Crafting the Bullseye Diner Scene in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’
The Season 2, Episode 4 installment of Daredevil: Born Again delivers a standout action sequence centered on Benjamin Poindexter, aka Bullseye. The scene opens with quiet domestic moments before exploding into violence at a local diner.
How the diner scene unfolds
Benjamin Poindexter prepares for his day in mundane ways. He makes his bed, feeds a neighbor’s cat, and orders a banana milkshake at the diner.
He then places a false 911 call claiming to have spotted Frank Castle. Mayor Fisk’s Anti-Vigilante Task Force responds and Bullseye turns everyday objects into weapons.
Silverware, toothpicks and even a live lobster become lethal tools. The sequence showcases the character’s improvisational marksmanship.
Designing the sequence
Showrunner Dario Scardapane and director Solvan “Slick” Naim pushed to raise the stakes. Their aim was to highlight Bullseye’s unique fighting style and accuracy.
Supervising stunt coordinator and second-unit director Philip Silvera led choreography and camera planning. He required weeks of prep and previsualization to stage each move precisely.
Silvera described the challenge as an opportunity to differentiate Bullseye from other fighters. He emphasized the character’s willingness to kill, unlike Matt Murdock’s moral code.
Filming intensity and logistics
The production executed nearly 80 setups in one day for the diner sequence. Crew members worked long, intense shifts of about 12 to 14 hours to complete it.
Wilson Bethel compared the pace to an indie shoot, noting a Marvel movie would have used roughly three weeks for the same sequence. The cast and crew pushed hard to finish efficiently.
Performance and preparation
Wilson Bethel, who first appeared as Bullseye during the original Daredevil season three, reacted emotionally when he first saw the completed scene. He said the moment moved him at the wrap party.
Bethel prepared for choreography by listening to Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” on repeat. He rode a Citi Bike around Brooklyn while studying the song’s rhythm to internalize the tempo.
Soundtrack and staging
The sequence was edited and choreographed to the Billy Joel track. That choice helped shape timing, camera movements, and actor beats.
The production’s approach to crafting the Bullseye diner scene used music as a tool to synchronize action and character performance.
Visuals, kills, and final product
Cinematography focused on speed and targeting. The camera work captured rapid, precise eliminations.
Silvera pointed out both on-camera and off-camera kills as part of the scene’s rhythm. Two off-camera moments include a spatula lodged in a throat and a fork driven into a forehead.
Silvera praised the stunt team, camera department, and entire crew for delivering a grueling but rewarding day. He said the final cut proved the effort worthwhile.
- Episode: Season 2, Episode 4, “Gloves Off”
- Character: Benjamin Poindexter / Bullseye (Wilson Bethel)
- Showrunner: Dario Scardapane
- Director: Solvan “Slick” Naim
- Stunt coordinator / Second-unit director: Philip Silvera
- Soundtrack highlight: “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel
- Notable stat: ~80 setups filmed in a single day
