The Marvel Cinematic Universe has spent much of its time away from the street-level characters save for Daredevil and Spider-Man. But with Daredevil: Born Again finally here, this arena of the MCU has been blown wide open. With that, it also means new characters can finally get their time to shine and fans are already fan casting big names for roles like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s Jenna Ortega as the iconic White Tiger.
The character of White Tiger is one who has had little fanfare over the decades but carries an important title as the first Latine and Puerto Rican superhero in comics. The character was created by Bill Mantlo and the late George Pérez and first appeared in the magazine Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #19. With Mantlo giving Pérez full creative freedom, the Puerto Rican artist based the face of Hector Ayala on his brother, David, his name on some neighborhood friends, and even the world around the character on Pérez’s own life.
After a team of martial artists known as the Sons of the Tiger, a trio whose power came from the Jade Tiger amulet, disbanded, Hector Ayala found them and used them to turn into the White Tiger. Protecting his neighborhood, he worked with many heroes like Spider-Man until his actions as a hero led to the murder of his sister and mother. Years later, Hector returned only to be framed for murder and, after panicking at possibly being wrongfully sent to prison, was gunned down trying to escape the courthouse.
The legacy of the White Tiger was then passed down to his niece and FBI Agent, Angela Del Toro, who, fueled by her desire for justice, donned a suit of her own. Though she was an ally for some time, she eventually fell to villainy and was no longer White Tiger, with the amulet going to Hector’s sister, Ava Ayala, the very same character fans are clamoring for Ortega to play and one that, so far, has only been shown proper justice in a cartoon.
While the Ultimate Spider-Man show has given Ava Ayala her time to shine, Daredevil: Born Again has set her up for a potential and long-overdue debut in live-action. As of now, the late Puerto Rican actor Kamar de los Reyes will bring Hector to life in his final role following a battle with cancer.
With Daredevil: Born Again setting up Matt Murdock working with Hector Ayala to get out of jail, it’s likely this is gearing up for a similar passing of the torch to either Angela or Ava. Granted, while Ortega has been speculated for years to take on the role, the actress who also appeared in a small role in Iron Man 3 hasn’t won over every fan of White Tiger, with some wondering if she’s the right fit for the role.
There’s excitement in the air for the possibility of Ortega joining the MCU as a prominent and historic hero. Especially with a show that’s already breaking down doors by kicking off with an episode directed by a Latino. It can’t be understated how important it is for a character like White Tiger to finally be brought to the mainstream. Like Black Panther, George Pérez and Bill Mantlo’s creation deserves recognition as there likely wouldn’t have been a Miles Morales without White Tiger.
Daredevil: Born Again is now available on Disney+.
Originally published on October 21, 2024. Updated March 12, 2025.
