Jessica Jones is officially making her return. The fan-favorite character, played by Krysten Ritter, is set to appear in the upcoming episodes of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2—marking her first on-screen appearance since the end of her Netflix series in 2019. With New York now under stricter control and vigilantes facing increasing pressure, Jessica’s return comes at a pivotal moment.

Marvel Television previously built a grounded, interconnected universe on Netflix with shows like Daredevil (2015–2018), Jessica Jones (2015–2019), Luke Cage (2016–2018) and Iron Fist (2017–2018). Unlike the blockbuster tone of the films, these series focused on street-level crime, moral ambiguity, and character-driven storytelling, culminating in The Defenders (2017), which brought its heroes together in a crossover event set entirely in New York City.

Most recently, Mike Colter and Finn Jones were spotted on the set of Daredevil: Born Again Season 3 in New York City, reuniting with Krysten Ritter and signaling that the Netflix-era Defenders will return on-screen.

Here’s everything you need to know about Jessica Jones before she steps back into this world.

A private investigator who avoids the “hero” label

Jessica operates as a private investigator, running Alias Investigations out of her apartment in New York. Most of her cases are small-scale, but they often spiral into something far more dangerous. Her reluctance to embrace the superhero identity is a defining trait.

In Daredevil: Born Again, Wilson Fisk is tightening control and criminalizing vigilantes. Even if Jessica resists the “hero” label, her powers—and her history—make her a target

Jessica’s abilities go beyond brute force. She has enhanced durability, increased speed, and a healing factor that allows her to recover faster than most people. Still, she’s far from invulnerable. Her biology also plays a subtle role in her struggles, particularly when it comes to alcohol, which she uses as a coping mechanism but is less affected by than an average person.

Jessica gained her abilities after surviving a car crash that killed her family. She was subjected to experiments by a shadowy organization known as IGH. Her mother, who also survived the accident, developed similar powers but suffered severe psychological damage.

Kilgrave and the lasting impact of control

Jessica’s past was deeply tied to Kilgrave, one of the most dangerous villains she ever faced. Played by David Tennant, he had the power to control minds, forcing people to obey his every command. Jessica spent months under his control, during which she was compelled to act against her will—including killing Reva Connors, the wife of Luke Cage (Mike Colter). She eventually broke free after developing an immunity to his powers and ultimately killed him at the end of Season 1.

Even after his death, Kilgrave continues to affect her. In Season 2, after Jessica kills a man in self-defense, she begins hallucinating him. In these moments, he taunts her and questions her actions. The hallucinations stop after she pushes back and regains control of the situation. He is referenced again at the end of Season 3, when Jessica considers leaving New York. Hearing his voice again plays a role in her decision to stay and continue running Alias Investigations.

Jessica Jones and The Defenders

Jessica’s connection with Luke Cage begins in Jessica Jones Season 1. The two meet at Luke’s bar and quickly form a bond, drawn together by their shared abilities and emotional scars. Their relationship turns romantic, but it’s ultimately torn apart by the lingering impact of Kilgrave—particularly when Luke learns that Jessica was responsible for his wife Reva’s death while under mind control. The fallout leaves their relationship fractured and unresolved.

When they reunite in The Defenders, that history still lingers. While they don’t rekindle their romance, they do manage to rebuild a level of trust as they fight side by side against a common enemy. Jessica meets Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) for the first time during The Defenders, after an investigation leads to her arrest.

Matt unexpectedly steps in as her lawyer, marking the beginning of a reluctant partnership. It doesn’t take long for Jessica to realize he’s more than just a defense attorney, and the two are soon pulled into the same conflict involving the Hand. This also leads her to cross paths with Danny Rand/Iron Fist (Finn Jones).

Jessica Jones’ daughter

Jessica’s return in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 comes with a major update to her story: she now has a daughter. The reveal appears in the latest trailer, where she mentions that her home was targeted while her child was there—likely by Wilson Fisk’s anti-vigilante task force.

While this development may surprise some viewers, it has deep roots in Marvel Comics. Jessica and Luke Cage began a relationship in the early 2000s, which eventually led to the birth of their daughter, Danielle, in The Pulse #14. Shortly after, Luke proposed, and the two married in New Avengers Annual #1. In the comics, Danielle grew up surrounded by superheroes, even living at Avengers Mansion for a time while Luke was an active Avenger.

The MCU, however, may take a different approach. It has not been confirmed whether Luke is the father of Jessica’s daughter or whether the two are currently together, leaving open the possibility of a different dynamic—whether a continuing relationship or co-parenting.