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Charlie Cox: From Stardust to Daredevil
Charlie Cox has garnered widespread recognition for his portrayal of Matt Murdock, the blind crime-fighter known as Daredevil, a character he brought to life in the acclaimed series, Daredevil. As anticipation builds for his reprisal of the role in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe series, Daredevil: Born Again, set to premiere this March, it’s worth reflecting on Cox’s earlier roles, particularly in the cult classic Stardust. Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, this fantasy film not only showcased Cox’s early talent but has also recently found a new streaming platform.
Stardust is currently available for streaming on Paramount+. The film, which debuted in 2007 under the direction of Matthew Vaughn, follows the whimsical adventure of Tristan Thorn (played by Cox). In pursuit of a fallen star, which he promises to his beloved, Victoria (Sienna Miller), Tristan embarks on a journey into the enchanting realm of Stormhold. The film is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and quintessentially British humor. However, what truly stands out is its impressive ensemble cast, which features renowned actors such as Claire Danes, Henry Cavill, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Robert De Niro, among others, with Ian McKellen lending his voice as the narrator.
Upon its release, Stardust received a mix of reviews, currently holding a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, complemented by a significantly higher 86% audience score. Esteemed film critic Roger Ebert offered a moderate critique, rating it 2.5 out of 4 stars. He remarked, “The movie is not boring, just cluttered and not focused enough,” suggesting that while the film was enjoyable, it lacked a cohesive narrative strength.
Charlie Cox Returns as Daredevil in the MCU
After his notable role in Stardust, Charlie Cox experienced a gradual transition as a leading actor, appearing in diverse roles across various television series, including a guest spot in Downton Abbey and a significant part in Boardwalk Empire. His breakout moment came when he donned the red suit as Matt Murdock in the 2015 adaptation of Daredevil, which premiered on Netflix. This series quickly rose to fame and is often heralded as one of the finest superhero television productions to date. The show’s conclusion in 2019 left many fans eager for Cox’s return to the character.
Fans’ wishful thinking became reality when Cox made a surprise appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home, which reignited enthusiasm for his involvement in the MCU. Subsequently, the announcement of Daredevil: Born Again reinforced the excitement, as it promises to bring back Cox along with many familiar faces from the original series, including Deborah Ann Woll, Vincent D’Onofrio, Elden Henson, and Jon Bernthal. As the release of the show’s trailer approaches, eager viewers are hopeful it will unveil the air date for this much-anticipated series.
Release Date: August 10, 2007
Runtime: 128 Minutes
Source
movieweb.com