Features Daredevil: Born Again Episode 3s Shock Death Sets Up a Major MCU HeroDaredevil: Born Again episode 3 says goodbye to a major player while introducing some intriguing options for their replacement.By Tom Chapman | March 13, 2025 | | Photo: Giovanni Rufino | MarvelThis article contains spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again episode 3.Marvel isnt skimping on the tragedy when it comes to Daredevil: Born Again. Only three episodes into its nine-episode freshman season, the body count is already starting to pile up. Having already waved goodbye to Elden Hensons Foggy Nelson, another major player bowed out early when Hector Ayala (Kamar de los Reyes) was gunned down following his trial. The real-life passing of Reyes had fans questioning how Born Again would handle the characters arc, with many correctly guessing the writers would follow in the footsteps of Hectors murder on the pages of 2003s Daredevil Vol. 2 #40.While some expected the MCUs live-action Hector Ayala to be killed off in the Born Agains finale to potentially make way for the next White Tiger in season 2, episode 3 The Hollow of His Hand sees Ayala gunned down by someone masquerading as Jon Bernthals Frank Castle, aka the Punisher. While its clear theres more to his murder, and it seems like an easy way for a vengeful Wilson Fisk (Vincent DOnofrio) to push his anti-vigilante agenda, dont expect the MCU to be without a White Tiger for long.Even though Hector Ayala was Marvel Comics first White Tiger, the mantle and his Jade Tiger amulets have changed hands several times over the years. Daredevil: Born Again introduces two potential replacements, with Hectors sister and niece both appearing at his trial. When grilled on the stand, Hector said hed been helping get a studio apartment ready for his sister the night he got into a fight with a pair of crooked cops. Saying that he and his wife had been living with his family, the camera pans over to who we assume are Ava Ayala and Angela Del Toro. Despite neither being named in the episodes credits, Hectors niece (Angela) and his younger sister (Ava) have been known as the fourth and fifth versions of the White Tiger. Mirroring the events of Born Again, comic book Hector was shot following a trial for a murder he didnt commit, although that version was accidentally killed by security guards shortly before evidence proving his innocence came to light.In the aftermath of Hector Ayalas death, Angela del Toro became the White Tiger. Created by Brian Michael Bendis and first appearing in 2004s Daredevil #58, Angela was a former FBI agent whod be assigned to the Daredevil case and was reluctantly pulled into the life of the White Tiger after inheriting her uncles amulets. Considering Bendis is credited as a producer on Born Again, her stepping up as the next White Tiger seems like the most likely option. This wouldnt be the first time the MCU has acknowledged Angela, as way back in Jessica Jones season 1, Krysten Ritters lead promoted her reasonable rates and private investigator skills to Luke Cage (Mike Colter). The ages and timelines dont match up with the young girl seen in Born Again, so this might have to be one of those MCU plot holes we gloss over.Elsewhere, The Hollow of His Hand could give us our first look at Ava Ayala. A slightly more recent addition to Marvel Comics, Ava Ayala debuted in 2011s Avengers Academy #20 as a student of the Avengers Academy whod gone to live with her sister after her parents were murdered by Gideon Mace. Ava was reinvented as Hectors daughter for the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series, and here, she became a fan-favorite addition to S.H.I.E.L.D.s training program for teenage heroes as she served alongside Spider-Man, Iron Fist, Power Man, and Nova. Going against the idea of Ava being the next White Tiger, the woman shown as Hectors sister in Born Again looks older than the characters typical teenage depiction in the comics. Then again, whos to say Hector doesnt have more than one sister, meaning the mystery woman seen in the courtroom isnt Ava Ayala, leaving room for more high-profile casting coming further down the line?No matter who becomes the inevitable next White Tiger, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) training up a young vigilante to make up for exposing Hectors identity in open court seems like a logical way to go. The Young Avengers roster is looking a little too packed for Angela del Toro right now, and while Born Again has seemingly debunked the popular theory that Jenna Ortega could be playing Ava Ayala in the MCU (for now), either of these White Tigers could have an important future in season 2 and beyond. The repercussions of Hectors murder are sure to be felt, with a clip from the season suggesting Castle will be less than happy being accused of pulling the trigger. Even though we didnt get to see much of White Tiger before his untimely death, something tells us his amulet will soon have a new owner.New episodes of Daredevil: Born Again premiere Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Disney+.