choice but to work for Fisk to pay off his massive debt. By the end ofHawkeye, Jack proved he was a highly skilled swordsman, easilydefeating the Tracksuit Mafia. In the finale, as police made arrests and medics treated the injured, Jack joked that he enjoyed the experience and might continue. Now, it’s clear he has embraced being a vigilante, using his sword skills to help others.
Swordsman Could Be The MCU’s Street-Level Answer To Iron Man
He’s Got The Charisma For It
In the MCU, Jack Duquesne is far less of a villain than his comic counterpart. Tony Dalton carries over a similar dangerous charm from his role as the ruthless Lalo Salamanca inBetter Call Saul.Speaking toScreenRantin 2021, he described this version of Jack Duquesne and how it differs from the comics.
Jack Duquesne is this sort of Upper East Side, New York, rich guy. Maybe goofy in a way, but then again, you also can immediately tell that he’s got some mad swordsman skills. So, he’s a guy that you’re not too sure if he’s smiling because he’s dumb or if he’s smiling because he knows something and that’s kind of something that I was really trying to get across, you know?
Interestingly, Swordsman is a lot likeIron Man in the MCU. While Daredevil relies on martial arts and legal tactics, and the Punisher uses brute force, Swordsman has money and technology to fight crime more intelligently, like Tony Stark. Unlike Iron Man, he doesn’t have a high-tech suit, but his wealth and skills make him more capable than most street-level heroes. Since he keeps his identity a secret, his conflicts with Fisk’s administration could get interesting. Let’s see what the remaining episodes ofDaredevil: Born Againhave in store for him, if anything.
Daredevil: Born Again
After Charlie Cox’s cameo appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home and supporting role in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Daredevil: Born Again gives Matt Murdock his first show set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Daredevil: Born Again continues the story that started in Netflix’s three-season Daredevil series and sees Wilson Fisk ascend to mayor of New York City.
