Get ready for the brutal return of Frank Castle! A leaked set video has surfaced, showcasing Jon Bernthal reprising his role as The Punisher in Marvel’s highly anticipated ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ series on Disney+. This gritty footage teases a violent fight sequence, hinting at the dark and intense storyline fans can expect.
The Punisher’s inclusion in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ marks a significant moment for Marvel enthusiasts. With the series set to premiere in March 2026, the hype surrounding Castle’s return is palpable. This article delves into the leaked footage, explores the potential plotlines, and examines what this means for the future of the Punisher within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
We’ll cover the brutal fight scene, the connection to classic Punisher comics, and Bernthal’s commitment to staying true to the character’s dark origins. Plus, we’ll speculate on Castle’s potential appearance in other upcoming Marvel projects like ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’.
Frank Castle’s Brutal Fight in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Revealed
The leaked set video offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. Jon Bernthal, fully embodying Frank Castle, is seen engaging in intense hand-to-hand combat. The scene, reportedly filmed on August 4, 2025, features Castle wielding a baseball bat amidst a chaotic backdrop involving school buses.
The footage, shared by user @_DaredevilShots on X (formerly Twitter), immediately ignited excitement among fans. The raw, unfiltered nature of the fight sequence suggests that ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ will not shy away from the Punisher’s trademark violence. Bernthal’s dedication to the role is evident, as he throws himself into the action with ferocious intensity.
This scene hints at a storyline where Castle is taking on multiple adversaries, showcasing his strategic combat skills and unwavering determination. The use of a baseball bat as a weapon is a classic Punisher move, adding a layer of brutal efficiency to his fighting style. The choice of setting, with school buses in the background, creates a stark contrast between the violence and the innocence it disrupts.
Connection to ‘Welcome Back, Frank’ Comic Storyline
Adding to the intrigue, another leaked scene depicts Castle engaging in a gunfight, storming into Ma Gnucci’s restaurant after raining bullets down on his enemies from a vehicle. These sequences strongly suggest that ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ will draw inspiration from Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s acclaimed ‘Welcome Back, Frank’ comic storyline.
‘Welcome Back, Frank’ is a Punisher story that sees Castle targeting the Gnucci crime family in a particularly brutal and uncompromising manner. By incorporating elements of this storyline, ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ appears to be embracing the darker, more violent aspects of the Punisher’s character.
Set photos have confirmed Ma Gnucci’s inclusion in the series. Though the actor portraying her remains unknown, set photos reveal her sitting in a wheelchair with all limbs intact. This contrasts with the comic version, where she loses all her limbs at the hands of the Punisher. This change might indicate a slightly different direction for the character, but her presence undoubtedly sets the stage for a showdown with Castle.
Bernthal and Green at the Helm: A Faithful Adaptation?
The Punisher’s return is not just a cameo; Jon Bernthal co-wrote the Special with Reinaldo Marcus Green, who also directs. This collaboration suggests a deep understanding of the character and a commitment to staying true to his essence. Bernthal has repeatedly emphasized that the series will not compromise on the Punisher’s dark and violent nature.
Bernthal has stated: “It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out the darkness… It will not be Punisher-lite, I promise you that.” This promise should reassure fans who were concerned that Disney+ might tone down the character’s violence to fit its family-friendly image.
The story will continue Castle’s war against the Anti-Vigilante Task Force, suggesting a complex narrative that delves into the themes of justice, vengeance, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. By placing Bernthal at the creative helm, Marvel is signaling its intent to deliver an authentic and uncompromising portrayal of the Punisher.
The Punisher’s Future Beyond ‘Daredevil: Born Again’
While ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ is the immediate focus, there are hints that Bernthal will also return as Frank Castle in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, slated for release on July 31, 2026. This suggests that Marvel has long-term plans for the character within the MCU.
The potential inclusion of the Punisher in a Spider-Man film opens up exciting possibilities. It could explore the contrast between Spider-Man’s more hopeful, optimistic approach to crime-fighting and the Punisher’s brutal, unforgiving methods. This clash of ideologies could create a compelling dynamic and offer a fresh perspective on both characters.
Whether the Punisher will continue to appear in solo projects or be integrated into team-up films remains to be seen. However, the fact that Marvel is bringing back Bernthal to reprise the role indicates that they recognize the character’s popularity and potential within the MCU.
Continuing the War Against the Anti-Vigilante Task Force
One of the key elements of the Punisher’s return is his ongoing battle against the Anti-Vigilante Task Force. This conflict was previously explored in the Netflix series and is expected to be a major plot point in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’. The Anti-Vigilante Task Force represents a systemic opposition to vigilantes like the Punisher, viewing them as a threat to law and order.
This conflict sets the stage for a narrative that delves into the complexities of justice and the role of vigilantes in society. It raises questions about whether the ends justify the means and whether individuals are justified in taking the law into their own hands.
The Punisher’s war against the Anti-Vigilante Task Force is not just a physical battle but also an ideological one. It forces viewers to confront their own beliefs about justice and the limits of authority. By exploring this conflict, ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ has the potential to be more than just a superhero action series; it could be a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary issues.
Conclusion: The Punisher’s Dark Future in the MCU
The leaked set video from ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ confirms that Jon Bernthal’s Punisher is back, and he’s as brutal as ever. With a storyline drawing inspiration from ‘Welcome Back, Frank’ and Bernthal co-writing the Special, fans can expect an authentic and uncompromising portrayal of the character.
The Punisher’s inclusion in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ and potential appearance in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ suggest that Marvel has big plans for the character within the MCU. Whether he continues to wage war against the Anti-Vigilante Task Force or clashes with other heroes like Spider-Man, the Punisher’s future looks dark and exciting.
As we eagerly await the premiere of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ in March 2026, one thing is clear: the Punisher is back, and he’s here to stay. Get ready for a violent, thought-provoking, and unforgettable ride.
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