Jon Bernthal’s take on Frank Castle was one of the highlights of Daredevil season two, so much so that The Punisher is set to receive his own spinoff series on Netflix next year, and may even link up with Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist as part of The Defenders.
During an interview with GQ, Bernthal revealed that he was initially skeptical about taking on a superhero role, but changed his mind after researching the character and finding himself drawn to the fan-favourite antihero.
“I’m working on The Punisher now. You know, this whole superhero-comic-book thing is something I had zero interest in being a part of. The guys that I really, really respect as actors seem to have kind of purposely stayed away from that. I don’t mean that I’m above that or anything, just that it was not for me. But then when I got to know a little bit about this character… He ain’t got a fucking cape. He ain’t got any superpowers. He’s a fucking tortured, angry father and husband who’s living in this unbelievable world of darkness and loss and torment. Frank Castle resonates with me.”
Bernthal also went on to praise the fans, adding that: “Comic-book fans are the greatest fans on earth. It’s not like their insane fervor isn’t based on anything. This is a super-intelligent fan base, because reading a comic book requires you to do a lot of work. You’ve got to fill in all these fucking gaps. I’m respectful of that. These characters exist in their minds and hearts.”
The Punisher is slated to air on Netflix in 2017.
Originally published December 24, 2016. Updated April 16, 2018.
