With only days left before the release of Punisher: One Last Kill on Disney+ on May 12, fans are eagerly anticipating Jon Bernthal's return as Frank Castle in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Following his official MCU reintroduction in Daredevil: Born Again, now is the perfect opportunity to revisit the character's origins and depth in Netflix's The Punisher series, now available on Disney+.
The foundations of the Punisher's MCU story are laid in Daredevil Season 2, where Frank Castle's brutal vengeance against rival gangs, stemming from his family's tragic death, sets the stage for his complex character development. A pivotal episode, "New York's Finest," showcases an intense philosophical clash with Daredevil over the morality of lethal force, highlighting the ethical dilemmas that define the Punisher's narrative. For viewers with the time, this season serves as an excellent precursor, contrasting the Punisher's lethal methods with Daredevil's non-lethal approach.
About The Punisher Netflix Series
The real test of Netflix's take on the character came with the premiere of The Punisher in 2017. Season 1 delves into Frank's pursuit of those responsible for his family's death, leading to his initial retirement from vigilantism. However, the discovery of a broader conspiracy, facilitated by his encounter with Micro (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), a former NSA analyst, reignites his crusade. Season 1's success largely stems from Bernthal's portrayal, which balances violence with palpable pain and humanity, cementing his status as the definitive Punisher.
A notable shortcoming of Season 1 is its retreading of ground covered in Daredevil Season 2, particularly in reintroducing the character's backstory for new viewers. Fortunately, Season 2 breaks new ground, shifting the setting to the Midwest and introducing Frank's protective instincts towards a young girl named Amy, pitting him against white supremacists and a formidable villain, John Pilgrim (Josh Stewart). This season expands Frank's character, showcasing his capacity for protection beyond vengeance and proving the Punisher's versatility in different environments.
Why Re-watch Now?
Given the upcoming Punisher: One Last Kill and future appearances in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, re-watching the Netflix series provides invaluable context and depth to Bernthal's portrayal. While these new projects are anticipated, they may serve more as introductions to the character within the broader MCU, whereas the Netflix series, especially Season 2, explores nuanced storytelling with the Punisher beyond his origin. This depth is something fans can appreciate now, ahead of potentially more introductory content.
The series' cancellation in 2019, alongside other Netflix Marvel shows, paved the way for the Punisher's integration into the MCU. However, this also meant leaving behind the in-depth character development that the show had mastered. As the MCU continues to expand Frank Castle's role, revisiting his roots in The Punisher series offers a reminder of the character's potential for complex, compelling storytelling.
What This Means for the MCU's Punisher
The return of Jon Bernthal as the Punisher in upcoming projects signifies a new era for the character. However, the Netflix series remains the most in-depth exploration of Frank Castle to date. As fans await Punisher: One Last Kill and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, re-watching the series on Disney+ serves as a poignant reminder of the character's rich backstory and the depth that Bernthal brings to the role. It also highlights the hope among fans for more nuanced, character-driven stories in the future, leveraging the groundwork laid by the Netflix series.
"The character is violent and stoic, yet there’s no question about his pain and humanity, which is the core of the Punisher even more so than the guns he wields and the bloodshed he inflicts."
Jon Bernthal, Actor
Conclusion and Next Steps
With Punisher: One Last Kill just around the corner, now is indeed the perfect time to immerse yourself in the The Punisher series on Disney+. Understanding the character's journey from his origins in Daredevil: Season 2 through the events of both seasons of The Punisher will undoubtedly enrich your viewing experience of the upcoming special and future MCU appearances. As the franchise moves forward, the legacy of the Netflix series stands as a benchmark for the character's potential in more mature, complex storytelling.
The Punisher is currently streaming on Disney+.