Ayelet Zurer Shares Her Journey in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ and Discusses Empowering Women in ‘House of David’

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again.

Ayelet Zurer’s return as Vanessa Fisk in Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again marks a poignant chapter for the acclaimed Israeli actress. Zurer previously portrayed Kingpin’s wife and confidante in Netflix’s original Daredevil series before its cancellation and subsequent revival by Disney+ seven years later.

In a shocking turn during the fifth episode of Season 2, Vanessa suffers mortal injuries amid an escalating conflict within Kingpin’s criminal empire. Despite initial survival, she ultimately succumbs, igniting Wilson Fisk’s rage and despair.

“But she grew into this very interesting character who could take a lot of shit,” Zurer reflected. “By the end of Season One, we see her as part of the complete amalgamation of her and Wilson, both serving a stronger narrative. It’s ultimately a really strong love story, which is interesting because the antagonists often have the most profound affairs. It’s a delicious juxtaposition of menace and love.”

As Zurer learned about Vanessa’s fate this season, she experienced a blend of emotions. Showrunner Dario Scardapane and executive producer Sana Amanat recognized that Vanessa’s death would trigger the necessary anguish in Kingpin to advance the plot. Zurer noted, “It’s beautifully done, even though it’s sad.”

(L-R) Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer) and Wilson Fisk/Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) in Marvel Television’s DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Giovanni Rufino. © 2025 MARVEL.

“In the second season, there’s a new threat coming into the picture,” Zurer explained. “Vanessa feels it, but the internal threat is not enough. Kingpin is always hungry for more, and she begins to sense the increasing danger around her. Dario wrote it beautifully—it’s very internal.”

Zurer emphasized her fascination with Vanessa’s character, stating that while she wishes for further exploration, it is the depth of storytelling that continues to captivate her. “The writers have always attempted to delve into deeper themes, creating striking juxtapositions in story and character.”

Zurer launched her career in Israeli cinema and television during the early 1990s, earning accolades such as an Israel Film Academy Award for her role in Nina’s Tragedies and a nomination for Shtisel. Her Hollywood breakthrough came when casting director Nina Gold recognized her talent in the 2004 film Something Sweet, leading to a role in Steven Spielberg’s Munich.

In addition to her roles in Angels & Demons and Man of Steel, Zurer also stars as Queen Achinoam in the second season of Amazon MGM Studios’ House of David, which attracted 22 million viewers shortly after its first season launch. The series narrates the ascent of the biblical figure David (Michael Iskander), who becomes a celebrated king of Israel.

The story delves into King Saul’s pride and his eventual downfall, as God directs the prophet Samuel to anoint David. Zurer’s portrayal of Achinoam adds depth to a character with limited historical context, presenting her as a politically astute figure in a turbulent period.

Initially hesitant about a biblical retelling, Zurer expressed concern over character development in such stories. However, after discussions with the creators about women’s roles and agency, she recognized the potential for a richer narrative. “Women actually had a lot of power behind the scenes,” she noted, uncovering intriguing aspects of their historical influence.

Queen Ahinoam (Ayelet Zurer) in HOUSE OF DAVID. Photo Credit: Jonathan Prime/Prime © Amazon Content Services LLC

House of David has emerged as one of Zurer’s favorite roles to date. Both series were filmed in Greece, and she described the experience as “incredibly collaborative” and enjoyable.

Zurer was determined to portray Achinoam with depth, insisting she would not be turned into a “wicked queen.” “I found faith was central to her character,” Zurer stated. “When her identity is threatened, she is motivated to protect the King and the Kingdom as part of a self-preservation instinct.”

In choosing her roles, Zurer reflects on her audience’s experience, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of acting. “You are serving a creation of some sort of subconscious,” she explained. “As such, I feel a responsibility for what I contribute to the narrative.”

Currently, Zurer is venturing into writing with three projects in development, including a film that tackles autism and a show she is cultivating alongside a graphic novel. Having illustrated two adult books, she shares a deep respect for the writing craft. “I’ve been writing and developing screen content for over ten years,” she noted. “It’s challenging to finish a piece and then share it with others.”