Jon Bernthal reprises his role as Frank Castle, the Punisher, in the Disney+ series “Daredevil: Born Again,” having first played the character in Netflix’s “Daredevil” and his own “Punisher” series. A standalone Punisher special is set for 2026, co-written by Bernthal and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. Bernthal emphasizes that the new portrayal will be dark and serious, staying true to the character’s complexity. He is also promoting “The Accountant 2,” a sequel to the 2016 thriller, where he plays Brax, expressing excitement for the film’s deeper connection with audiences. The sequel will release on April 25.
Jon Bernthal reprises his role as the Punisher in the newly launched Disney+ series Daredevil: Born Again, sharing insights about an upcoming special focused entirely on the antihero.
Bernthal first stepped into the shoes of Frank Castle/Punisher, a grieving father turned vigilante, in the 2016 Netflix adaptation of Daredevil and later starred in his own spin-off series, The Punisher, from 2017 to 2019. With Daredevil now making its comeback on Disney+, he appears in Born Again, and it was confirmed in late February that he would lead a Punisher special for Marvel Television. Bernthal is co-writing the standalone special with Reinaldo Marcus Green, who will direct it. This Disney+ show is set to premiere in 2026 alongside the second season of Daredevil.
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During the SXSW premiere of his latest film, The Accountant 2, on Saturday, Bernthal expressed to The Hollywood Reporter his passion for the forthcoming project, stating, “I care deeply about Frank, and I’m truly thankful for the chance to convey the story that fans deserve. We’re pouring our hearts into this, aiming to create a narrative for Frank Castle that is real; it won’t be easy or light-hearted. This is the portrayal that the character truly deserves, and I feel incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity.”
When questioned about how this new venture would differ from the Netflix series, Bernthal replied, “It’s going to be dark; Frank is deeply entrenched in the shadows. It won’t be a walk in the park. If that aligns with the tone of Netflix, then so be it,” adding, “It will not be a diluted version of Punisher, I assure you.”
Currently, Bernthal is concentrating on The Accountant 2, a sequel to the 2016 thriller featuring a math savant (played by Ben Affleck) who secretly works as an accountant for hazardous criminal enterprises. Bernthal plays the role of Brax, the estranged and dangerous brother.
The sequel has seen a lengthy development process, as Bernthal noted, “Ben and I were talking about how it’s always nice when people mention your work as you walk down the street, and people frequently discuss The Accountant. It appears to have garnered a dedicated following and resonated with many. I’m really happy about that; it’s bringing me back together with people I genuinely care about.”
Affleck confirmed that he, too, received significant feedback regarding the first installment. “Initially, I was almost taken aback; while it was successful, it wasn’t a blockbuster. I believe that the advent of streaming over the past nine years has really helped this film, as audiences now have access to numerous choices,” he explained. “It seems to have developed its own legacy over time, which I hope will translate to a fondness for this sequel.”
“I believe this is a better film; I truly love it, and I’m hopeful that audiences will come out to see it,” he concluded. “Yes, I maintained my faith during the lengthy process, which had its share of ups and downs. Though it was frustrating that we should have done this sooner, I think we’ve gained from the intervening years. I aim to produce a third installment before another nine years pass.”
The Accountant 2 will be released in theaters on April 25.
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