The Punisher: Jon Bernthal Reveals what the Upcoming Special will be About

Daredevil: Born Again has premiered and the first two episodes have received critical acclaim. The return of characters like Foggy, Karen, Kingpin, and more have delighted fans of the previous Netflix series. However, there is one character that fans desperately want to see more of- the Punisher. 

Thankfully, he is going to have his own special. Also, if Jon Bernthal is to be believed, that will be different from Born Again. How? In this article, we will reveal that. 

What is The Punisher Special Going to be like? 

Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle will be back in Daredevil: Born Again. After all, the actor has been involved in promotions, and we already got a hint of his impending return— one of the cops was using his symbol in a way Frank wouldn’t appreciate. As for what’s next for the Punisher after this Daredevil show, Bernthal is penning a special for his character. 

Director Reinaldo Marcus Green, who is also helping with writing duties, will helm this standalone special. The special will not be in theaters and will instead be on Disney Plus. At the SXSW premiere of his movie, The Accountant 2, Bernthal revealed more information about his new Punisher project to The Hollywood Reporter: 

“I care very deeply about Frank, I’m really grateful that I’m getting the opportunity to tell the story that I think the fans deserve. We’re giving it our all and we’re trying to tell a Frank Castle story that we’re not going to turn our back on the audience — it’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be light, and I think it’s the version that this character deserves and I’m just beyond honored and grateful that we get the opportunity.”

The actor also explained how it will differ from the Netflix series:

“It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out the darkness. It’s not going to be easy. I don’t know if that’s the Netflix tone then that’s what it’s going to be…It will not be Punisher-lite, I promise you that.”

Brad Winderbaum, the head of Marvel Television, also talked about the special with EW. He said, “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.” Regarding Bernthal, he said, “He knows the character inside and out…. The idea that he’s in the MCU and can bring that to the greater universe is a huge opportunity and, as a fan, the greatest thing ever."

As for why Bernthal’s Punisher isn’t getting his own show, it could be because he is a significant part of at least the first season of Born Again and also because the actor has multiple high-profile projects like Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and more coming up. 

Which Other Netflix MCU Heroes Could come to the MCU?

With Daredevil, Punisher, Kingpin, and other supporting characters already on Disney Plus, it seems like only a matter of time till others like Jessica Jones find their way. Although, the fates of Luke Cage and Iron Fist are still hanging in the balance. 

New episodes of Daredevil: Born Again stream every Tuesday on Disney+.