Back in January we found out that Netflix and Marvel were developing a potential Daredevil spinoff series titled The Punisher, focusing of course on Frank Castle, who made his debut in the recently released Daredevil season two and was played by The Walking Dead star Jon Bernthal.
Today it’s been confirmed that this isn’t something that might happen anymore. It actually is happening. Netflix has officially ordered a full first season of the Punisher series, with Bernthal set to reprise his role as Castle. Hannibal writer and executive producer Steve Lightfoot will handle showrunner duties on The Punisher, while also writing the first two episodes and executive producing.
Multiple statements were released along with the big news. Head of Marvel Television and executive producer Jeph Loeb said of the announcement:
“We want to thank the fans who are clamoring for more of Jon’s stunning and powerful performance as Frank Castle from “˜Marvel’s Daredevil.’ Now combined with Showrunner Steve Lightfoot’s compelling writing, we’re thrilled to bring ‘Marvel’s The Punisher’ to Netflix.”
Netflix Vice President of Original Content Cindy Holland added:
“Jon hooked our global audience with his performance as Frank Castle from the moment he stepped on screen in ‘Marvel’s Daredevil,’ and we are looking forward to seeing more of him in this role under the vision of Steve Lightfoot.”
Finally, Lightfoot said:
“For me, the complexity and unpredictability of Frank Castle make him an incredibly compelling character and I couldn’t be more excited to dive into his world. After watching Jon’s performance in “˜Marvel’s Daredevil’ I could not be more excited to be working with him to further develop and progress the story of this anti-hero in a show of his own.”
The Punisher is now the first Marvel series at Netflix to be confirmed outside of the five that were already announced, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and their own Avengers-style miniseries The Defenders.
Whether or not Punisher will now be crashing The Defenders as well is not yet clear.
No word yet on a release window for The Punisher.
[Source: Marvel]
YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jon Bernthal is my new favorite Frank Castle.
Comment by MadMike R5D4 — April 29, 2016 @ 2:10 pm