Jon Bernthal Might Have Just Teased the Comic That Inspired THE PUNISHER Special Presentation
Jon Bernthal is stepping back in the role of Frank Castle, not only for Daredevil: Born Again, but a Marvel Special Presentation. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Bernthal is also co-writing the project alongside director Reinaldo Marcus Green (We Own This City).
Now, a Instagram post from Bernthal might have just revealed the inspiration behind his next brutal chapter as The Punisher.
The post featured the cover of The Punisher #53, a 1991 issue from the "Final Days" arc. The arc follows the Kingpin as he sets out to completely break Frank Castle.
He’s forced into working for the crime boss before ultimately landing in prison, which is where Frank faces off with his longtime nemesis, Jigsaw. Badly wounded and on the run, he’s left questioning whether he needs to change in order to survive.”
Of course, Bernthal could’ve simply been revisiting an old favorite story in preparation for the project. Regardless, I’m excited to see what story Bernthal is looking to tell. The comic he’s teasing, though, would be a good one!
Marvel Studios’ Head of TV, Brad Winderbaum, recently hyped up the project, saying: "It's like a shotgun blast of a story, but also has all the pathos and emotion that you want out of a Frank Castle story. It's so exciting."
He went on to praise Bernthal, saying: "Bernthal is a generational actor. He's incredible—what he brings to all the roles he plays, but particularly Frank Castle. And he's a great writer. He knows the character inside and out."
Winderbaum also acknowledged what this return means for the MCU’s street-level storytelling: "I love Punisher, but I love Jon's Punisher in particular. The idea that he's in the MCU and can bring that to the greater universe, especially the more grounded street-level stuff, is a huge opportunity and, as a fan, the greatest thing ever."
One thing we know for sure is that Frank Castle’s story is in good hands with Bernthal.