Vincent D’Onofrio on the Physical Demands of Playing Kingpin

Vincent D’Onofrio’s dedication to his craft has often meant significant physical transformations, particularly when embodying the formidable Kingpin. In a recent interview on the “Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum” podcast, the 66-year-old actor discussed the toll the role has taken on his body and his evolving approach to portraying the iconic Marvel villain.

The Weight is Over (For Now)

“One thing is that I don’t have to have the weight on for the Marvel role anymore, which is a big deal, just for health reasons and stuff,” D’Onofrio revealed. The cyclical process of gaining and losing weight for the role had become unsustainable. “Taking it on, putting it back on and blah, blah, blah. It’s just, I can’t do that kind of stuff anymore. So yeah, it’s easier to stay fit now that I can wear this like, big fat suit, muscle suit thingy.”

The Kingpin Suit: More Than Just Weight

The current solution involves a specialized suit that replicates Kingpin’s imposing physique. D’Onofrio described the suit as “more than heavy, it’s hot and tight,” covering his entire body from ankles to wrists. This allows him to maintain the character’s presence without the detrimental health effects of extreme weight fluctuations.

A History of Portraying Wilson Fisk

D’Onofrio first captivated audiences as Wilson Fisk in the Netflix series, “Daredevil,” from 2015 to 2018. He reprised the role in episodes of “Hawkeye” (2021) and the 2023 miniseries, “Echo.” Most recently, he’s returned to the character in two seasons of “Daredevil: Born Again.”

The Complexity of Kingpin

Kingpin, the powerful crime boss of Marvel’s New York City, is undergoing a fascinating evolution in the new “Daredevil” series, attempting to legitimize himself through a mayoral run. D’Onofrio delves into the character’s multifaceted nature, telling GQ in April, “He’s a very manipulative person, Wilson Fisk. He’s sort of a genius at manipulating, and he’s a incredible, you might say, chess player when it comes to life. And he’s also a monster. And he’s also a big baby.” He adds, “He’s an interesting character to play. That’s why it’s still fun to play him.”

A Dynamic Duo: D’Onofrio and Cox

D’Onofrio shares the screen with Charlie Cox, both reprising their roles from the 2015 Netflix series. He expressed his excitement about their scenes together, telling Entertainment Weekly in April, “I’ll speak for myself: I love those scenes. We hardly ever get to do scenes together, [Cox] and I, and he’s just become so good at playing this character that it’s a thrill to join him in scenes.” He emphasized the enduring enthusiasm they both have for their characters and ensuring they are portrayed authentically.

From Netflix to Disney+ and Beyond

The second season of “Daredevil: Born Again” promises a spectacular showdown between Kingpin and Daredevil, reminiscent of the original Netflix series. Before D’Onofrio’s acclaimed portrayal, Ben Affleck first brought Daredevil to life in the 2003 film, alongside Jennifer Garner as Elektra. Their on-screen chemistry blossomed into a real-life romance, leading to marriage and three children, though they ultimately divorced in 2015.

Affleck has spoken positively about his co-parenting relationship with Garner, highlighting their commitment to their children’s well-being.

Vincent D’Onofrio at the premiere of “Daredevil: Born Again” season 2 in March 2026. (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Disney)