You read it right, people. Frank Castle will be returning to the MCU fold with his own series on the streaming service. It was earlier reported (rumored really) that a spin-off for the skull-clad vigilante was being developed even before his debut on Marvel’s Daredevil. Today, we have the official word from Marvel and Netflix that The Punisher will return (likely in a hail of gunfire) in his very own show.
Jon Bernthal will — of course — be reprising the role of Frank Castle, and Hannibal executive producer Steve Lightfoot is set to serve as the series’ showrunner.
“We want to thank the fans who are clamoring for more of Jon’s stunning and powerful performance as Frank Castle from ‘Marvel’s Daredevil,’” said Executive Producer/Head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb. “Now combined with Showrunner Steve Lightfoot’s compelling writing, we’re thrilled to bring ‘Marvel’s The Punisher’ to Netflix.”
“Jon hooked our global audience with his performance as Frank Castle from the moment he stepped on screen in ‘Marvel’s Daredevil,’ and we are looking forward to seeing more of him in this role under the vision of Steve Lightfoot,” said Cindy Holland, Netflix Vice President of Original Content.
“For me, the complexity and unpredictability of Frank Castle make him an incredibly compelling character and I couldn’t be more excited to dive into his world,” said Lightfoot. “After watching Jon’s performance in ‘Marvel’s Daredevil’ I could not be more excited to be working with him to further develop and progress the story of this anti-hero in a show of his own.”
It’s currently unknown when production will begin for The Punisher. Most likely it would not be until some during or after the release of Marvel’s The Defenders, which will see Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist band together after their respective first and second seasons.
As always, stay plugged in to SEV for more Comic Nook News as it develops.