Jon Bernthal is back as Frank Castle, and this time, he’s stepping out of the alleys of Hell’s Kitchen and into the web-slinging chaos of a Spider-Man movie. In a move that’s sure to excite longtime fans of Marvel’s darker street-level stories, Bernthal has officially joined the cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the next chapter in Sony and Marvel’s Spider-Verse set to hit theaters July 31, 2026.
Directed by Shang-Chi’s Destin Daniel Cretton, the film will shoot in the UK this summer. While plot details are still under wraps, we know this picks up after the mind-wipe events of No Way Home, where the world forgot Peter Parker’s identity. Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are confirmed to return as MJ and Ned, though their roles might be more limited this time around. Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink is the biggest new addition besides Bernthal, signaling a fresh shift in tone.
Bringing in the Punisher adds a new layer to this universe. It hints at a more grounded story, or at least moments of brutal intensity, which is unusual for Spider-Man films that lean more family-friendly. Frank Castle’s M.O. is about as far from “friendly neighborhood” as you can get, but Marvel has been clear about doubling down on Bernthal’s version. He recently reprised the role in Daredevil: Born Again and is slated for more, including a stand-alone Punisher movie that he’s co-writing. His only demand: keep the character’s rough edges intact.
The wildcard here is how Punisher’s hard-R presence will mesh with Peter Parker’s more PG surroundings. It’s a bold move, but it might be just what the franchise needs to shake things up. Whether Castle is an ally, a problem, or something in between, the character’s inclusion guarantees this film won’t be playing it safe.
And there’s a full-circle quality to this team-up. Bernthal and Holland actually helped each other with their Marvel audition tapes while working together on Pilgrimage back in 2017. Eight years later, they’re sharing the screen as two very different heroes who may not see eye to eye.
One thing’s for sure: the Punisher isn’t just sticking to TV anymore. He’s gunning for the multiplex.
Sources:
- The Hollywood Reporter
gfpods.com 
Leave a comment