Jon Bernthal’s Punisher Joins the MCU Spider-Man Movie
Marvel fans, rejoice – Jon Bernthal is stepping back into the role of Frank Castle, a.k.a. the Punisher, in the upcoming blockbuster Spider‑Man: Brand New Day, scheduled for release on July 31, 2026. Having first brought this gritty antihero to life in Netflix’s *Daredevil and The Punisher, and more recently in Disney+’s Daredevil: Born Again, Bernthal’s return marks the Punisher’s first cinematic debut within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Jon Bernthal From Netflix to the Big Screen
Jon Bernthal first captured attention in 2016 when he portrayed the Punisher in Netflix’s Daredevil. The character’s brutal sense of justice led to a dedicated two-season The Punisher series (2017–2019), where Bernthal’s performance earned widespread acclaim for its raw intensity .
Marvel’s creative team later resurrected him in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+, earning praise for a memorable return and paving the way for his MCU film debut. Furthermore, Bernthal is set to star in a standalone Punisher Special Presentation for Disney+ in 2026, which Marvel Studios describes as “intense and visceral”.
Spider‑Man: Brand New Day Cast & Crew
Helmed by director Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi), with screenwriters Erik Sommers and Chris McKenna, the film centers on Tom Holland returning as Peter Parker/Spider‑Man. Also confirmed are Zendaya (MJ), Jacob Batalon (Ned), and newcomer Sadie Sink in a yet-to-be-revealed role.
Bernthal’s entry alongside Spider‑Man and possibly Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, rumored for a “substantive” role, suggests a grittier, street-level tone for this installment. With shooting set to begin in England this summer, fans should prepare for an upgraded, grounded entry into Spider‑Man’s journey.
How Bernthal Helped Holland Get Cast
Bernthal has played a delightful secret role in Tom Holland’s rise. While filming the 2017 film Pilgrimage in Ireland, the two actors helped each other tape auditions—Bernthal assisted Holland in preparing for Spider‑Man, even encouraging a wall-flip stunt, and later Holland helped Bernthal with the Punisher audition.
“I will take credit that…he did this thing…,’Tom, maybe you should…run up that wall and do a double backflip…’” Bernthal shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
While their on-screen debut hasn’t overlapped—Bernthal appears in Born Again, while Holland appeared briefly in Spider‑Man: No Way Home—this is the first time both characters will appear in a same theatrical MCU feature.
Punisher’s Role in Brand New Day
Details are still under wrap, but speculations point to a moral dynamic between Spider‑Man’s non-lethal heroism and Punisher’s more extreme justice. The Direct suggests Bernthal’s character may serve either as a threat or uneasy ally, enhancing the film’s darker, street-order tone alongside hinted roles for Hulk and Mr. Negative.
Fans can anticipate a sharp contrast in their methods—Peter’s restraint against Frank’s lethal tactics—bringing emotional and ethical gravity to action sequences.
What This Means for Marvel
1. Unified Netflix & MCU timelines – Bringing Netflix-era characters like Frank Castle and Daredevil’s Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) firmly into the MCU canon.
2. R‑rated storytelling edge – With Deadpool & Wolverine, Brand New Day may lean darker but remain PG‑13 to balance tone and character fidelity. Bernthal’s standalone TV special further cements Punisher’s complex, mature edge.
3. Setup for future street-level teams – This casts Frank Castle on a path toward team-ups with Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and other vigilantes in Phase Six of the MCU .
Why This Casting Is Huge
Bernthal’s performance as Frank Castle remains the benchmark across all Punisher adaptations. His MCU comeback ensures tonal continuity and deep character work.
* A first cinematic crossover with Spider‑Man opens new storytelling avenues and fulfills long-standing fan aspirations for mature street-level superhero narratives .
* It also signifies Marvel’s confidence in integrating hard-edged characters into mainstream films while maintaining emotional and ethical complexity.
The Bottom Line
Jon Bernthal’s return as the Punisher in Spider‑Man: Brand New Day is a game changer for Marvel’s MCU. Not only does it bring a much-loved Netflix character into the mainstream cinematic universe, but it also marks a powerful tonal shift toward grittier storytelling. With Holland’s Peter Parker, Zendaya’s MJ, and Ned forming the core ensemble—along with potential heavyweights like Hulk and Mr. Negative—we’re looking at a Spider‑Man film that stakes, moral conflict, and unforgettable action.
