Warning: This article contains spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again.
The recent revival of Daredevil: Born Again has sparked intrigue among fans, particularly regarding the character of the Punisher. If Frank Castle had set his sights on a certain foe prior to the show’s debut, a major storyline might have unfolded differently. Jon Bernthal is returning as the Punisher in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), reprising his highly acclaimed role from Netflix’s Daredevil series. His return raises critical questions about the character’s journey within the MCU.
Frank Castle made his official reappearance in the fourth episode of Daredevil: Born Again, titled “Sic Semper Systema.”In this episode, Matt Murdock uncovers that corrupt police officers are misusing the Punisher’s emblem to execute their own form of vigilante justice. Castle is expected to play a prominent role in the remaining episodes, ultimately paving the way for his own Special Presentation slated for next year.
Why Bullseye Should Have Been on the Punisher’s Radar
Bullseye’s Role as a Central Antagonist
Since The Punisher season 2 aired in 2019, there has been a significant hiatus in Frank Castle’s storyline. During this interval, one compelling target for him would have certainly been Benjamin Poindexter, known as Bullseye. The character, portrayed by Wilson Bethel, returned in the first episode of Daredevil: Born Again and previously caused turmoil for Castle’s friends, including Karen Page and Matt Murdock, throughout season 3. It raises the question: why didn’t Castle seek vengeance against Bullseye, who is still alive within the MCU?
In 2017’s The Punisher season 1, Castle notably pursued Lewis Walcott, a veteran who posed a grave threat to Karen Page. This scrutiny makes it perplexing that he would not prioritize Bullseye, considering the character’s direct threats to Page’s life. The inconsistency in Castle’s choices is a significant issue that Marvel Studios must reconcile.
Missed Opportunities to Eliminate Bullseye
Unexplored Timeline Gaps in the Punisher’s Arc
After unleashing chaos on the crime families in Hell’s Kitchen during season 2, Frank Castle was embroiled in personal vendettas and unresolved issues, such as confronting Billy Russo. His journey led him to embrace his identity as the Punisher as resources from various media suggest. There exists a notable timeline gap between The Punisher season 2, which unfolds just before Avengers: Infinity War in 2018, and Daredevil: Born Again, set in 2025, leaving a span of seven years where he could have targeted Bullseye.
This timeline encompasses the five-year span of the Blip—a period that raises the question of whether both characters survived Thanos’ devastating snap. Should both have emerged unscathed, the question remains: why didn’t Castle take action against Bullseye? This indecisiveness could have led to the prevention of a significant tragedy in the MCU.
Consequences of Not Stopping Bullseye
Bullseye’s Fatal Actions in the Opening Episode
If Frank Castle had succeeded in eliminating Bullseye, the resulting chain of events could have spared Foggy Nelson’s life. In the premiere episode of Daredevil: Born Again, Bullseye made a shocking comeback, donning a new costume and brutally murdering Foggy, alongside ten other innocent victims. This moment was not only shocking but also deeply tragic, as it underscored the far-reaching consequences of unchecked villainy.
| Punisher’s MCU Project | Year |
|---|---|
| Daredevil Season 2 | 2016 |
| The Punisher Season 1 | 2017 |
| The Punisher Season 2 | 2019 |
| Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 | 2025 |
| The Punisher Special Presentation | 2026 |
Elden Henson’s Foggy Nelson, a long-time ally of Matt Murdock, endured hardships throughout their legal career together at Nelson & Murdock. He notably defended Frank Castle during his trial in season 2. Given their intertwined fates, one would expect Castle to protect Nelson, hinting at a deeper emotional connection that could have influenced Castle’s actions.
The Ramifications of Not Eliminating Bullseye
Possible Consequences for Matt Murdock
In a fraught exchange between Castle and Matt Murdock during episode 4, Murdock did not express any overt criticism regarding Castle’s failure to eliminate Bullseye. However, their conversation about Foggy’s death may lead Murdock to reassess Castle’s choices. As he becomes aware that Castle has continued his vigilantism, there is potential for tension between the two, which could reintroduce conflict into their relationship.
Jon Bernthal and Charlie Cox have an undeniable on-screen dynamic that has captivated audiences, generating discussions about morality and justice. The potential for reviving this dialogue in Daredevil: Born Again hinges on Castle’s reluctance to confront Bullseye. Such an unresolved issue could strain their relationship, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion, including the possibility of Bullseye’s demise at the hands of the Punisher as a way for Castle to atone for his past inaction.