If you like Marvel Cinematic Universe’s street-level projects, then you probably love Jon Berthal’s The Punisher series. Among all the street-level superhero projects Netflix bestowed, The Punisher was indeed the most brutal and violent entry. However, it was also one of the most compelling superhero shows that came out of Netflix’s arsenal, thanks to Bernthal’s committed performance as Frank Castle. Whenever the actor appeared as the Punisher on the screen, it felt like every fiber of his body was into the character. He is rumoured to appear in the upcoming Disney+ series, Daredevil: Born Again. How does he fit in the MCU? Let’s find out.
In a recent interview with Collider, Jon Bernthal got candid while talking about ‘The Big Bad Punisher’. The actor believes “there’s a little bit of Frank Castle in everybody”. In addition, he cares deeply about the superhero character. Check out what he said below!
“I think there’s a reason why that character has resonated as deeply and strongly as he has,” Bernthal said, “In the hearts and minds of comic book fans and first responders and people in the military and people all over the globe. I think there’s a little bit of Frank Castle in everybody. He exists very strongly inside me, and I care about that character deeply.”
Bernthal also talked about how The Punisher could fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “I also know that it’s absolutely essential that if we do it, we do it right, and we have real sacred integrity to the source material and to what is at the core of Frank. I’m gonna do my absolute best to make sure that, if and when we do it, we do it right.”
Given that the MCU has started accepting more mature and violent content (Echo), it would not be surprising if The Punisher makes his MCU debut through the Daredevil: Born Again series. The creative overhaul of the series resulted in the removal of Matt Corman and Chris Ord as the directors and head writers. This scenario creates a great opportunity to bring back not only Frank Castle but also Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson), and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll).
The Punisher’s arrival in the MCU will surely reignite his prominent rivalry with Daredevil. Their rivalry stems from the difference in their beliefs about criminals and justice. Frank Castle believes criminals should be eradicated by any means necessary as they are a menace to society. He prefers killing them rather than handing them over to the authorities. On the other hand, Matt Murdock believes that the system should be upheld while tackling criminals. The Man Without Fear is known to bend laws but has a limit that he does not cross. He believes that courts should decide the fate of bad guys instead of taking matters into his own hands.
Matt Murdock is familiar with Frank Castle’s tragic past and how corrupt authorities destroyed his life. On many occasions (both in the comics and the Netflix shows), the former has tried to save Frank from the dark and violent journey that has devoured most of his life. But Matt is yet to find success in this case.
The post-credits scene of the Disney+ Echo series shows Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), showing interest in becoming New York City’s mayor, forging the base for the forthcoming Daredevil: Born Again series. This scenario could pave the way for the arrival of Frank Castle, Foggy Nelson, and Karen Page, as Matt Murdock will need all the help he can get to take down Fisk again. Let’s hope Jon Bernthal appears in this one. Stay tuned for more updates.