In the latest episode of the Geektown Behind The Scenes podcast, Dave was treated to an illuminating conversation with Michael Shaw, the talented production designer behind Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again. From his unconventional journey into the industry to the unique creative choices behind this bold new vision of Hell’s Kitchen, Michael gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a superhero series from the ground up, without losing its soul.
From Sculptor to Superhero Sets
Michael’s path to Hollywood wasn’t your typical industry tale. Originally a painter, sculptor, and carpenter, his artistic sensibilities eventually led him to the world of production design after a friend invited him to help on a short film. “It was one of those moments where you go, ‘Oh, I would do this for free,’” he shared.
That creative spark brought him to projects like Orange is the New Black, The Staircase, and Billions. But Daredevil: Born Again marked his first foray into the superhero genre – a leap that brought both excitement and a steep learning curve.
Reinventing Hell’s Kitchen
With Born Again, the creative team wanted to strike a careful balance: honouring the original Netflix series while carving out a fresh, cinematic identity. Michael’s lack of a Marvel background turned out to be a benefit. “They were looking for someone grounded,” he explained, “someone who could bring authenticity to the world and make these characters feel real.”
That authenticity began with New York itself. Unlike many Marvel projects, Born Again was actually filmed on location in NYC. “You get things you never expected,” Michael said. “The energy of the city just bleeds into the show.”
Creating Spaces with Story
Michael dives into how each set in Born Again is a character in itself. From Matt Murdock’s sunlit apartment – designed to reflect the beauty he cannot see – to the claustrophobic grandeur of City Hall, every detail is intentional. “For Matt’s world, I used large glass windows with panoramic views of Manhattan. It’s this hyper-visual environment that’s just out of his reach.”
Wilson Fisk’s surroundings, on the other hand, are intentionally uncomfortable. Smaller furniture, tight spaces, and subtle design cues hint at the unease beneath his polished surface.
One of Michael’s favourite sets? The chilling lair of the villain Muse. “It’s like something out of a German expressionist film,” he said, describing the distorted angles, layered textures, and blood-drenched art. “It’s what you dream of building when you’re 10 years old.”
Fights, Foam, and Foam-Covered Bars
Daredevil’s now-iconic close-quarters fight scenes presented another challenge. “The stunt team kept asking me to make spaces tighter,” Michael laughed. “The choreography becomes like a dance – the tighter the space, the more dynamic the fight.”
For those action-heavy scenes, Shaw and his team would cover entire locations in stunt foam, like the opening bar sequence, which was a real New York location turned stunt-friendly battleground.
A Designer’s Eye for Detail
Michael’s passion for detail shines throughout the interview. Whether replicating Gracie Mansion with just enough discomfort to reflect Fisk’s unease, or building Matt’s law office to echo his internal struggle, every environment was crafted with story in mind.
Even fans of the Netflix show will notice the differences, but that’s the point. “We didn’t want to disappoint the fanbase,” Michael said, “but we also wanted something original. Something new.”
What’s Next for Daredevil?
With Daredevil: Born Again already renewed for a second season, Michael confirmed he’s hard at work continuing the show’s evolution. And while he couldn’t share any spoilers (Marvel’s laser-eyed security team, he joked, would never allow it), he did promise one thing: “Next season is going to be incredible.”
A Love Letter to Production Design
Michael also spoke about his admiration for shows like Adolescents and White Lotus, praising their singular creative visions and flawless execution – something he strives for in his own work. And when asked about his dream project? “A gritty, immersive World War II series,” he said without hesitation. “There’s something deeply compelling about building an entire world from the past.”
Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 is currently streaming on Disney+ worldwide. For fans of grounded superhero drama, immersive set design, and character-driven storytelling, Michael Shaw’s vision is one you don’t want to miss.
? Listen to the full interview for more behind-the-scenes insights below!
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