Disney+ has brought big news to their platform this week, announcing a special presentation of the fan favorite Marvel series The Punisher. Marvel Studios has also welcomed back Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, and star of the Daredevil Series) who not only plans to star in his reprising role as Frank Castle, but to also join the writing team behind the action. According to ComicBook, Bernthal plans to write the script with director, Reinaldo Marcus Green. Green is known for his work in films such as King Richard in 2021, and the musical drama Bob Marley: One Love in 2024, and is set to direct the upcoming special series on Disney+’ platform.
Since the Daredevil: Born Again series, fans looked forward to the return of the beloved hero played by Bernthal, Frank Castle. In an article by Collider, the Daredevil actor talks about his excitement in being able to craft his character’s story as well as bringing the action to the screen. At a recent CinemaCon event, journalist Steve Weintraub of Collider caught up with Bernthal to discuss his most recent films, as well as how much his role as Frank Castle means to him. “I’ve said it a million times. Frank is in my bones, is in my heart. I care about him.”
With Bernthal’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, familiar faces such as Vincent D’onofrio (Kingpin), and Charlie Cox (Daredevil) will also make a comeback, promising fans of The Punisher an action packed special. Marvel has further stated that they do not plan to ‘water down’ the project, and promises an exciting re-vamp for fans. Brad Winderbaum, who is head of streaming and animation at Marvel Studios, referred to the upcoming 2026 series as a “shotgun blast of a story, containing all the emotions and pathos relative to a Frank Castle story.”
The standalone special is set to arrive on the Disney+ platform in 2o26, citing a ten year anniversary of Bernthal’s role as Frank Castle in the Daredevil series.