Marvel Has an Idea for Punisher That’s “Larger” Than the Upcoming Special

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Warning: Spoilers below for Daredevil: Born Again Season 1

Dario Scardapane, showrunner for “Daredevil: Born Again,” offers hints about what might be in store for The Punisher within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After the airing of the Season 1 finale titled “Straight to Hell,” Scardapane discussed significant aspects of the episode and series with Entertainment Weekly. A scene that piqued interest was the post-credit scene where Frank Castle, portraying The Punisher, brutally assaults one of Wilson Fisk’s task force members in an attempt to escape Fisk’s vigilante prison. When asked if this scene was intended as a prelude to the upcoming Punisher special, Scardapane suggested that Marvel has more significant plans up their sleeve.

Scardapane explained that the post-credits scene wasn’t a standalone event, but rather an extension of a bigger Marvel concept involving Jon (the Punisher). He was captured by the task force, and they didn’t want to leave him isolated on the island. Instead, they wanted to hint that Frank won’t be confined for long. The idea emerged late in the production, but it quickly became apparent that this was the best approach for advancing both the story of Daredevil and the future of the Punisher narrative.

Just before the debut of “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 1, it was disclosed that Marvel Studios is working on a “Special Presentation” centering around The Punisher for Disney+. Previously, this format has been employed for titles like “Werewolf by Night” and “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special”. Notably, Jon Bernthal, who plays The Punisher, is also writing this special, assuring a gritty narrative befitting the character. As Bernthal expressed, “Rest assured, it won’t be a watered-down version of The Punisher.

In the process of putting together the Punisher Special Presentation, Marvel Studios is simultaneously busy with the production of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, which is slated to debut on Disney+ in March 2026 – a year after its first season. Scardapane has confirmed this, and pictures from the set hint at a battle between Daredevil and Bullseye in Season 2, although it remains uncertain if Bernthal will return as Frank.

Despite the fact that Charlie Cox’s return as Daredevil in the Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 cast hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, there’s a strong possibility he will reappear. If Marvel Studios has bigger plans for the character, bringing him back to wage war against Mayor Fisk and his task force seems logical. In “Straight to Hell,” Matt Murdock suggested to Karen Page that they need to gather an army to fight against Fisk. While Daredevil and Punisher don’t always agree on their methods of justice, Matt recognizes the value Frank can bring in a situation like this. The Punisher has a fascinating relationship with Fisk’s task force (who admired him), so it would be engaging to watch how far he’d go to eliminate them from the scene.

The release date for The Punisher Special Presentation hasn’t been set yet since it was recently announced. Given that Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 is currently being filmed and aiming for a release next year, it seems likely that The Punisher special will be ready before then. It’s possible that the events of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 could set the stage for Jon Bernthal’s project. Aside from possibly resurrecting the Punisher series in the future, it’s unclear what other plans Marvel might have for The Punisher. Charlie Cox has mentioned his desire to join the Avengers, but no Defenders actors have been confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday (as of yet). It could be that Marvel already has a complete storyline planned out for Frank on TV.

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2025-04-18 23:39