Marvel fans can expect a brutal and emotional return for Frank Castle, as Jon Bernthal is set to headline a standalone Marvel special, similar to Werewolf by Night and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.
Entertainment Weekly exclusively confirms that Bernthal’s Punisher will spin off from Daredevil: Born Again, where he makes his initial return in Season 1. The actor is also co-writing the special alongside We Own This City director Reinaldo Marcus Green, who will helm the project.
“A Shotgun Blast of a Story”
Describing the upcoming special, Marvel Television head Brad Winderbaum teased, “It’s like a shotgun blast of a story, but also has all the pathos and emotion that you want out of a Frank Castle story. It’s so exciting.”
The idea for the Punisher-focused special reportedly emerged during the filming of Daredevil: Born Again, which premieres with two episodes on Disney+ on March 4. Winderbaum previously hinted at Castle’s role in the series, stating, “Matt Murdock goes to Frank because he needs something done that he’s unwilling to do. And Frank, a bull in a china shop, drives right to the heart of the matter.”
Bernthal’s Return to the MCU
Winderbaum also praised Bernthal’s talent, calling him a “generational actor” and emphasizing his deep understanding of Frank Castle’s character. “He knows the character inside and out. Also, I love Punisher, but I love Jon’s Punisher in particular. The idea that he’s in the MCU and can bring that to the greater universe, especially the more grounded street-level stuff, is a huge opportunity and, as a fan, the greatest thing ever.”
Bernthal originally debuted as Frank Castle in Daredevil Season 2 before leading The Punisher series on Netflix from 2017 to 2019.
A Larger Defenders Revival?
Marvel Studios is reportedly exploring further expansions in its Defenders roster. Alongside Bernthal’s Punisher, discussions are ongoing regarding potential returns for Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones, Mike Colter’s Luke Cage, and Finn Jones’ Iron Fist. “I can’t say much,” Winderbaum hinted, “but it is certainly something that is creatively extremely exciting and that we are very much exploring.”
Meanwhile, Daredevil: Born Again will bring back key cast members, including Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin, Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, and Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson.
Stay tuned for more updates on Daredevil: Born Again and the highly anticipated Punisher special.
Source: EW