Way back in spring 2014, both Marvel Studios and Warner Bros. were engaged in a release date showdown, when Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice moved to May 6, 2016, the same date Marvel had staked out for an unidentified movie, which was revealed to be Captain America: Civil War. Eventually, Warner Bros.' blinked and moved Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice to March 25, 2016. But now it seems the studios could be directly competing against each other on that same date. An unconfirmed report from ComicBook.com reveals that Marvel and Netflix are eyeing a March 25 premiere date for Season 2 of Marvel's Daredevil.
The premiere date has not been confirmed by Marvel or Netflix yet, but if it's proved to be true, it could be interesting to see how this season's debut impacts the box office take for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Netflix's shows often debut at 12:01 AM on Fridays, so it's possible that it could alter the Thursday night preview grosses for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Of course, die-hard fans of both franchises could easily find the time to watch both the movie and the complete season during a weekend, but more casual fans may have to choose one over the other.
The first season of Marvel's Daredevil debuted on April 10, so if this news of the Marvel's Daredevil Season 2 debut is true, it will arrive a few weeks earlier that the first season. Netflix also released the first season of Marvel's Jessica Jones last year, with Marvel's Luke Cage believed to arrive sometime this year. It isn't known when the fourth Marvel/Netflix series, Marvel's Iron Fist or the miniseries The Defenders will arrive.
Even if it is confirmed that Marvel's Daredevil will debut on Friday, March 25, this move most certainly would not have happened if Marvel's Daredevil was a movie opening in theaters. That would likely cost both studios millions of dollars, but this release date rivalry won't be nearly as costly for each studio. It's possible that Marvel could also try to position its upcoming shows like Marvel's Luke Cage, Marvel's Iron Fist or The Defenders against Warner Bros.' superhero movie slate that kicks off with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, with other movies such as Suicide Squad (August 5, 2016) and Wonder Woman (June 23, 2017).
As of now, though, we'll have to wait and see if the studio does confirm the March 25 premiere date for Marvel's Daredevil Season 2. Do you think Marvel's Daredevil could actually adversely affect the box office performance for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, if they both do open on March 25? Let us know what you think below, and stay tuned for more on both Marvel's Daredevil and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.