Jon Bernthal will stalk the streets of Hell’s Kitchen as Frank Castle — a.k.a. The Punisher — in Daredevil season 2.
The anguished, uncompromising Punisher is one of Marvel’s most popular anti-heroes. According to Jeph Loeb, Marvel’s head of television, Bernthal is more than ready to step into the ambitious role.
“Jon Bernthal brings an unmatched intensity to every role he takes on, with a potent blend of power, motivation and vulnerability that will connect with audiences,” says Loeb. “Castle’s appearance will bring dramatic changes to the world of Matt Murdock and nothing will be the same.”
The Punisher has not appeared in the current iteration of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though the character was the subject of a critically-panned 2004 film. As an indelibly dark and violent character, Frank Castle will fit perfectly in the grim and gory world established in Daredevil‘s acclaimed first season.
In Daredevil season 2, Marvel says, The Punisher will act as “a vigilante who aims to clean up New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen by any means necessary, no matter how lethal the results.” This agenda will certainly put Frank Castle on a collision course with Matt Murdock, who has similar goals, in spite of a vow not to take life.
Best known for his work on AMC’s The Walking Dead, Jon Bernthal is no stranger to geek-friendly properties. He also appeared in the David Ayer film Fury, and Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street. In a tweet responding to the news of his casting, Bernthal already appears to be getting into character as The Punisher.
Thanks for the love yall. Let's get it. Honored. pic.twitter.com/ZQ4xNfocHH
— Jon Bernthal (@jonnybernthal) June 9, 2015
Daredevil season 2 will be helmed by season 1 staff writers Doug Petrie and Marco Ramirez, following the departure of showrunner Steven DeKnight. Show creator Drew Goddard will remain an executive producer on the series, as will Jeph Loeb.
Daredevil season 2 will be available for streaming on Netflix in 2016.