Marvel news: Jon Bernthal back for a punishing return in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
Frank Castle is set to make his long-awaited, highly anticipated arrival in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with fan-favourite Jon Bernthal returning as New York’s primary reaper - the Punisher.
Frank’s redemption arc? Unlikely. The Skull doesn’t do ‘brand new days.’
Film News Blitz’s Aidan Leo brings his Bernthal-as-Frank Castle hype to the MCU table.
Your punishing reminder
Bernthal first appeared in the skull-embroidered black tactical vest as Frank Castle in 2016’s Netflix original series, Daredevil.
Bernthal quickly became a Marvel live-action icon donning the anti-hero tactical gear.
Furthermore, a two-season Punisher-centric series arose from the explosive imprint he made on Daredevil fans, cementing his status as royalty among the Marvel fandom.
The Punisher ran from 2017 to 2019, and Frank Castle made a recent reappearance, embroiled in the Kingpin-created chaos of Daredevil: Born Again.
Frank’s journey is far from over, though. Bernthal is set for a Born Again season two appearance as well as a Punisher-focused 2026 Disney+ special.
And of course, his most significant re-emergence will be in Brand New Day.
His tug-of-war with Spidey will mark the Punisher’s official big-screen MCU debut, with Marvel Studios and Sony yet again in collaboration.
Bernthal’s casting details thus far
Bernthal joins the MCU-Spider-Man alum Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, who return as Michelle Jones-Watson and Spidey’s bestie Ned, respectively.
Needless to say, Tom Holland reprises his role as the Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man alongside them.
How the Punisher’s role could impact the new addition, Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) to Spidey’s verse remains up in the air, but is likely to be secondary to, or in cameo form.
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A cameo that will no doubt be equally as memorable as it is volatile.
Similar to that of the iconic Punisher-Daredevil rooftop scene back in 2016.
Additionally, visual and thematic dynamism is to be expected with Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton leading the charge.
With Brand New Day set in the aftermath of No Way Home’s Spidey oblivion, the arrival of Frank Castle points towards a Peter Parker who is struggling with his new reality.
Frank, as he has done on plenty of occasions previously, will look to assist Peter in discovering a renewed self, naturally through his Punisher-appropriate methods.
A point of interest is how The Punisher’s violent nature will be portrayed in a family-friendly MCU feature film setting.
This Spider-Man arc is most likely one that’ll take centre stage next in the web slinger’s journey.
With Peter/Spidey’s temperamental side on display, Frank will help him hone his potentially volcanic demeanour.
Or not. Either way, the Punisher is back — and whenever Frank Castle hits the big screen, we’ll be there.
Production details
Production for Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to be in full flow this summer, in preparation for a July 31, 2026, release.
The streets of New York are in for a web of violence and justice when the Skull and the Spider cross paths next.
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