A new set photo from the MCU show Daredevil: Born Again reveals another returning character may join the cast after previously being recast.

A set image from Daredevil: Born Again seemingly reveals the return of another original character. The upcoming Disney+ Marvel Cinematic Universe show, which is set to premiere in 2025, is a sequel to Daredevil, which ran on Netflix for three seasons between 2015 and 2018 as part of the Defenders universe that also included Jessica Jones and The Punisher. The new show, which follows up on previous MCU cameos from Charlie Cox as Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin, also features the returns of Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson, Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, and Jon Bernthal as Punisher.

On his Instagram stories, photographer Steve Sands shared an image from the set of the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again that seems to reveal that Ayelet Zurer will be reprising her role as Vanessa Mariana. The image, which was later reshared on Twitter by Daniel Richtman, shows Zurer in costume conversing with D’Onofrio as Kingpin outside of what seems to be a New York City building. This news comes after it was previously announced that the role of Vanessa had been recast with House of Cards actor Sandrine Holt.

Ayelet Zurer’s Role In Daredevil Explained

Vanessa Was A Key Figure In The Marvel Show

The show walking back Vanessa’s recasting seems to have come about amid Disney+’s creative retooling of the show, an overhaul that began as of September 2023 after six episodes had already been shot. Whatever the reason for her recasting and eventual return, it makes sense for Zurer to reprise the role of Vanessa in the Daredevil: Born Again cast. Although she has not appeared alongside Kingpin (whose real name is Wilson Fisk) during his appearances in the recent MCU shows Hawkeye and Echo, Vanessa is vital to his ongoing storyline.

Vanessa was originally introduced in Daredevil as an art gallery curator with whom Fisk had frequent interactions, appearing in 11 episodes across seasons 1 and 3. The duo grew closer and closer over the course of the show, eventually getting married. She is a complicated character in and of herself, as she approves of Fisk’s underworld activities, but she also provides a foil for the villainous character, showing the softer side of the hardened Hell’s Kitchen criminal.

During the events of Daredevil season 2, Marianna has left New York to avoid being implicated in Kingpin’s crimes.

However, it must be acknowledged that information revealed in Daredevil: Born Again set photos won’t necessarily end up in the show itself. Another overhaul could eventually see a new star brought in for Zurer’s role, or the scene depicted in the new image could eventually be cut. Given the number of legacy characters who have already been brought back for the show, though, it seems likely that Disney+ intends on having the character appear in at least one episode.