Written by Joy Lyn Parohinog Francisco
Marvel Studios eyes Jenna Ortega as White Tiger in Daredevil: Born Again. The production is in high gear in development while keeping things top secret. Without talking about other original characters’ returns, reports now show they will introduce new ones. But that doesn’t mean Daredevil’s original cast members are off the table, either. We’re look at you, Elden Henson and Deborah Ann Woll.
Ortega portrays the titular role in Netflix’ upcoming series Wednesday. Prior to this, viewers know her through Big City Greens as Gabriella Espinosa. In addition, she is Brooklyn in Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous for television.
Should the deal close, this will not actually be the first time Ortega gets into the MCU. For a few minutes in Iron Man 3, she was the Vice President’s daughter. Thus, Marvel Studios would not be that unfamiliar to her.
Jenna Ortega Eyed As White Tiger In Daredevil: Born Again
Image: Marvel Comics Group
As for White Tiger, this will be the first time the character will appear in the MCU. However, in Marvel Comics, her name is Ava Ayala. The character has also worked closely with the Avengers and Luke Cage’s Heroes for Hire. She hails from a family who have been bearers of the Jade Amulets of Power for generations. According to Marvel.com:
The White Tiger God contained in the Jade amulets grants the wearer superhuman powers and mastery over martial arts. But it is a controlling god. And Ava as its avatar makes a deal with the god. The deal allows him to control her for one night per week without interference from her. But the possession gets out of hand and Ava ultimately overcomes and controls the god. All with sheer will and a persuasive argument.
Do you see it? The character that has the most similarity to this description is Moon Knight. In fact, all three of his personalities were avatars of Khonshu himself. I think this looks like another path for Marvel Studios to connect the ‘real’ and ‘mystic’ in the MCU. If that is their course, then Daredevil has his work cut out for him. Aside from that, in Giant Freakin Robot‘s article, Marvel Studios has a solo project for White Tiger in the pipeline after Daredevil: Born Again.
Another possible version of White Tiger is Angela del Toro, Ayala’s niece. And because this White Tiger first appeared in Daredevil, it’s likely del Toro will be the story arc for the series. But, again, that does not mean the series won’t take some aspects of Ayala into del Toro. Del Toro’s arc covers being a trainee of Daredevil. At one occasion, she is able to reverse the tables and save him. But, Daredevil loses her to Lady Bullseye. But because of the Hand, she’s resurrected after a ritual.
Jenna Ortega Eyed As White Tiger In Daredevil: Born Again
Image; Marvel Comics Group
These stories would be very interesting because the series has the theme title Born Again. Daredevil gets reborn in the supersized 18-episode series. Then he happens to take in an apprentice who eventually gets born again, too.
Some ask if Ortega is up to that task of playing White Tiger. One only needs to look at her past works to see she has the potential. In some projects she has finished, she had physically challenging scenes. For the show, we are sure she will have enough time training for the role. Indeed, should she land the role, Ortega will be very busy. Apart from Scream 6, she also has finished Finestkind. Whereas, both movies are currently in post-production. At present, she is filming for Miller’s Girl. And we guess that she has more on her plate than what information is available.
Doubly interesting is the fact that apart from Daredevil: Born Again, White Tiger might just get her own solo project. We hope everything pans out well for everyone involved.