The Punisher's Cut Stan Lee Tribute & Marvel Controversy Explained
Disney+ cut a controversial Stan Lee tribute in The Punisher finale when the show was moved from Netflix to its new streaming platform. Starring Jon Bernthal, The Punisher continued vigilante Frank Castle's story after his introduction in Daredevil season 2 as he sought revenge for the deaths of his wife and children. The series was canceled after two seasons when Marvel ended its relationship with Netflix, and four years later, it became available to stream on Disney+ along with the other shows in the Defenders universe.
When it was first announced that Netflix's Marvel shows would be appearing on Disney+, there was some speculation over how the streaming platform would handle their mature content. Up until that point, Disney+ had maintained its image as a family-friendly site, at least in the United States, and shows like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and The Punisher all contained graphic violence and other mature themes that were not appropriate for children. Despite concerns that the Defenders shows might be censored, their brutality was maintained during the transition. However, they were not free of changes altogether.
Related: Daredevil & The Defenders Complete Timeline: What Order To Watch
The main, though not unexpected alteration was replacing the Netflix logo in the opening credits of each of the Defenders saga shows with one for Disney+. More surprising was the decision to remove a small tribute to Stan Lee from The Punisher finale. This well-intentioned tribute had caused a controversial reaction in audiences when The Punisher season 2 first released, and Disney+ has taken it out.
The Punisher's memorial to Stan Lee had sparked controversy when the show first came out. The beloved Marvel creator had passed away
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