Fans who are hoping to see more of Jon Bernthal as The Punisher afterDaredevil: Born Againwill have plenty to look forward to for theMarvel Cinematic Universehero. Not only is the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen coming back tothe MCU timelinein 2025, the Punisher will also be returning to screens alongside him too, marking Bernthal’s first time playing the role since his Netflix series came to an end after two seasons. While plot details about the Punisher’s role inDaredevil: Born Againhave been vague, this is only the beginning of the antihero’s second era.
During an appearance on thePhase Heropodcast, the hosts asked Brad Winderbaum - Marvel Studios Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation - about what the larger future looks like for Frank Castle beyond the events ofDaredevil: Born Again. While he couldn’t give away specifics,Winderbaum confirmed that there are plans for Bernthal’s Punisher to continue in the MCU after making his return in March 2025, stating the following:
100%. We feel the same way, he’s so great in that role! I can’t wait for you to see him on screen in this series and there’s absolutely a future for him in the MCU afterwards.
While time will tell how Frank factors intotheDaredevil: Born Againcast,it comes as no surprise that Winderbaum and the creatives at Marvel Studios are already planning to do more with Punisher after 2025. DuringThe Defenderssaga on Netflix, Bernthal’s casting as the iconic Marvel character became one of the most well-received ones for Marvel TV after he debuted inDaredevilseason 2. ThoughThe Punisherseries was canceled, this was never about the quality of Bernthal’s performance as the antihero, but more in relation to Netflix and Disney ending their partnership with Disney+ on the way.
Having someone as vital as Bernthal’s Punisher carrying over from the Marvel-Netflix era intoDaredevil: Born Againgives Marvel Studios not only a great actor to work with, but also one of the most beloved characters in this franchise. Whether or not it means that a newPunisherTV show will become possible is a different story, especially as Marvel Studios is focusing on finishing the movies and TV shows they already have lined up for the rest of The Multiverse Saga.
However, that doesn’t mean Bernthal couldn’t continue to appear in a supporting capacity through other MCU projects through the rest of Phase 5 and Phase 6. Indeed, with major crossover movies likeAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Warson the way, it stands to reason that audiences could easily next see the Marvel antihero in this kind of role.
It’s exciting to hear from Winderbaum that not only will fans be rewarded with Punisher’s return intheDaredevil: Born AgainTV show, but that there will be more adventures for Frank in the future. Given the many properties that currently exist in the MCU, it will be fascinating to see how Bernthal’s Punisher handles dealing with other superheroes. But until then, the world can get ready for Bernthal’s return inDaredevil: Born Againwhen it premieres on June 08, 2025, only on Disney+.
Daredevil: Born Again
Cast
Daredevil: Born Again follows blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who uses his heightened abilities to pursue justice in New York. As he manages a bustling law firm, former mob boss Wilson Fisk navigates political ambitions, leading both men toward a confrontation as their pasts resurface.
