Welcome back to the big screen, Frank Castle.
While Jon Bernthal’s Punisher has been a significant presence in the Daredevil series, including the recent Disney+ Daredevil: Born Again, it’s been some time since we’ve seen a cinematic take on the vigilante. That changes now as he’ll appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
News has broken that Bernthal has been added to the new Spider-Man, which will feature the returning Tom Holland. Also officially confirmed to return for Brand New Day are Zendaya and Jacob Batalon as MJ and Ned respectively, while Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink has been cast in an as-yet-unrevealed new role.
Bernthal joining up with Spider-Man is something fans have wished for, given the history between Punisher and the Webslinger. The Amazing Spider-Man #129, subtitled “The Punisher Strikes Twice!”, released in 1974, marked the first appearance of Frank Castle in the comics. The two would be linked many times, including more comics, animated, and video game appearances.
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Having debuted as the character in Netflix’s Marvel series, Jon Bernthal recently made his return as Frank Castle in Daredevil: Born Again, while he is also set to star and co-write a Punisher Special Presentation for Disney+, slated to premiere in 2026.
Destin Daniel Cretton will direct the new Spider-Man film, and it’s set to kick off production this summer ahead of a July 31st 2026 release.
Originally published June 21, 2025. Updated June 22, 2025.
