Jon Bernthal to Reprise Punisher in 2026 Disney+ Special

Jon Bernthal will reprise his role as Frank Castle, the vigilante known as the Punisher, in an untitled Disney+ special set for release later in 2026, marking the character's first solo MCU project and the longest special presentation from Marvel Studios to date.

The 60-minute special, confirmed through a Writers Guild of America listing, surpasses the runtimes of previous entries in the series, including the 53-minute "Werewolf by Night" and the 42-minute "Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special," both from 2022. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, who co-wrote the script alongside Bernthal, the project blends adventure and action elements. It picks up Castle's storyline following his appearances in the first season of "Daredevil: Born Again," where he featured in two episodes, including a post-credits scene in the finale depicting his escape from an anti-vigilante task force led by Wilson Fisk, played by Vincent D'Onofrio.

Filming for the special took place over 12 days in New York City last summer, with Bernthal joined by supporting cast members Jason R. Moore, Roe Rancell, Mila Jaymes, Chelsea Brea, Dominick Mancino, Evelyn O. Vaccaro, and Tom Johnson. The idea for the...