Significance of Ms. Marvel Reference in Daredevil: Born Again Episode 5

In a surprising twist, although Ms. Marvel does not make an on-screen appearance in Daredevil: Born Again, her father, Yusuf Khan, plays a pivotal role in Episode 5, hinting at intriguing developments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Prior to the return of Daredevil, known characters had made notable appearances across the MCU spectrum. Charlie Cox reprised his iconic role as Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home, generating enthusiastic applause from global audiences, before delivering memorable performances in She-Hulk and Echo.

Similarly, Vincent D’Onofrio returned as the formidable Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, in Hawkeye, where he oversaw the nefarious Tracksuit Mafia, and later showcased his darker side in Echo.

Yusuf Khan’s Significant Surprise in Episode 5

Yusuf Khan in Ms Marvel — Source: Disney+

In the recent installment of Daredevil: Born Again, viewers learn that Yusuf Khan serves as a deputy bank manager in New York City. A conversation between Matt Murdock and Yusuf touches upon Matt’s need for a loan and briefly mentions Yusuf’s daughter, Kamala, aka Ms. Marvel.

Yusuf mentions, “My daughter is in California visiting some friends, La La Land as they say, ” raising several questions about Kamala’s whereabouts.

This timeline is particularly interesting as Daredevil: Born Again predominantly unfolds in 2026, following Wilson Fisk’s election as mayor. Conversely, Kamala’s last appearance prior to her mention was in The Marvels, which took place in the summer of 2025.

In that film, she encounters Kate Bishop, presumably hinting at a future collaboration in the Young Avengers. However, the reason for her being in California remains unclear.

Kamala Khan holding a screen with Kate Bishop's face in The Marvels — Source: Marvel Studios

This mention could potentially serve as a tease for the rumored series titled Champions, which would center around a group of young heroes including Ms. Marvel, Kate Bishop, Cassie Lang, America Chavez, Riri Williams (Ironheart), and Billy Maximoff—characters that have gained popularity among fans.

Iman Vellani, the actress portraying Kamala Khan, has expressed her enthusiasm for this project in a recent interview with ScreenRant, stating her interest in how these young characters’ stories are interconnected and emphasizing the potential for new dynamics and character arcs.

Hints of the West Coast Avengers in the Mix?

The reference to “California” also opens discussions about the potential formation of the West Coast Avengers, a superhero team originally spearheaded by Hawkeye in the comics. Given the current state of affairs within the MCU—where a new team is crucial to tackle looming threats and protect the globe—the introduction of a new ensemble seems timely, especially with Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon.

Moreover, the West Coast Avengers could incorporate various other beloved characters, such as Moon Knight, Vision, Scarlet Witch, and US Agent, especially with the latter’s anticipated role in an upcoming Thunderbolts project. This team could even align with the forthcoming Wonder Man series set to debut in December 2025.

For those interested in what to watch leading up to Daredevil: Born Again, we have recommendations at your fingertips. Additionally, if you wish to delve deeper into Daredevil’s lore, check out our exploration of his most intriguing narratives that stand apart from the current MCU continuity.

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