Jon Bernthal Returns as the Punisher in “Daredevil: Born Again”

New York City streets witnessed the return of Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher, in the eagerly anticipated Disney+ series, “Daredevil: Born Again.” Set photos released show Bernthal alongside Charlie Cox, who reprises his role as the eponymous hero, Daredevil. Both characters appear battle-worn and drenched in blood, hinting at the intense action that fans can expect from the series.

Jon Bernthal first donned the Punisher’s iconic skull emblem in Netflix’s “The Punisher,” which ran for two seasons from 2017 to 2019. The series was celebrated for its gritty portrayal of the vengeance-driven anti-hero, earning Bernthal critical acclaim. His return to the role comes after a three-year hiatus, reigniting excitement among fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

“Daredevil: Born Again” is not just a revival but an expansion, officially welcoming Frank Castle and other beloved characters from Netflix’s Marvel series into the MCU. The cast includes Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Elden Henson as Franklin “Foggy” Nelson, Wilson Bethel as Benjamin Poindexter/Bullseye, and Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin, enriching the series with a depth of character and continuity.

The storyline for “Daredevil: Born Again” remains shrouded in mystery, including how the Punisher fits into the narrative. The series has experienced significant behind-the-scenes changes, with original head writers Chris Ord and Matt Corman departing and Dario Scardapane stepping in as the new showrunner. Despite these changes and the halt in production due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the series is back on track, with fans eagerly awaiting its premiere on Disney+.

With an initial order of 18 episodes, it is yet to be confirmed if this number will remain in light of the series’ creative overhaul. Directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, known for their work on Marvel’s “Moon Knight” and “Loki,” have joined the project, promising a fresh and exciting direction for “Daredevil: Born Again.”

As the MCU continues to expand, the return of Jon Bernthal as the Punisher is a welcome development, promising to deliver the action, depth, and storytelling that fans have come to expect from Marvel productions. While a release date has yet to be set, the anticipation for “Daredevil: Born Again” continues to build, marking the next chapter in the storied legacy of Marvel’s beloved characters.