Did You Know the ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Episode 3 Song Is by This Cuban Icon?
Disney+
Daredevil: Born Again episode 3 saw the end of another beloved character from Marvel.
*SPOILERS AHEAD FOR DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN EPISODE 3*
After being found not guilty for the accidental death of a cop, everything seemed to be looking up for Hector Ayala, played by the late Puerto Rican actor Kamar de los Reyes. Hector went home with his family, Matt went off to celebrate with his new love interest, and Mayor Fisk… well he planned. For him, these “vigilantes” are just cop killers.
The scene transitions to Hector donning his White Tiger gear. And the song that stars plays in the background as he laces up his shoes is “Una Palabra” by Carlos Valera, a Cuban singer-songwriter. The song continues playing as he puts on his gloves, looks upon his White Tiger amulet, and his puts on his mask. All the while, Fisk monologues about how he ran for Mayor with a promise and says, “…the acquittal of Hector Ayala demands that I keep it.”
When White Tiger hits the streets, looking to help his community, he is brutally shot and killed by a hooded figure. As he gets closer to the camera, the assailant is seen to be wearing a vest with The Punisher white mask on it. What follows is a black screen with the sounds of waves rolling in and the coquí, which is native to Puerto Rico, chirping in the background.
Carlos Varela was a singer-songwriter known for La Nueva Trova, a style of music that is often described as poetic and having political themes. It was a response to the conditions in Cuba during the late 60’s/early 70’s. His other hits include “Nubes,” “Foto de familia,” and “Robinson (Solo En Una Isla).” “Una palabra” has been featured in multiple films and TV shows. It’s previously been used in Powder Keg in 2001, Man on Fire in 2004, and Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer. The song is from his 2000 album Nubes.
Kamar de los Reyes passed away due to cancer after filming his scenes, making this his first and final performance in the MCU. His character’s death echoes the tragic end of White Tiger in the comics. But what follows is someone else taking up the mantle and keeping the White Tiger name alive.
