The Punisher Will Return

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Marvel Television’s “Daredevil: Born Again” welcomes Jon Bernthal once more into the MCU as the iconic character, Frank Castle, a fan favorite from the initial Netflix Marvel epoch. Starting in Episode 4, the show depicts Castle as a man engulfed by his relentless crusade against criminality, residing in a hidden underground lair and grappling with his role in a universe that no longer seems comprehensible to him. When Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) initially proposes collaboration to track down the individual who killed White Tiger (Kamar de los Reyes), Frank refuses the offer, stating he’s not keen on heroics. Their intense dialogue reveals two men ensnared in cycles of violence but coping with their trauma in starkly different manners. While Matt endeavors to renounce his violent character by forsaking the Daredevil identity, Frank wholeheartedly accepts his ominous mission, finding it impossible to disentangle himself from the vengeance-driven role that shapes him.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, Episode 10

In Episode 9, the Anti-Vigilante Task Force led by Mayor Wilson Fisk tightens its control over New York City, placing Frank Castle at a crucial juncture. Called upon by Karen to aid Matt Murdock, Frank confronts corrupt police officers who have wrongfully used the Punisher symbol. Keeping his word and assisting Matt, the Punisher then resolves to take down the Task Force. However, despite his deadly proficiency, he is outnumbered in his pursuit.

Born Again Season 1, the show hints at what lies ahead for the Punisher in the post-credits scene.

Daredevil: Born Again Post-Credits Scene Teases the Punisher Special

In the mid-credits scene of “Daredevil: Born Again,” a gripping episode unfolds that showcases why Frank Castle remains one of Marvel’s most dangerous and fascinating characters, even while imprisoned. The scene starts with Frank locked up in Fisk’s Red Hook facility, appearing defeated but unbroken. A guard enters his cell, only to discover that this encounter is far from friendly. Frank and the guard converse, feigning camaraderie through discussing their shared New Jersey background. This seemingly harmless conversation lulls the guard into a false sense of security. When Frank extends his handcuffed hand for what appears to be a friendly handshake, disaster strikes. With a shocking display of violence, Frank grabs the guard’s hand, snaps it, and forces the guard’s arm into the cage, where he breaks it. The guard’s screams fill the air as the sound of the cage unlocking signals that Frank Castle has once again gained his freedom, ready to continue his war.

The superbly crafted ending scene after the credits wraps up Frank’s storyline from this season nicely and lays the groundwork for an upcoming Punisher Special from Marvel Studios. This scene suggests that while Daredevil is busy orchestrating a city-wide resistance against Mayor Fisk’s corruption, Frank intends to seek revenge against those who captured him and misused his symbol. Jon Bernthal, who plays Frank, not only stars in the special but also co-writes the script with Reinaldo Marcus Green, the director of his series “We Own This City”, who will also direct the special. Since his debut as Frank in Netflix’s Daredevil and subsequent solo series, Bernthal has consistently shown a deep connection to the character, often expressing his dedication to honoring the character’s importance to military veterans, first responders, and comic book enthusiasts.

From the post-credit scene in “Born Again”, it seems likely that the upcoming special will focus on Frank, as he tracks down the remaining members of Fisk’s Anti-Vigilante Task Force who misused his emblem. This pursuit could lead to a showdown with Officer Powell. For fans eagerly anticipating The Punisher, the prospect of Bernthal’s increased creative input and a narrative derived directly from “Daredevil: Born Again” hints at a comeback that respects the character’s historical significance while exploring uncharted territories within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Season 1 of Daredevil: Born Again is streaming in full on Disney+.

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2025-04-16 05:39