Jon Bernthal is officially returning as Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He will star in a new Disney+ Special Presentation titled The Punisher: Last Call, set to release in mid-2026.
Recent set photos show Bernthal wearing a new armored suit. The suit includes layered protection, a skull emblem, and his iconic trench coat. Bernthal is also co-writing the project, which promises a gritty and intense take on the character, similar to his earlier portrayal in the Netflix series The Punisher (2017–2019).
The story will follow Castle after the events of the Netflix series. He continues his violent war on crime while facing new personal struggles. Marvel says the tone will be mature and realistic, with a TV-MA rating for violence and dark themes. A director has not been named yet, but the studio confirms the filmmaker is known for grounded, action-heavy storytelling.
In addition to the Disney+ special, Bernthal’s Punisher will appear in the upcoming 2026 film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. In this movie, Castle clashes with Spider-Man and other heroes. He uses advanced weapons and tactical skills, expanding the MCU’s street-level storylines.
Fans have welcomed Bernthal’s return, praising his powerful performance in the original Netflix series. Marvel says the new projects aim to respect that legacy while connecting the Punisher to future MCU crossovers.
