Jon Bernthal Returns as the Punisher in Disney+’s Daredevil: Born Again
Jon Bernthal is reprising his iconic role as Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher, in the newly released Disney+ series Daredevil: Born Again. The actor has shared exciting insights regarding a standalone special dedicated to the dark antihero, which is set to debut in 2026.
The Journey of Frank Castle
Bernthal first made his mark as Frank Castle in Netflix’s Daredevil in 2016, later headlining his own spin-off, The Punisher, from 2017 to 2019. Following the revival of Daredevil on Disney+, fans were thrilled to learn that Bernthal would not only return in Born Again but also lead a specialized Punisher project for Marvel Television. As of February, Bernthal has been co-writing this standalone story with Reinaldo Marcus Green, who will direct it, promising a gritty portrayal of the character that fans have come to know and appreciate.
Insights from the SXSW Premiere
During the SXSW premiere of his latest film, The Accountant 2, Bernthal expressed his deep emotional connection to Frank Castle. He told The Hollywood Reporter, “I care very deeply about Frank, I’m really grateful that I’m getting the opportunity to tell the story that I think the fans deserve. We’re giving it our all and we’re trying to tell a Frank Castle story that we’re not going to turn our back on the audience.” He emphasized that this rendition will not shy away from darkness, indicating a challenging narrative that stays true to the character’s complexity.
What to Expect from the New Special
When asked how this upcoming project would differ from his previous work on Netflix, Bernthal noted, “It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out the darkness. It’s not going to be easy.” He assured fans, “It will not be Punisher-lite, I promise you that,” hinting at a raw and unfiltered portrayal that aligns with the character’s essence.
Focus on The Accountant 2
Currently, Bernthal is immersed in promoting The Accountant 2, a sequel to the acclaimed 2016 thriller. In this film, he plays Brax, the estranged and dangerous brother of Ben Affleck’s character, a math savant who works as a freelance accountant for notorious criminal enterprises. Bernthal reflected on the project, acknowledging its dedicated following and expressing excitement about working with cherished colleagues once more.
Reflections from Ben Affleck
Affleck also shared his thoughts on the first film’s success, noting the surprising longevity and popularity it has achieved through streaming platforms. “This seems to have a life along the way,” he remarked, emphasizing the hope that the nostalgia for the first film will resonate with audiences for the sequel. He is optimistic about the new installment, stating, “I think this is a better movie, I really love it, and I’m hoping that people really show up and see it.”
Looking Ahead
Affleck also expressed his eagerness for potential future installments, wishing to continue the story before another extended hiatus. The Accountant 2 is set to release in theaters on April 25, promising to captivate audiences once again.