Jon Bernthal, the enigmatic and unwavering vigilante renowned as The Punisher, has left an indelible mark across various Marvel television sagas, even starring in a show bearing his iconic moniker. Now, he prepares to extend his unique brand of justice into the grandiosity of the cinematic universe. Bernthal has teamed up with Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," the latest collaborative endeavor between Sony and Marvel, masterfully steered by director Destin Daniel Cretton. With filming set to commence in the picturesque landscapes of England this summer, the highly anticipated film is scheduled for a grand release on July 31, 2026.
The movie remains a tapestry of intrigue, with rumors swirling around a dozen potential villains—ranging from criminal masterminds to extraterrestrial symbiotes, and even various iterations of the Hulk—that might make an appearance. At this juncture, the only certainties are Zendaya and Jacob Batalon reprising their roles as MJ and Ned, respectively, albeit the extent of their involvement remains shrouded in mystery. Moreover, the addition of Sadie Sink, star of "Stranger Things," adds a fresh dynamic to the mix. The narrative unfolds after the events of "Spider-Man: No Way Home," where the world learned—and subsequently forgot—Peter Parker's secret identity.
Bernthal's inclusion as the Punisher hints at a grounded narrative thread, given the character's roots in Marvel's gritty underworld and his preference for fists, knives, and firearms over magical spells or high-tech gadgets in comic lore. However, the prospect of seeing him clash with a Hulk gone rogue promises its own brand of exhilaration.
Bernthal first donned the mantle of Frank Castle, alias the Punisher, in Marvel's "Daredevil" Netflix series before starring in his standalone show for two seasons. He recently reprised his role in a few episodes of "Daredevil: Born Again" on Disney+. Marvel is banking big on more Punisher and Bernthal, with the character slated to return for the second season of "Born Again," and Bernthal penning a Punisher standalone film for Disney+. Notably, maintaining the character's violent, R-rated essence was non-negotiable for Bernthal's return to "Daredevil." It will be fascinating to witness how this translates into the more family-friendly Spider-Man films.
Bernthal and Holland share a fortuitous history within the Marvel universe, having assisted each other with audition tapes while preparing for their roles in the 2017 film "Pilgrimage." This year, Bernthal has stolen the spotlight on the big screen, opposite Ben Affleck in Amazon's "The Accountant 2," and in the Rami Malek-led thriller "The Amateur" for 20th Century Fox.
Bernthal is represented by CAA and Sloane Offer.
