2026’s The Punisher Reboot Just Unveiled the 8th MCU Netflix Villain

by

In 2026, Jon Bernthal will reprise his role as the Punisher in a special presentation on Disney+. Marvel Studios has already selected a villain for the project, marking the eighth villain to come from a reimagined Netflix Marvel series. This follows the success of Daredevil: Born Again, which bridged the gap between Disney+ and Netflix, bringing characters and storylines that began on Netflix over to Disney+. While technically a new show, Born Again continues the story established in the original Netflix Daredevil series.

At the start of 2025, people familiar with the production said the villain in the upcoming Punisher special would be Ma Gnucci, a new character for live-action television. This seemed to be confirmed when filming started and a woman using a wheelchair was seen shooting scenes with actor Jon Bernthal.

We don’t yet know which actress will play Ma Gnucci. While someone who looks like Chloe Sevigny was seen on set, Marvel hasn’t confirmed the casting. Whoever takes on the role will be the eighth villain to appear in a Marvel Studios reboot that originally started on Netflix.

In the comics, Ma Gnucci had a brutal confrontation with the Punisher, suffering horrific injuries – he unleashed polar bears on her at the Central Park Zoo, resulting in the loss of her limbs and scalp, though she remarkably survived, and their conflict continued. However, photos from the set of the upcoming special show Ma Gnucci with all her limbs and hair still present. This suggests either the special will alter her backstory, or the violent zoo encounter hasn’t happened yet in the show’s timeline.

Ever since Marvel Studios gained control of the Marvel shows previously on Netflix, fans have been eager to see a Punisher series or movie in the MCU. The character is also set to appear in other upcoming projects, including the new Daredevil: Born Again series and the Spider-Man: Brand New Day film.

Other Villains in the MCU’s Netflix Reboot Projects

Kingpin

Vincent D’Onofrio’s portrayal of Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, was a standout villain in the Marvel series on Netflix. Because of his popularity, many fans hoped Marvel Studios would include the character in the main Marvel Cinematic Universe. That happened, and Kingpin became a key villain in Daredevil: Born Again, which is a fresh start for the original Netflix series.

I’m so excited to see Kingpin back in more Marvel shows on Disney+! I hear he’s going to be a major player in Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again, going up against heroes like Daredevil, the Punisher, and Jessica Jones. It’s going to be awesome to see him cause trouble for them all!

Vanessa Fisk

Since first appearing in the Netflix series Daredevil, Vanessa Fisk has become increasingly powerful and dangerous. By the time of Daredevil: Born Again, she’s a major crime boss, effectively running a large part of Wilson Fisk’s criminal empire while he serves as mayor of New York.

As a huge fan of the show, I was genuinely shocked when Season 1 of Born Again revealed Vanessa was behind the hit on Foggy Nelson – it really cemented her as a truly ruthless character. What makes her so terrifying, though, isn’t just that act, but her ability to manipulate Wilson into doing her bidding. She’s far more dangerous than any other villain we’ve seen because of it.

Bullseye

Benjamin Poindexter, who later becomes the villain Bullseye, was introduced in the third season of the Netflix series Daredevil. However, he wasn’t called Bullseye yet. That season focused on the beginnings of his transformation into a villain, laying the groundwork for his role in Daredevil: Born Again.

In the comic book story Born Again, it was Bullseye who actually killed Foggy Nelson. Although Vanessa Fisk ordered the hit, Bullseye was the one who fired the fatal shot.

Muse

Muse was a villain in the first season of Daredevil: Born Again and a serial killer. He was an artist who horrifically used the blood of his victims to create his work. Ultimately, Muse was killed by Heather Glenn.

Luca

In the first season of Daredevil: Born Again, Luca was a key villain. As a criminal boss and head of one of the Five Families, he was a constant threat. He even schemed to kill Wilson Fisk at one point, but his plan failed. Ultimately, Luca was killed by Buck Cashman.

Daniel Blake

Daniel Blake was a loyal aide to Wilson Fisk, working in his office at City Hall. Throughout the first season, Daniel consistently helped Fisk, and his efforts were rewarded with promotions.

The character is expected to return in Born Again Season 2, which is scheduled for release in 2026.

Mr. Charles

The second season of Daredevil: Born Again won’t be released until 2026, but we already know about one of the new villains. Actor Matthew Lillard will play Mr. Charles, a character who relies on political maneuvering rather than superpowers, and will be a direct opponent of Wilson Fisk.

Read More

2025-12-17 13:06