Jon Bernthal Wraps Marvel’s THE PUNISHER Special Presentation With Heartfelt Speech: “Impossible” Shoot Completed in 12 Days
Marvel Studios has wrapped production on The Punisher Special Presentation, and Jon Bernthal marked the occasion with a heartfelt speech that’s now making the rounds online.
Captured by on-set photographer Steve Sands, the video shows Bernthal thanking the cast and crew at the end of a grueling 12-day shoot in New York. The actor, who’s once again stepping into the role of Frank Castle following Daredevil: Born Again, called the production “impossible” given the time constraints, but praised the team’s dedication in getting it across the finish line.
Bernthal is set to jump straight into his next appearance as Castle, flying to London this week to film scenes for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The tight turnaround likely added pressure to the already ambitious schedule.
While Marvel remains quiet on plot details, earlier set photos have hinted at the inclusion of fan-favorite villain Isabella Carmela Magdalena Gnucci, aka Ma Gnucci. The mob matriarch was introduced in Garth Ennis’ Marvel Knights run and quickly became one of Castle’s most formidable foes. Judith Light is rumored to be playing the role, but Marvel has yet to confirm.
Bernthal also co-wrote the script with We Own This City director Reinaldo Marcus Green, who is also helming the Special.
"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," said Marvel’s Head of Streaming Brad Winderbaum. "It's so exciting."
Winderbaum also revealed that the idea for the standalone Special emerged during production on Born Again, where Castle and Daredevil reunited to dismantle Fisk’s anti-vigilante task force. For Winderbaum, bringing Bernthal back was a no-brainer.
"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....
“Also, 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."
No release date has been announced yet, but with filming wrapped and the energy surrounding the project building fast, expect The Punisher to make his MCU Special Presentation debut sooner rather than later.