Marvel fans have a lot to look forward to as Frank Castle is back, and he’s bringing the mayhem with him. Jon Bernthal is set to return as ‘The Punisher‘ in a Disney+ Special Presentation.
In addition to his return, he will co-write the script with director Reinaldo Marcus Green. Moreover, this marks his first solo outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since Netflix’s ‘The Punisher’ ended in 2019.
Why Jon Bernthal Is The Perfect Punisher
Before his standalone adventure, Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle will first make an impact in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’. All this once again proves why he remains one of the most compelling antiheroes Marvel has ever put on screen. “It’s like a shotgun blast of a story. But it also has all the pathos and emotion that you want out of a Frank Castle story,” Marvel executive Brad Winderbaum told EW.
Related: Matt Murdock Seeks Out The Punisher To Carry Out A Mission Too Brutal For Him In ‘Daredevil: Born Again’
That statement alone should be enough to get fans hyped. However, what makes Bernthal’s Punisher so special? Why does his return feel like such a big deal? Before Bernthal took on the role of Frank Castle in ‘Daredevil’ Season 2, several actors had already played ‘The Punisher’.
While each brought something different to the table, none of them quite captured the depth and intensity that Bernthal did. His portrayal of the character was nothing short of transformative. Castle wasn’t just a ruthless killer; he was a man burdened by loss, seeking justice in the only way he knew how.
MCU Is Finally Bringing Street-Level Heroes Into The Spotlight
Bringing Frank Castle into the current MCU, particularly through ‘Daredevil: Born Again’, signals a shift in tone. While Marvel has leaned heavily into lighthearted, comedic storytelling in recent years, the return of The Punisher and Daredevil suggests a willingness to embrace the darker themes.
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The Special Presentation format is an interesting choice, too. Rather than a full season, it’s being described as a “shotgun blast of a story”, likely meaning a tight, action-packed narrative. It’s also being written by Bernthal himself, which means Castle’s return will be deeply rooted in authenticity.
The MCU’s street-level heroes are finally making a resurgence. Moreover, with ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ arriving in March 2025 and ‘The Punisher’ Special Presentation expected in 2026, Marvel is setting the stage for something special.
