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Marvel confirms John Bernthal's Punisher won't return for Season 2
Fans expecting Frank Castle to re-emerge in the next chapter of Daredevil: Born Again will have to adjust their expectations. Marvel has confirmed that John Bernthal, who stole scenes as the Punisher in the first season, will not appear in season 2. The decision comes despite the show’s strong reception on Disney Plus and the show's role in bringing the Netflix-era vigilantes into the wider MCU.
Season 1 recaptured the grit of Hell's Kitchen while weaving the street-level crime stories into Marvel's larger tapestry. But season 2, which is scheduled to premiere on Disney Plus on 4 March 2026, will proceed without Bernthal’s Frank Castle. Industry reporting suggests the omission is linked to Marvel’s broader plans for the character across separate projects rather than a simple creative snub.
What’s changing in Season 2?
The new batch of episodes doubles down on the Daredevil core: legal drama, moral ambiguity, and violent urban confrontations. Charlie Cox returns as Matt Murdock, with Vincent D’Onofrio back as Wilson Fisk and Krysten Ritter reprising Jessica Jones. Other confirmed cast members include Margarita Levieva, Deborah Ann Woll, Wilson Bethel, Nikki M. James, Jenié Walton, Clark Johnson, Michael Gandolfini, Ayelet Zurer, and Matthew Lillard.
Season 2 will run eight episodes and reunites several creative talents with comic-book cred. Dario Scardapane, who wrote multiple episodes of The Punisher, serves as showrunner. Directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead—known for their atmospheric work on Moon Knight and key episodes of Loki season 2—lead the visual approach, promising a tense, moody season that leans into psychological horror and noir influences.
Why might Marvel keep the Punisher off-screen here?
Marvel appears to be positioning Frank Castle for standalone appearances: Bernthal is slated to headline a dedicated Punisher special and will reportedly appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, part of Marvel’s upcoming film slate. That strategic placement could explain why Castle is absent from Daredevil S2—Marvel may be protecting the character for future high-profile crossovers.
Comparisons to the Netflix era are inevitable. The original Daredevil and Punisher runs were praised for mature storytelling; Born Again tries to maintain that tone while integrating into the MCU's continuity. Some fans worry the shift toward shared-universe considerations might dilute the darker edges that made the Netflix shows stand out, while others are optimistic about new interconnections.
Behind the scenes trivia: Benson and Moorhead’s indie-horror sensibilities often translate into surreal but intimate superhero sequences, a likely fit for Hell's Kitchen’s shadowy streets.
Short conclusion Whether you miss Bernthal or welcome a more tightly focused Matt Murdock narrative, season 2 promises to deepen the show's legal, moral, and action beats. Keep an eye on the announced Punisher special—Marvel may be saving his biggest move for another stage.
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