Jon Bernthal to Co-Write, Star in “Punisher” Return

With “Daredevil: Born Again” set to hit next week, questions about other members of the Netflix-originated Defenders-verse getting a second shot have risen. The rights for those Marvel Television series- “Marvel’s Daredevil,” “Marvel’s Jessica Jones,” “Marvel’s Luke Cage,” “Marvel’s Iron Fist,” “Marvel’s Defenders,” and “Marvel’s Punisher” is as long and complicated as those character’s histories. All of the shows are now under one roof, and streaming home platform, Disney+.

But the big news today is that Jon Bernthal (“The Walking Dead,” “The Bear“), who played Frank Castle aka Punisher in those shows, will be returning in a one-of special that he will also be co-writing.

Reinaldo Marcus Green (“King Richard,” “One Love“) will co-write with Bernthal. Reports indicate Green will direct.

“It’s like a shotgun blast of a story, but also has all the pathos and emotion that you want out of a Frank Castle story,” head of Marvel Television Brad Winderbaum told EW. “It’s so exciting. Bernthal is a generational actor. He’s incredible what he brings to all the roles he plays, but particularly Frank Castle. And he’s a great writer. He knows the character inside and out…. Also, I love Punisher, but I love Jon’s Punisher in particular. The idea that he’s in the MCU and can bring that to the greater universe, especially the more grounded street-level stuff, is a huge opportunity and, as a fan, the greatest thing ever.”

We’ll next see Bernthal alongside Ben Affleck in “The Accountant 2,” and in “Daredevil: Born Again.”

No release date has been revealed yet. We’ll let you know what we hear about this and other news. All seasons of the Defender-verse are available to stream on Disney+. “Daredevil: Born Again” will premiere Tuesday, March 4th.