It is honestly strange to think about how much potential Frank Castle had in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ compared to what the movie actually gave him. The Punisher is one of Marvel’s most hardcore characters, and it should have been a clash of philosophies with Peter Parker on screen.
Instead, Frank frequently found himself in a position to make Peter’s life more difficult than to be of any assistance. That is what makes his role so underwhelming.
The Punisher Spent More Time Holding Peter Back
The biggest problem isn’t that the Punisher was weak. It’s just that he never knew what to do with the story. Frank’s trauma should be the core of his character. After losing his family, he became consumed by violence, revenge, and his personal war against criminals. He doesn’t think that dangerous people deserve second chances.
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Peter, on the other hand, is always looking to save people, even when they may need to be saved. That should have been a huge contrast. On the contrary, throughout most of the film, Frank is in conflict with Peter and trying to stop him.
He is not the strong, but brutal ally that Peter desperately needs, but instead he often causes him more problems than helping him. And let’s be honest, Peter Parker fighting superpowered threats while Frank is basically thinking, “Just shoot them” is funny, but it also highlights the problem.
The Punisher should have been a big presence in the story. Rather, he at times felt like a hindrance.
Frank’s Biggest Contribution Being A Funny Moment Made His Inclusion Seem Unnecessary
Frank’s most memorable role is in the hospital sequence when he puts on the Spider-Man mask and distracts everyone. And that’s not necessarily a bad scene. It’s small but a fun moment. However, when THAT becomes one of the clearest examples of Frank genuinely helping Peter, something feels off.
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The Punisher has a long history in comic books, as he has a very unique moral compass and is one of Marvel’s most well-rounded psyches. The opportunity to discuss how two very different heroes deal with violence and responsibility is there when he’s in a Spider-Man film.
Unfortunately, that’s just the tip of the iceberg in ‘Brand New Day’. Frank Castle didn’t need to overpower Spider-Man or steal the movie. He simply needed to feel important. Instead, when the credits rolled, the most important question was: Why was the Punisher even here?
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