Vincent D’Onofrio Says Hawkeye’s Kingpin is Stronger Than Before

In Hawkeye, Vincent D’Onofrio had the pleasure of reprising his role as the nefarious Kingpin from Netflix’s Daredevil. According to him, the villain has only gotten stronger.

Before returning to Hawkeye, Kingpin’s story had ended in Daredevil with him finally being thrown into the slammer. This was a big victory for Matt Murdock, to whom it was repeatedly proved that Kingpin was too powerful to be put into prison. Murdock’s only other alternative would be killing Kingpin, which he resisted.

But it seems like the victory is short-lived (and a little disappointing for Daredevil fans). In conversation with Screen Rant, D’Onofrio says that Kingpin is a greater threat in Hawkeye than he ever was in Daredevil.

Like in the Hawkeye show, Fisk is obviously physically stronger and can take more physical abuse.

Vincent D’Onofrio

Kingpin has always been known for his big stature and even bigger brawn. A scene that immediately comes to my mind is Kingpin and Kate’s fight sequence. The younger Hawkeye manages to beat him with some handy tricks, but it still blows my mind that Kingpin survives the explosion like it’s no big deal!

Now, Hawkeye does not give us any explanation about how Kingpin escaped Daredevil’s prison sentence. But his strength coupled with his powerful connections could be a possible reason.

(Let’s make a petition for Marvel to sort out the two shows’ timelines!)

D’Onofrio’s comment about Kingpin’s strength points to something else too. Once again, Kingpin seemingly meets his end when Echo shoots at him in Hawkeye. We’re led to believe she kills him, but with the camera panning away, it’s anyone’s guess what actually happened.

In fact, in the comics (Daredevil #10) too, Echo shoots Kingpin multiple times but he survives, being temporarily blind. The Hawkeye ending is open enough to go down this route.  

All of D’Onofrio’s performances in Hawkeye have evoked the same gut-wrenching feelings from his time as Kingpin in Daredevil. If he does return on screen, I think fans will welcome him with open arms, just like they did for Hawkeye.

About Hawkeye

Hawkeye is an upcoming television miniseries for the Disney+ streaming service. Created by Jonathan Igla, it is based on the Marvel comic character of the same name. The show will feature Clint Barton aka. Hawkeye and newcomer Kate Bishop who will eventually become the next Hawkeye.

Cast members include Jeremy Renner who will be reprising his role as Barton, and Hailee Steinfeld will be playing Kate Bishop. Additional cast includes Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, and Florence Pugh, who too will reprise her role from the unreleased “Black Widow”. Hawkeye is scheduled to be released in November 2021.

Source: Screenrant