The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to major heroes. The franchise, known for its legendary Infinity Saga, has made some of the most beloved Marvel Comics heroes enjoy their greatest ever success due to the exposure that they have received in the films. And then you take lesser-known characters like Agatha Harkness and Ms. Marvel, both of whom have become mainstream success stories due to their appearances in MCU Disney Plus shows, and it just goes to show you the endless bounds of this saga.
The franchise can make established stars even greater stars and newcomers household names with ease. It's the beauty of the MCU, which has been gracing our screens since 2008 when it did the former for Iron Man, and it continues to do so to this day. And now, it has officially welcomed in another legendary comic book hero to the iconic franchise.
*** This article contains SPOILERS from Daredevil: Born Again. Don't read on if you would prefer the show wasn't spoiled for you. ***
The MCU introduces White Tiger in Daredevil: Born Again
Marvel Television's most recent Disney Plus series, Daredevil: Born Again, recently made its premiere on screens across the world and it instantly received critical acclaim. The revival of the Daredevil Netflix series brought The Man Without Fear back to the small screen - but now as an official part of the MCU. It also featured the debut of a beloved Marvel Comics hero.
That's right, the series officially introduced White Tiger, confirming months of rumors that the character might appear in the show. The Hector Ayala version from the comics, he was referenced in the series premiere when we actually got a glimpse of him suited up via television footage on a news report that showcased him as he attacked some criminals.
We officially met Hector in the second episode of the series when he confronted some corrupt cops, who were threatening to harm a man in the subway station. The scuffle that ensues eventually results in one of the officers getting hit by a train. Hector is eventually arrested and put on trial, with Matt Murdock promising to help him overcome the uphill battle and the lies that the corrupt officers are telling to try and frame him.
Throughout the episode, Matt and Cherry attempt to gather evidence to prove that Hector is innocent and, in doing so, discover that he is actually the superhero known as White Tiger. The reveal comes after Cherry finds the suit in his house, which results in Matt asking Hector about it when visiting him in prison. Although they don't plan on using this in the case, it does stand to the type of man that Hector truly is: A good man.
We know that we will get to see Hector suit up as the White Tiger at some point on the show as an official still for the series (see above) has promised us at least one scene of him in the iconic costume. He also appears to be wearing the mystical amulet that gives him enhanced abilities.
White Tiger was first introduced in the Marvel Comics in 1975 and instantly made history as the first leading Latin American character in American comic books and Marvel's first Hispanic superhero. The Puerto Rican icon isn't the only White Tiger in the family either, as his sister Ava Ayala and niece Angela del Toro both inherit the mantle in the comics.
His introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is pretty huge in and of itself as it marks the first ever live-action appearance for the character. He is portrayed by the late, great Kamar de los Reyes, who sadly passed away in 2023. To say that he did a phenomenal job with the rich character would be a major understatement.
Daredevil: Born Again is now streaming on Disney Plus.