‘Punisher: One Last Kill’ MCU Timeline Confirmed by Dario Scardapane as Fans Get New Clue About Its Placement

Dario Scardapane, the showrunner of Daredevil: Born Again season 2, has clarified how the upcoming Marvel special The Punisher: One Last Kill fits into the wider MCU timeline and Frank Castle’s story.

Speaking in a recent interview, Scardapane explained that the special is designed to bridge key gaps in Frank Castle’s journey. He said he is not fully aware of everything planned for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, but he knows exactly where Frank’s story ended in The Punisher season 2. According to him, the new special follows what happens after that point and also overlaps with the events leading into and during Daredevil: Born Again season 2.

This placement helps explain Frank Castle’s absence from parts of Born Again season 2. While some viewers were disappointed not to see him, the creative team had a clear reason. The character is being set up through this standalone story, and he is also expected to play a significant role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The events of the special are expected to connect his darker path to his future involvement in that film.

The story of The Punisher: One Last Kill focuses on Frank trying to leave behind his violent past and live without revenge. However, his attempt at peace does not last, as he is pulled back into a dangerous situation.

The cast includes familiar faces, with Jason R. Moore returning as Curtis Hoyle from the earlier Punisher series. Roe Rancell and Mila Jaymes also join the project in key roles.

The special is set to release on Disney+ on May 12, while Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 31.

Overall, this new project looks like an important bridge in Frank Castle’s MCU storyline, linking his past actions to his future role across upcoming Marvel projects.

This is a smart way to handle a character like the Punisher. Giving him a focused special helps explain his choices without forcing him into every main show. It also builds anticipation for how he connects with Spider-Man later on. At the same time, it risks feeling a bit fragmented if viewers don’t watch everything in order. What do you think about this approach to storytelling in the MCU? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.