5 Best Sidekicks For Jon Bernthal’s Punisher After Game-Changing MCU Rumor

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Rumors are circulating that Jon Bernthal, who plays The Punisher, might have a partner in an upcoming Marvel project next year. While Frank Castle has worked with allies before, this new team-up could significantly impact the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for the character, with appearances planned for the second season of *Daredevil: Born Again*, *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, and his own special presentation, where a new sidekick may be introduced.

As a huge fan of *The Punisher*, I’m really excited about the upcoming Special Presentation! From what I understand, Jon Bernthal is back as Frank Castle and he’ll be going up against Ma Gnucci and her family – they’re some of the most realistic and gritty villains he faces in the comics. It’s great that Reinaldo Marcus Green is directing, and even cooler that he co-wrote the script with Bernthal himself. Plus, Jason R. Moore is returning as Curtis Hoyle, which is awesome. But here’s the interesting part: there’s a rumor going around (via *The Direct*) that Frank might have a female sidekick this time, and people are already speculating about who it could be. I can’t wait to see how it all plays out!

There’s a rumor going around that Jon Bernthal, who played the Punisher, might be teaming up with a Black female character as a sidekick in the upcoming ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ project.

— MCU – The Direct (@MCU_Direct) October 14, 2025

5) Amy Bendix

A special presentation featuring *The Punisher* is coming seven years after the second season ended. That season saw Frank Castle and Amy Bendix part ways, but a reunion is still possible – Amy proved to be a valuable ally. In season 2, she was pursued by John Pilgrim after taking damaging photos of Senator David Schultz, but Frank stepped in to protect her. They developed a close relationship during their trip to New York, and fans will be hoping to see that continue in 2026.

4) Jennifer Cesare

Jenny Cesare’s story in Marvel is deeply sad. She grew up on Earth-200111, born into a family of criminals. Her sister set her up with a husband, Tim Buccato, who later abused her. On the very same day she learned she had breast cancer, Tim was killed by Frank Castle. After recovering, Jenny joined forces with Castle to take down her sisters, even briefly becoming a Punisher herself. This transformation from criminal to ally would be a compelling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Cesare could provide the Punisher with the strong, realistic support he needs.

3) Rachel Cole-Alves

Rachel Cole-Alves, a skilled Marine Sergeant, would be a powerful ally for Frank Castle (the Punisher) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They’ve worked together extensively in the comics, initially taking down the Exchange and continuing to team up over the years. In the comics, she becomes the only person Frank truly trusts, making her a natural fit for Jon Bernthal’s Punisher. Given that she continued to fight alongside him even when vigilantism was outlawed, introducing her to the MCU now would be ideal.

2) Lynn Michaels

Frank Castle and Lynn Michaels first worked together in 1992 to catch a serial rapist in Central Park. Though a capable police officer, Michaels continued to partner with Castle in the years that followed. Eventually, frustrated by the NYPD’s shortcomings, she quit the force and became a vigilante, earning the name “Lady Punisher.” This makes her a natural ally for Frank Castle in *The Punisher* Special Presentation, and it’s possible he could even train her, especially considering her disillusionment with the NYPD during the difficult time when Fisk controlled New York.

1) Misty Knight

A leading theory about who might join Frank Castle in a future *Punisher* special focuses on Simone Missick reprising her role as Misty Knight. Missick previously played Knight, a detective with the NYPD, in the *Luke Cage*, *Iron Fist*, and *The Defenders* series. During *The Defenders*, she lost her arm but received a powerful prosthetic replacement from Danny Rand. Misty Knight was a popular character who many fans felt deserved more screen time, and teaming her up with Jon Bernthal’s Punisher would be a great way to bring her back into the action.

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2025-10-16 18:10