Jon Bernthal Gets Real About Upcoming ‘Punisher’ Special Presentation: “Some of The Best People We Have in This Country Have Worn That Punisher skull on Their Body Armor”

Jon Bernthal first played Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, in Daredevil season 2, and his performance quickly became a fan favorite. After a spin-off series, which ended after two seasons, Disney+ took over, and many Marvel TV shows were canceled.

Since then, Bernthal has returned to the role in Daredevil: Born Again. Though his role is small in the first season, he’s set to have a bigger presence in season 2. Additionally, he’s working on a Punisher Special Presentation, which will air in 2026 alongside Daredevil: Born Again.

Due to the mysterious nature of all MCU projects, we don’t know much about it at the moment, but Bernthal recently shared a few words on how he aims to build that character and how he received some unexpected help.

“I’m unbelievably blown away by the responsibility that I have in playing him,” Bernthal said. “I have a couple of Marine raiders with me tonight, I have some dear friends, Cody Alford, Colton Hill, that are with me tonight. I’m so grateful for the Marine Corps. and that community, for helping me on this journey, for helping me find this character. Some of the best people we have in this country have worn that Punisher skull on their body armor when they’ve taken that unbelievable walk into danger, to stand up for our country, and that’s something that I take enormously seriously. I’ll make the show for them, I’ll make the show with them. I just really really wanna get it right.”

@wholetusout #JonBernthal loves #FrankCastle as much as we do! #TheAccountant2 drops April 25! #ThePunisher #mcu #marvel #daredevilbornagain #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – Who Let Us Out

Bernthal talked about how much Punisher means to him in the past as well saying, “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.” He added that they’re working hard to give fans a version of Frank Castle that stays true to the character, promising, “It’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be light, and I think it’s the version that this character deserves.“

When asked how the standalone special will differ from the Netflix series, Bernthal previously teased, “It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out the darkness. It’s not going to be easy.” He emphasized that it will not be “Punisher-lite,” saying, “I promise you that.“

It seems Bernthal is aiming for a raw, intense, and thoughtful version of Frank Castle that will go beyond what we’ve seen before.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!