We’ve already had the Punisher portrayed on screen by three different actors, but for whatever reason, Marvel’s skull emblazoned comic book vigilante has just never gained lots of traction with the general movie-going public. Well in the case of the first Punisher, Dolph Lundgren, we know the reason: That movie sucked worse than a black hole (you kids of today don’t know about the Dark Ages of 1990’s comic book movies!).
But following up in the more recent – and waaaaay more respectable – footsteps of Thomas Jane (The Punisher) and Ray Stevenson (Punisher: War Zone), Jon Bernthal gets to bring the character to life on screen once again in the upcoming second season of Marvel and Netflix’s Daredevil. And he’s apparently done such a good job of it that the Powers That Be already want to give him his own show.
At least that’s what is being reported by TVLine although neither Marvel or Netflix are yet to officially confirm the development. TV Line does seem to indicate that an announcement should be arriving any day now, and based on how high on Bernthal Marvel TV exec Jeph Loeb was when he spoke to ComicBook.com recently, it does indeed sound promising.
“If you love season one [of Daredevil], you’re going to love season two…Jon Bernthal has succeeded in his quest [to not screw up the character]. His Punisher is extraordinarily memorable, in every way.
The story of Frank Castle – an ex-special forces vet who declares a one-man war on crime after his family is brutally murdered by criminals – is one that certainly lends itself well to a grimy TV crime series, and especially one on Netflix, where we’ve already seen how willing Marvel are to push the boundaries of mature comic book adaptations. I mean it just wouldn’t be a proper Punisher story without some dark guilt and people being turned into a red mist thanks to high powered assault rifles.
Ever since the rights to Punisher returned to Marvel a few years ago (along with Ghost Rider and Blade, by the way) fans have been hoping that Marvel would find a way to give the character another chance on the screen and do him justice. The dark and gritty corner of the MCU that the Netflix shows inhabit couldn’t be a better platform to do just that, if you ask me.
Bernthal’s Punisher will start going toe to toe with Daredevil when the Man Without Fear’s second season debuts on Netflix on March 18.
Last Updated: January 19, 2016
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 19, 2016 at 10:10
I’d love it if this were true, but on a general note – does every Netflix Marvel series have to be dark & gritty?
Andre116
January 19, 2016 at 10:15
I hope so. If you want light and fluffy, go look at the cartoons. And I hope this rumor is true as well.
The Sten
January 19, 2016 at 10:16
Please god no Flash
Kromas untamed
January 19, 2016 at 10:19
Netflix and Marvel Present Deadpool!
I would watch that. Suppose a movie will suffice till Marvel gets the rights back one day.
Andre116
January 19, 2016 at 10:23
Read this morning that there was a surprise screening for some folks in the US, and they all were very happy with the Deadpool movie.
Kromas untamed
January 19, 2016 at 10:28
That is exceptionally good news to hear. I am really worried about that movie and all my hopes for what it needs to be.
Ir0nseraph
January 19, 2016 at 11:29
Deadpool show , count me in, can’t wait for the movie I hope it does well.
Kervyn Cloete
January 19, 2016 at 10:23
Netflix is basically to Marvel Studios what the Marvel Knights or Max imprints are for Marvel Comics. Its there place to do dark and mature stories, while ABC tells the more family friendly stuff.
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 19, 2016 at 10:42
I know, I just find it rather limiting that mature is equated to “dark and gritty”. Seems like everything aims for dark and gritty these days. There’s a whole world in between dark and gritty and (as Andre mentioned) light and fluffy or family-friendly. It’s not a binary choice, yet it seems that way.
Kromas untamed
January 19, 2016 at 10:17
Marvel has Blade back? Hmm.
Kervyn Cloete
January 19, 2016 at 10:22
There have been rumours of a new Blade TV series since last year. Wesley Snipes has apparently been talking to Marvel about something. The rumour is that Snipes will reprise his role, but that he’ll act as a mentor to his young vampire-slaying daughter who is the star of the show, just like in the new comic that’s coming out this year.
Kromas untamed
January 19, 2016 at 10:30
Oh yeah. I remember you posting an article about that. Would be nice to know if it got the green light or not.
The Sten
January 19, 2016 at 10:18
My hype levels on this is so strong i think im gonna pass out