Punisher’s Surprise Return Teased for Daredevil: Born Again

For a while, it looked like Frank Castle, better known as the Punisher and played by Jon Bernthal, wouldn’t be popping up in the next chapter of Matt Murdock’s story. The word was that Daredevil: Born Again’s second season would carry on without him. But that might not be the case after all, if a recent social media post is anything to go by.

Royce Johnson, who fans will remember as Detective Sergeant Brett Mahoney from the original Netflix run, recently shared a handful of behind-the-scenes snaps on Instagram. Among the familiar faces—Charlie Cox and Deborah Ann Woll—one photo in particular has set tongues wagging. There’s Johnson, standing alongside Woll and Bernthal, who’s sporting the full beard that’s become something of a trademark for his take on the Punisher.

Clues from Behind the Scenes

It’s not just the company Bernthal’s keeping in the photo that’s got people talking. The timing of his look matches up with when he was reportedly filming a much-anticipated special. That’s led some to reckon the photo could have been snapped during production for Daredevil: Born Again’s new season, or perhaps while working on a separate Punisher project. Either way, the presence of both Karen Page and Mahoney in the shot has fans wondering if they’ll be caught up in whatever chaos Frank Castle stirs up next.

Of course, there’s always the chance the photo was just a reunion of old mates, but the context has punters speculating about a proper on-screen return. The possibility of these characters crossing paths again is enough to get any Marvel fan keen for what’s coming.

Strengthening the Marvel Street-Level Connection

What’s clear is that the lines between the Netflix era and the current Marvel Cinematic Universe are getting blurrier. The return of familiar faces like Bernthal’s Punisher, even if only hinted at, suggests Marvel isn’t quite done with its street-level heroes. With the wider MCU gearing up for bigger threats, there’s still plenty of appetite for stories grounded in the grit and drama of New York’s underbelly.

As the year rolls on, and with major events like Avengers: Doomsday looming, the focus on these more grounded characters offers a welcome contrast. Whether Frank Castle’s next appearance is in Daredevil: Born Again or his own standalone story, fans will be watching closely for any sign of what’s next.

What’s Next for Marvel Fans

For those keeping track of every upcoming Marvel film and series, these little teases are part of the fun. The connections between old favourites and new stories keep the speculation alive, and with so many projects on the horizon, there’s no shortage of reasons to stay tuned. Whether it’s a full-blown return or just a cheeky cameo, the Punisher’s shadow still looms large over the MCU’s street-level scene.