Daredevil: Born Again is already making waves with its impressive cast, which includes some well-known actors from other big franchises. However, what many may not realize is that a few of these stars have also appeared in another iconic TV series that is Law & Order.

Mariska Hargitay with Ariel Winter in Law & Order: SVU | Credits: NBC

The franchise, whether in the original series or one of its spin-offs, has been a steppingstone for many actors. Among them are some of the standout stars of Daredevil: Born Again. Let’s take a look at three of these actors and the Law & Order roles they once played.

3) Vincent D’Onofrio

Vincent D’Onofrio is widely known for his role as Kingpin in Daredevil, but his career in crime dramas began much earlier with Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He portrayed Detective Robert Goren for ten seasons, becoming a standout in the Law & Order franchise. However, the show’s demanding schedule, with long 16- to 17-hour workdays, took a toll on him, both physically and mentally.

Vincent D’Onofrio in Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Credits: NBC

Despite the exhaustion, he acknowledged that the experience was invaluable via Cinema Blend. In the same interview, while reflecting on his time on the show, D’Onofrio said, “When I left that show, I was ten times a better actor than before I went on it.” The role taught him vital skills, particularly how to transition between scenes and emotions quickly.

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Though working under such pressure often led to frustration, the iconic actor credits his Law & Order role for helping him grow as an actor. The lessons he learned helped him tackle future roles, including the complex character of Kingpin in Daredevil. The same which he will reprise again in the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again.

2) Jon Bernthal

Before becoming famous as The Punisher, Jon Bernthal had a guest role in Law & Order: Criminal Intent (as Lane Ruddock) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In the latter, he appeared in the episode titled Goliath. In this, he played Sherm Hempell, an investigative journalist who discovers the harmful effects of an anti-malaria drug given to Iraq War veterans.

Though his role was short, it was an important early part of his career, showing his talent for playing characters with a strong sense of justice. Although Hempell wasn’t as tough or violent as Frank Castle, his role hinted at Bernthal’s ability to portray characters driven by a deep sense of morality and determination.

Jon Bernthal in Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Credits: NBC

After this, Bernthal’s career took off with big roles in films like The Wolf of Wall Street and TV shows like We Own This City. His time on Law & Order gave him a solid foundation to take on complex roles, eventually leading to his success in the MCU. He will be reprising his Frank Castle role in the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again as well.

1) Deborah Ann Woll

Deborah Ann Woll in Daredevil | Credits: Netflix

Deborah Ann Woll made a guest appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2009. She played the character of Lily Milton in Season 11, Episode 3, where she was a medical student involved in a complicated case. While this was just a brief role, it marked an early point in Woll’s career before she became famous for her portrayal of Karen Page in Daredevil.

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Although Lily Milton and Karen Page are very different characters, Woll’s performance showed her ability to handle complex roles. Her time on SVU allowed her to gain experience in portraying layered, challenging characters, which would later benefit her portrayal of Karen Page. Fans can look forward to seeing Deborah Ann Woll reprise her famous role in the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again.

You can watch all the Law & Order shows on Peacock. On the other hand, Daredevil: Born Again is all set to premier on 5 March 2025.
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