The last time Marvel stars Charlie Cox and Joe Locke crossed paths, they found themselves in a rather unusual setting—waiting in line for a ride at Disneyland. This was after they had showcased their respective shows, “Daredevil: Born Again” and “Agatha All Along,” at the D23 Expo in Anaheim. The interaction was marked by a charming moment, as Locke fondly recalled Cox’s son wearing a Daredevil T-shirt. “My son thinks I’m a superhero,” Cox shared, highlighting the personal joy his role brings to his family.
Locke, a fan of Cox’s portrayal of Matt Murdock, the blind attorney who doubles as the vigilante Daredevil, is no stranger to the Marvel universe himself. He stars in “Agatha All Along” as Billy, a mysterious character who joins forces with a group of witches. Locke is also known for his role in Netflix’s “Heartstopper,” where he plays a gay teen navigating the complexities of young love.
The Journey of Becoming a Marvel Star
Charlie Cox’s return to the role of Daredevil marks a significant milestone, as it has been a decade since he first embodied the character on Netflix. The transition to Disney+ with “Daredevil: Born Again” brings a new chapter to his superhero journey. Reflecting on this evolution, Cox noted the authenticity that set the original series apart. “We didn’t have the same budget as Marvel Studios, so everything had to be practical,” he explained, emphasizing the genuine feel of the action sequences.
Meanwhile, Locke’s path to Marvel was filled with anticipation and anxiety. “I did 12 auditions for ‘Agatha,’” he revealed, describing the thrill and fear of potentially not securing the role. His dedication paid off, leading to a performance that Cox praised for its subtlety and depth.
Challenges and Transformations
Both actors have faced significant physical demands in their roles. Cox, now reprising his role as Daredevil, admitted that his body isn’t what it used to be, making recovery from intense action scenes more challenging. “I’m so aware of there being a shelf life on how long you get to play a part like this,” he remarked, acknowledging the physical and emotional investment required.
Locke, on the other hand, is navigating the industry’s expectations while staying true to himself. “At the moment, a lot of the auditions I get sent are for the same skinny gay twinks,” he shared, expressing a desire to diversify his roles. Despite efforts to gain weight, he humorously noted the struggle with his fast metabolism.
Marvel’s Expanding Universe
As Marvel continues to expand its universe, the inclusion of characters like those portrayed by Cox and Locke signifies a broader representation. Cox reflected on the initial feeling of being outsiders within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). “We always used to joke about feeling like we’re the stepkids,” he said. However, the landscape has shifted, and the characters now feel more integrated into the MCU.
Locke’s experience in “Agatha” has been akin to attending drama school, surrounded by seasoned artists from whom he could learn. He emphasized the importance of representation, particularly in portraying queer characters whose identities are not solely defined by their sexuality. “The whole point of representation is to change people’s opinions about things,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
Both actors are contemplating the future, with Cox expressing gratitude for the opportunity to return to a beloved role and Locke aspiring to avoid being typecast. Locke looks up to actors like Colman Domingo, whose diverse roles serve as a model for his own career aspirations. “I’m really grateful that I’ve been able to play loads of great queer characters, but I don’t want that to define my career,” Locke explained.
Their conversation underscores the evolving nature of the entertainment industry, where actors are increasingly seeking roles that challenge stereotypes and offer new narratives. As Marvel continues to develop its cinematic universe, the contributions of actors like Cox and Locke will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future.
With “Daredevil: Born Again” and “Agatha All Along” poised to captivate audiences, the journey of these two actors reflects the broader themes of growth, representation, and transformation within the Marvel universe.
