First Look: Jon Bernthal Back as Punisher Filming New MCU Special in NYC
Jon Bernthal has been spotted filming the upcoming Punisher Special Presentation in New York City, giving fans their first look at the new project. This special is a continuation of Bernthal’s role as Frank Castle, the Punisher, which started with Marvel’s Netflix series and continued in the MCU’s Daredevil: Born Again.
The special was announced in February 2025 and will be directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, who co-wrote the script with Bernthal. The two previously worked together on the miniseries We Own This City in 2022. Filming kicked off in July 2025, and the special is expected to arrive on Disney+ sometime in 2026.
JustJared shared a set photo that might reveal where the story fits in the MCU timeline. The image shows a concert poster dated Sunday, July 18, 2027, suggesting the events of the special take place in that year.
— Cosmic Media (@CosmicMMedia) July 17, 2025
This timeline places the story after Daredevil: Born Again season 1, which is set in 2026, and could mean Marvel is aligning the MCU’s timeline more closely.
Though the plot details remain a mystery, sources say the story could follow Frank Castle after he escapes a private prison run by Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin. This could lead to a new violent chapter for the Punisher, putting him back on the streets with a fresh mission.
There’s also rumors about the villain. Marvel insider revealed that a female mob boss is being cast for the special, and Nexus Point News confirmed that casting is still in progress. The character is likely Ma Gnucci, a ruthless crime boss from the comics, making her first appearance in the MCU if confirmed.
This Special Presentation is part of Marvel’s growing lineup of shorter projects that connect to the larger MCU story. So far, Marvel has released specials like Werewolf by Night and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special in this format.
For Jon Bernthal, this will be his fourth time playing the Punisher. He debuted as Frank Castle in Netflix’s Daredevil season 2, starred in two seasons of The Punisher, returned in Daredevil: Born Again, and will soon appear as the character on the big screen in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, releasing July 31, 2026.
Marvel hasn’t shared official details about the plot or full cast yet, but with Bernthal and Marcus Green back, fans have good reason to be excited about this new chapter for the street-level hero in Phase Six of the MCU.
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