How Jon Bernthal's Punisher Can Return In Phase 4 & 5 (Every Movie & Show)
There are numerous projects in Marvel Studios Phase 4 and Phase 5 MCU slates that could potentially feature Jon Bernthal's long-awaited return as The Punisher. Following the return of Charlie Cox as Daredevil in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Wilson Fisk's return in Hawkeye, all eyes have now turned to Jon Bernthal to reprise his role as Frank Castle. The Punisher was easily the second favorite Netflix character among audiences, and the demand for his return almost equals that of Charlie Cox's before his No Way Home Cameo.
Not so long ago, Punisher's return to the MCU was thought impossible by many, since the character's violent nature simply does not fit with Disney and Marvel's family-friendly image. Complicating matters further, Jon Bernthal stated that he would be willing to reprise his role as Castle only if the gory brutality of character is maintained, as he feels that is the essence of the Punisher. Recently, however, things have begun to change, with Marvel Studios choosing to bring darker characters into the MCU with releases like Moon Knightand Blade, making The Punisher's return more likely.
Related: Daredevil's MCU Future: Phase 4 Movies And Shows Charlie Cox Can Return In
This trend does not look like it will stop soon since Marvel's Phases 4 and 5 slates are full of both confirmed and rumored projects that are bound to be darker in tone than the average MCU release. This could lay the groundwork for the MCU to explore darker comic storylines and events, which is the environment where a character like the Punisher shines. Even though Bernthal's return is not yet confirmed, ten of Marvel's upcoming releases could be perfect for him to reprise his role while still maintaining the essence of his character.
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