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File this under reportedly rumored as Disney has yet to make an official announcement and usually, I don’t report unless it’s official, but when it comes to The Punisher, I still like to chat it up and promote as we need more of the gun toting vigilante in our lives. 2026 is going to be one hell of a year to be a fan of Frank Castle as the character is killing in a host of Marvel Comics limited series and a new ongoing line that hits later this year. Jon Bernthal will also be back twice in 2026 as he will once again don the skull for his big screen debut in Spider-Man: Brand New Day along with a special one shot special on Disney Plus.
In terms of the special on the streaming service, there are reports going around that the one-shot deal has finally received a title ahead of its impending release later this year. The rumored new title is….wait for it…
Punisher: One Shot Special!
I know what you’re thinking. John that is quite underwhelming. While I might tend to agree with you, I feel that this is not only a perfect title for the special, but it also serves as a double entendre. Naming the show Punisher: One Shot Special implies that this is indeed a one off, but it also resonates a one shot, one kill motif which I feel is perfect for the character and the show. All we need is a promotional poster for the special which shows Bernthal’s Punisher lining up a victim in his sights as he aims a sniper rifle. Perfection so Disney and Marvel make it happen.
The Punisher: One Shot Special will be the third time that Jon Bernthal will put on the skull as he co-starred in season 2 of Netflix’s Daredevil where he made his debut. He then went on to headline his own Netflix series that hit the streaming service for two seasons between 2017 and 2019. Bernthal then reprised the role for last year’s Daredevil Born Again season one and stole the show in the later episodes.
Reinaldo Marcus Green helms the special, which will also be a part of the MCU’s Phase Six. Green also co-wrote the screenplay with Jon Bernthal who came up with the idea.
The Punisher One Shot Special starring Bernthal is classified right now in terms of plot, but the events of the Punisher one shot clearly take place after Frank escapes The Kingpin’s modified jail and navigates a New York City that has descended into chaos after the events of Daredevil: Born Again. The plot of the special presentation is top secret right now, but besides Bernthal, the cast includes Jason R. Moore returning as Frank’s military friend Curtis as well as Roe Rancell. There are also reports saying that a female actor has been cast in a crime boss roll which has fans saying that it could be the one and only Ma Gnucci who figured heavily in the “Welcome Back, Frank” storyline which was penned by Garth Ennis in 2000.
Bernthal’s Punisher is also ready for his massive close up on the big screen next July as he is also going to film scenes for Spider-Man: Brand New Day with Tom Hollands returning as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. It has also been confirmed that MCU favorite Mark Ruffalo is also back as Bruce Banner/The Hulk. Frank isn’t going to be as violent physically in the film as it is PG-13, but they are saying that his character isn’t any less violent. Fans have been complaining about this as well but if you know comics, then you know that Frank has used non-lethal tactics while teaming up with Spidey including rubber bullets and more traditional hand to hand combat so read a comic before you scream out things you don’t know.
While I’m excited for the special, it is bittersweet as after the show and his turn in the new Spidey film, we are unclear what the future holds for the character in the MCU. Granted, it’s great to see Bernthal reprise the character as it was all but done when Netflix axed the original series so we will take what we can get. If you ask me and his legion of fans, The Punisher needs a new ongoing series or…wait for it… his own feature film. Perfection. Once again, Disney and Marvel. make it happen.
