Jon Bernthal’s return as Frank Castle was one of the most exciting announcements surrounding ‘Daredevil: Born Again’. Fans who had been waiting years for Bernthal to reprise his role were ecstatic.
His portrayal of the ruthless vigilante struck a perfect balance between raw emotion and brutal justice. He was a natural standout in the Netflix Marvel era. So unsurprisingly, expectations were sky-high. However, aside from a brief appearance in episode 4, the Punisher has been absent from the show.
Frank Castle’s Limited Role In ‘Daredevil: Born Again’
Since The Punisher season 2, Frank Castle has become weary of the never-ending cycle of violence. Once a man defined by vengeance, Castle now appears to be a shell of his former self and perhaps even questioning his methods. The gritty lair full of weapons and surveillance gear suggests he’s been observing from the shadows but not intervening.
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His short reunion with Matt Murdock in episode 4 was filled with tension. The two men once again stood on opposite sides of an argument about justice versus vengeance. Their exchange felt heavy with history. It was powerful, raw, and emotional. And then, he was gone. This wasn’t just a narrative decision. Behind the scenes, ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ went through a major creative overhaul.
The series was originally being developed as something of a soft reboot. But after fan backlash and concerns about pacing and tone, Marvel Studios pivoted mid-production. The Punisher, who hadn’t been part of the original plan, was brought in after the overhaul as a minor character. This explains why Bernthal appears briefly and why his role doesn’t seem fully integrated into the plot.
Marvel Might’ve Big Plans For The Punisher
While fans have had to endure most of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ without the Punisher, signs point to a powerful return in episode 9. Footage from trailers and promotional clips shows Frank Castle fighting alongside a suited-up Daredevil. That version of Castle hasn’t appeared yet, which suggests there’s more to come.
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The show’s eighth episode ends with a nail-biting cliffhanger. Matt Murdock saves Wilson Fisk from an assassination attempt by Bullseye. This unexpected act of mercy is likely to spark a three-way collision between Daredevil, Kingpin, and Bullseye. And if there’s one man who thrives in the chaos of war, it’s Frank Castle.
Matt may be forced to turn to the Punisher’s brutal expertise. While their philosophies differ, they’ve fought side-by-side before when the stakes were high enough. This time, with lives at risk and Fisk’s grip on New York tightening, a temporary alliance might be their only hope. It’s possible that Castle’s decision to return will also stem from unfinished business.
He might also want to deal with the corrupt factions of the NYPD who’ve co-opted his symbol or even those who’ve committed crimes while impersonating him. But, perhaps the biggest reason for the Punisher’s brief role in this season is that Marvel Studios has larger plans for him. A Punisher Special Presentation is officially in development, and this could be the real reason for Castle’s comeback.
