Fans of Marvel’s grim and gritty anti-hero Frank Castle, better known as The Punisher, have plenty to look forward to. Jon Bernthal is back, and this time, he’ll be reprising the role as part of a brand-new Marvel Special Presentation on Disney+. If you were concerned about whether The Punisher would retain its dark, hard-hitting roots, rest assured—Bernthal himself has promised that this will be far from “Punisher-lite.” Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming special.
what is the punisher special presentation?
Announced earlier this year, the Punisher Special Presentation will bring Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle back to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This standalone feature follows the style of Marvel’s Special Presentations, such as Werewolf by Night and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. The format has allowed Marvel Studios to explore unique storytelling within self-contained, cinematic-length stories.
Slated for release on Disney+ in 2026, this marks a significant step in integrating darker, more complex characters like The Punisher into the family-friendly streaming platform’s lineup. Fans of Bernthal’s iteration of Frank Castle, who first captivated audiences in Daredevil and his own Netflix series, are understandably curious—and excited.
While much of the plot has been kept under wraps, Marvel Studios has stated that the special will focus on Castle’s relentless pursuit of justice and revenge, true to the character’s comic book roots.
jon bernthal on reprising his role
Since his debut as Frank Castle in Netflix’s Daredevil series, Jon Bernthal has embodied the PTSD-wrought vigilante with an intensity that has earned him widespread praise. Die-hard fans and casual viewers alike regard him as the definitive live-action Punisher. Bernthal stays fiercely connected to the character, stating, “I care very deeply about Frank. I’m really grateful that I’m getting the opportunity to tell the story that I think the fans deserve. It’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be light—it’s the version the character and the audience deserve.”
For those concerned about tonal shifts due to Disney+’s history of lighter, family-friendly Marvel series, Bernthal has been adamant in interviews that The Punisher won’t compromise on its core themes of bleakness and brutality. He reiterated, “It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out of the darkness. I promise you, it will not be Punisher-lite.”
returning to the punisher’s dark roots
One of the most compelling guarantees about the special is that it will retain the haunting and hyper-realistic essence of the original Netflix series. Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ Head of TV and Streaming, described the project as a “shotgun blast of a story” that mixes high-octane action with rich emotional depth. He added, “Jon Bernthal knows the character inside and out. The idea that he’s in the MCU and can bring that to a greater universe is a huge opportunity for Marvel fans.”
With Bernthal onboard as co-writer alongside filmmaker Reinaldo Marcus Green (We Own This City), fans can expect a narrative that feels both intimate and explosive. Reinaldo Marcus Green’s involvement as co-writer and director further solidifies the creative vision behind the project.
how this fits into frank castle’s mcu debut
The Punisher Special Presentation isn’t Jon Bernthal’s first step back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He will also appear in Daredevil: Born Again, which is currently streaming on Disney+. This series marks a reunion between Bernthal, Charlie Cox (Matt Murdock/Daredevil), and Vincent D’Onofrio (Wilson Fisk/Kingpin).
Winderbaum hinted that Frank Castle’s role in Born Again will be pivotal, describing him as a “bull in a china shop.” Castle’s unwavering approach to fighting crime collides with Daredevil’s moral dilemmas, setting the stage for intense and possibly contentious interactions. It’s safe to assume that Castle’s appearance in Born Again will act as a springboard for his standalone Special Presentation.
what makes the special unique?
Disney+’s Special Presentations have been an experimental space for Marvel Studios to test new genres and storytelling methods. What sets The Punisher apart is its promise to stay true to the visceral storytelling that fans of the Netflix series have come to love. Winderbaum compared it to a “shotgun blast” of storytelling—a tightly-paced, brutal exploration of Frank Castle’s psyche and mission.
Given the creative freedom the Special Presentation format provides, fans can expect a self-contained story that doesn’t shy away from its darker themes. It’s a chance to lean into the grit and emotional complexity that differentiates The Punisher from Marvel’s more traditional heroes.
The inclusion of The Punisher within the MCU opens up compelling possibilities for future storylines involving street-level heroes. Castle’s morally ambiguous, no-holds-barred methods sharply contrast the idealistic ethos of heroes like Spider-Man and Captain America. By setting The Punisher apart in a Special Presentation, Marvel has the room to explore these contrasts and expand the MCU’s tonal range.
Fans have long awaited the return of more mature content tailored to characters like Frank Castle, which marks a bold step in that direction. It’s not just a nod to the Marvel faithful but also a statement of intent—a promise that stories in the MCU can push boundaries while maintaining emotional depth.
what fans can expect moving forward
With an expected release in 2026, The Punisher Special Presentation has the potential to redefine what Marvel can deliver on Disney+. It’s safe to assume that Castle’s story won’t end here. Marvel executives have hinted at Frank Castle crossing paths with other heroes like Daredevil, Echo, or even Spider-Man. The possibilities are endless, and the addition of Castle adds even more depth to Marvel’s roster of heroes and anti-heroes.
For fans eager to keep up with Castle’s upcoming arcs, Daredevil: Born Again is essential viewing. Set to premiere in March 2025, it will likely provide key context leading into the Punisher Special Presentation.
final thoughts: the punisher
Jon Bernthal’s return as The Punisher is a win for Marvel fans who fell in love with the dark and uncompromising portrayal from the Netflix series. The upcoming Disney+ Special Presentation promises to deliver the Frank Castle story fans deserve—one overflowing with raw emotion, uncompromising grit, and the intensity that Bernthal uniquely brings to the character.
Marvel is clearly taking a calculated risk by bringing such a raw, R-rated hero to its traditionally PG-13 platform. But with Bernthal at the helm, it’s a risk worth taking. And judging from the excitement surrounding the project, it’s a risk fans can’t wait to witness.
Clear your calendars. 2026 can’t come soon enough.