Luke Cage’s Daredevil: Born Again Reveal Sparks Instant Déjà Vu Among Fans

MCU fans have been holding their breath for more than a little while, waiting to see if any of the Netflix-era Marvel heroes would actually show up or even get a name-drop in the ever-expanding Disney+ world. Well, if you’ve been hoping for an update on Mike Colter’s Luke Cage, Season 2 of 'Daredevil: Born Again' finally delivers—sort of.

Luke Cage: Back in the Conversation

For everyone keeping score at home: up until now, Luke Cage has been missing in action from the new run of Marvel shows. But that didn’t stop the rumors—or the wishful thinking. Fans have been tracking little teases about the big guy, especially after Danielle, the daughter of Luke and Jessica Jones, showed up earlier this month in S2, Episode 6 ('Requiem'). That wasn’t enough for fans, who wanted something more concrete.

Enter Episode 7, 'The Hateful Darkness.' Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) corners Mr. Charles, played by Matthew Lillard—yes, that Matthew Lillard—who spills the beans in a way only MCU plot lines can. When Jones asks where the heck Cage has been, the answer? 'He is overseas. He's doing the Lord's work.' Not exactly a detailed location drop, but hey, it’s more info than we’ve had in years.

So, Where’s Luke?

The plot thickens here. According to Mr. Charles, who works for the CIA chief, there’s now a theory floating around that Cage may be getting his hands dirty with the CIA—or possibly with Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine ('Val' for short, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus). If you know your Marvel deep cuts, Val is very much up to her neck in all the government shady business these days.

What Are Fans Saying?

Reaction online was, in typical MCU fandom fashion, instant and loud. A few real highlights:

• 'LUKE CAGE MENTION!?!?!?!?!?!? WE F------ WON.' – Okay, I think this person might be excited.
• Someone else decided this was confirmation that he's 'working for Mr Charles to protect Jessica and Danielle. Good enough for me.'
• Another fan’s theory: 'Still not nearly enough Jessica Jones for my liking, BUT the Luke Cage mention was dope. So he’s been working for Val doing CIA black ops shit the last few years...cannot wait for our defenders reunion in season 3.'
• And because Marvel fans can’t help themselves, there’s already a Hero for Hire theory—maybe Luke’s a globetrotting Iron Fist-type right now, or kicking off a new Heroes for Hire combo.

Is This the Start of a Proper Comeback?

If you’re hoping to see Mike Colter actually show up again—well, nothing is official yet. But the writers clearly want you to keep watching and speculating. Will we actually get a proper Defenders reunion? Is this all just leading up to another Disney+ crossover? Or is it a slow tease for something more?

I’ll say this: after all those years where the Netflix heroes seemed persona non grata in the MCU, even a throwaway line is a pretty big deal. And knowing Marvel, one vague ‘overseas’ mention today could be groundwork for a whole arc tomorrow. Stay tuned—and don’t be shocked if more old friends (and their super-powered kids) start popping up before it’s all over.