Jon Bernthal Returns: New Punisher MCU Special Starts Filming Soon
It’s official, Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle is making his long-awaited return in a Punisher MCU special. According to a new report from Nexus Point News, the special is scheduled to begin filming in mid-July 2025 in New York City, with production running through early August. The project is expected to be part of Marvel’s growing list of Disney+ Special Presentations.
Plot Speculation and a New Villain
While Marvel Studios remains tight-lipped about the storyline, early leaks suggest the plot may follow Frank Castle’s escape from Wilson Fisk’s private prison. This would tie the special to the larger narrative being explored in Daredevil: Born Again, possibly even intersecting timelines.
Adding fuel to the hype, insider DanielRPK hinted back in May that a female crime boss would play a central role in the series. That rumor now appears confirmed, with casting underway for Ma Gnucci, a notorious mafia matriarch from the comics. She first appeared in The Punisher #5 in 2000 and became known for her brutal vendetta against Castle after he killed her three sons.
Who Is Ma Gnucci?
Ma Gnucci isn’t just another villain, she’s a symbol of Marvel’s grittier, more grounded stories. After losing all four limbs in a savage polar bear attack orchestrated by Castle, she continues to lead her crime empire with ruthless efficiency. Her live-action debut could signal a much darker tone for Marvel’s street-level content.
The Creative Team Behind the Project
Helming the project is Reinaldo Marcus Green, known for his work on King Richard. Green is not only directing but also co-writing the script with Bernthal. Their collaboration suggests a character-driven approach, likely drawing from the raw emotional storytelling that made Bernthal’s portrayal of the Punisher in Netflix’s Daredevil and The Punisher series so beloved.
Release Date and Crossover Potential
Although Marvel hasn’t confirmed a Disney+ release date, the Punisher MCU special is expected to premiere sometime in 2026. Adding more excitement to the calendar, Bernthal is also set to reprise his role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, slated for release on July 31, 2026. With both appearances on the horizon, it’s clear Marvel is doubling down on integrating Frank Castle into its main universe.
Final Thoughts
The Punisher’s return marks a bold step in Marvel’s ongoing expansion of its darker, more mature narratives. With Frank Castle returning to the MCU, fans can look forward to a brutal, emotionally intense chapter that pushes beyond traditional superhero fare. Between Ma Gnucci’s live-action debut and ties to the Daredevil universe, this special may be one of Marvel’s most explosive projects yet.
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