Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtandDaredevilaren’t two shows that are often mentioned in the same breath, but in 2019, the two Netflix shows crossed paths in a very unexpected way. The Ellie Kemper-led sitcom and the Charlie Cox-led superhero drama shared very little in common other than their New York City setting. However,Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidtfound a way to openly acknowledgeDaredevilin a very clever and meta way before the sitcom came to a natural conclusion after four seasons in 2019 and went out on a high.
Inversely,Daredevilbeing axed after three seasons remains one of themost painful Netflix cancelationsto date. Thankfully, theDaredevil: Born Againcastis almost a complete reunion of the original show, suggesting Disney+’s upcoming show will serve as a direct sequel to the Netflix effort. Interestingly, even afterDaredevil’s final episodewas released in October 2018,Marvel fans were treated to one final glimpse into the world of the show’s title charactervia a very unexpected source.
Titus Plays A Doorman In An “Unaired” Daredevil Episode In Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 4, Episode 7
Titus' Daredevil character, Pedro, never appeared in the real Marvel show
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s “Kimmy Fights a Fire Monster!” is the installment that serves as the sitcom’s creativeDaredevilcrossover. After Titus' long stretch of underwhelming acting gigs, he snags a role as a doorman in Netflix’sDaredevilshow. Granted, it’s a very small part with just one line, but it’s a massive improvement on his previous achievements. It’s later revealed thatthe episode in which Titus starred hadn’t aired yet, despite his claims that he had been recognized as a “celebrity”
“Evening, Mr. Murdock. No one came for that FedEx. Thank you, Pedro!” - Titus' line as the doorman (including the line that was intended for Charlie Cox’s character, which Titus also said “accidentally.")
Titus never appeared in the realDaredevilshow, so there are a couple of different possibilities to explain his absence. The first one is that Titus' scene was cut. The issue with this theory is that"Kimmy Fights a Fire Monster!” was released afterDaredevilhad ended. Therefore, Titus wouldn’t have been required to play the part. So, the most reasonable explanation is that, in the world ofUnbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, production did actually begin onDaredevilseason 4 before Netflix pulled the plug - unlike in reality.
John Bernthal Plays A Punisher-Esque Role In The Same Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Episode Daredevil Is Namedropped
Titus' false love interest, Ilan, has similar traits to Frank Castle
Titus' fictitiousDaredevilcameo could easily be explained as Netflix making use of its intellectual property if it were the only reference to the show in “Kimmy Fights a Fire Monster!” However, the sitcom doubles down on its nod to the superhero series by castingThe Punisher’s leading man, John Bernthal. The actor debuted as Frank Castle inDaredevilseason 2, and Bernthal’s character inUnbreakable Kimmy Schmidtshares a similar military history and overall demeanor to that of his Marvel counterpart.
John Bernthal’s presence inUnbreakable Kimmy Schmidtcreates a weird canon issue, as it implies Ilan is his own character, but the existence ofDaredevilas a show means the actor John Bernthal is also a separate (and identical) person.
Kemper’s show hides the additional reference well at first. Although Bernthal’s character, Ilan, is initially presented as a potential love interest for Titus, it quickly becomes apparent there is far more beyond the surface of the man Bernthal is playing. It’s whenIlan is outed as a spy with a dark and bloody pastthat Bernthal’s casting inUnbreakable Kimmy Schmidtbecomes another proper connection toDaredevil.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Cast
When cheerful, optimistic Kimmy Schmidt is rescued from a doomsday cult after spending years underground, she opts not to return home to Indiana and instead decides to try and make it in New York City.
