Daredevil actor Amy Rutberg has confirmed the existence of the rumored contract clause that says Netflix characters are prevented from appearing outside the platform for at least two years.
Following the cancellation of Netflix’s Daredevil, whispers of a contract clause preventing Matt Murdock and Daredevil from appearing on Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+, began making the rounds. That contract clause would prevent any of the Defenders characters like Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, Kingpin, Elektra, and others from appearing in non-Netflix content.
Amy Rutberg, who plays Marci Stahl, confirmed the contract while speaking to Inverse:
“There is this very real contract with Netflix. I had heard 18 months, maybe it’s 2 years. I suppose it’s possible that Marvel could buy them out, but I have not heard so much as a whisper.”
But she wasn’t done there. She urged fans not to lose hope. Rutberg believes there is still a chance for the show to continue if fans apply a ton of pressure.
“Fans should know there really is power in social media. That’s how companies like Netflix track the success of these shows: How much people are talking about them on social media. Your tweets and hashtags have power. People are listening.”
Rutberg also revealed that the decision by Netflix to cancel Daredevil came as a shock to Marvel executives. She also indicates the decision to cancel the show was done by Netflix and not Marvel.
“My contacts at Marvel were very surprised. Any of the rumors that it was a Marvel decision are wrong, I think it was purely a Netflix decision. That comes from personal conversations with people high up at Marvel. They were surprised.”
Daredevil actor Charlie Cox was also surprised by the decision and expressed his sadness over the show’s demise. While speaking to Entertainment Weekly he went on to say he understood the cancellation, but still felt there were more stories to tell:
“It’s just how business works. But also, these characters mean a lot to people. It’s weird to think there’s a chance I won’t be playing Matt Murdock ever again. That’s a bizarre feeling, because that character has been such a huge part of my life for the last four and a half years.”
However, just like Rutberg, Cox hasn’t forsaken hope of reprising the role of Daredevil.
“Oh my God, yeah. I don’t know how this would happen, but maybe one day we could pick up the baton and do it again.”
As of right now, there are two Marvel shows left on the streaming service. The Punisher will see its second season come to Netflix next month and Jessica Jones is slated for season three sometime next year.
What do you think? Will this contract spell doom for the actors playing these characters? Could we see Charlie Cox play the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen again? Or will we be surprised? Do you believe that Disney might be willing to buy out the contract?
Let me know your theories in the comments below!