Jon Bernthal captivated audiences earlier this year with his return as Frank Castle/The Punisher in <em>Daredevil: Born Again</em>, a move that not only delighted fans but also led to the announcement of a dedicated spin-off Spotlight series set to premiere on Disney+ next year. Recent reports from Just Jared have unveiled the first official images from Bernthal’s Punisher spin-off, offering a glimpse into his portrayal of a more rugged Frank Castle. This iteration closely resembles the character’s initial appearance in the The Punisher Netflix series, especially when Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) first encounters him in Daredevil: Born Again. Historically, Marvel has shown a tendency to have Frank start with a beard only to shave it by the end of the series. However, fans are optimistic that this time the scruff will remain throughout the show.

The initial set photos from behind-the-scenes of The Punisher can be viewed here for an exciting sneak peek into the series.

While details regarding Bernthal’s Punisher special are currently under wraps, it’s noteworthy that Bernthal is making his debut as a feature writer for the series, allowing him a unique opportunity to narrate Frank’s story from a fresh perspective. Furthermore, he is reuniting with acclaimed director Reinaldo Marcus Green, with whom he collaborated on We Own This City. Although casting information remains tightly controlled, the expansion of Daredevil: Born Again with the return of Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones leaves open the possibility for intriguing team-ups. Production for Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again has recently concluded, and while not officially confirmed, Bernthal is anticipated to reprise his iconic role in this season. Other returning fan-favorites include Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Wilson Bethel as Benjamin Poindexter, and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk.

Anticipating Jon Bernthal’s Punisher Return in Upcoming Film

Among the most significant announcements from the MCU in recent weeks is the revelation that Jon Bernthal will once again embody The Punisher in the highly anticipated film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to hit theaters on July 31, 2026. In this exciting new adventure, Bernthal will join his <em>The Bear</em> co-star Liza Colón-Zayas and will share the screen with notable actors such as Tom Holland, Sadie Sink, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon. While the specifics of Bernthal’s role in Spider-Man 4 remain unclear, the recent announcement opens the door for speculation, particularly around whether Charlie Cox might follow in Bernthal’s footsteps.

Currently, production on the Punisher Spotlight special is underway. For the latest updates about this exciting project, make sure to follow Collider. In the meantime, viewers can catch Bernthal’s compelling performance in Daredevil: Born Again streaming on Disney+.