For a long time it wasn’t exactly clear how, if at all, the Netflix era of TV shows fit within the MCU. Then Disney_went ahead and added all of them to the franchise’s official timeline. Does that mean each series actually took place on Earth-616 or a parallel world? We still aren’t sure! But fans of Jon Bernthal’s Punisher won’t care which reality he existed in. They’ll only care he’s reprising the role (in some form) on Disney+’s upcoming Daredevil: Born Again. New set photos confirm he’s back, and Jon Bernthal himself has now officially shared a look at his return. Don’t worry, though. the move to the more family-friendly House of Mouse won’t mean a kinder, less bloody Frank Castle. Let’s take a look.
Taking to Instagram, Bernthal confirmed the news we already knew. He revealed a behind-the-scenes photo of himself alongside Charlie Cox and Deborah Ann Woll from the set of Daredevil: Born Again. Woll, of course, plays Karen Page in the Marvel Daredevil universe. The image of the two together had long-time fans rallying to the cry of “Kastle.” We hope so!
Variety additionally shared behind-the-scenes photos from the filming of Marvel Studios’ Daredevil: Born Again. They show Bernthal back in costume as Frank Castle. In them a bloodied and wearied Castle takes to the street to fight alongside Charlie Cox’s superhero.
A video of the scene also shows the two preparing for an explosion. So things are going exactly as you’d expect for the two.
Daredevil: Born Again will mark the first time Bernthal has played the role since 2019 when his spinoff series was cancelled after two seasons. Short of a surprise appearance beforehand, the Disney+ show will also serve as the character’s formal, unquestioned entry into the MCU proper.
He’s the latest performer from the Netflix era of MCU shows to join the franchise. He follows Cox’s Matt Murdock and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin. Other Netflix stars—including Deborah Ann Woll, as mentioned above, Elden Henson, and Wilson Bethel—are also expected to return to their old roles on the new series.
Will this version of the Punisher be the exact same version of the character we saw on Netflix? Or will we learn he’s a Variant? As long Jon Bernthal is playing both Punisher fans won’t care.
Originally published April 3, 2024.
