Jon Bernthal Initially Refusing To Come Back As The Punisher In Daredevil: Born Again Makes His MCU Return Story All The More Important

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Jon Bernthal"s initial refusal to be part of Daredevil: Born Again only makes the future of his character in the MCU that much more important. Bernthal was rumored to be part of Daredevil: Born Again"s cast as soon as the show began production years ago. However, what many did not know until after the ending of Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 is that the actor declined to be part of the show during the earliest days of its development.
Of course, Bernthal eventually ended up changing his mind and allowed for Punisher"s return in Daredevil: Born Again. The scene between him and Matt Murdock in episode 4 was one of the standout moments of the show thus far, instantly falling back into the complex psychological battle that has long existed between the two characters. Not only does this promise more Frank Castle in the MCU"s upcoming TV shows, but it renders those stories even more important given Bernthal"s initial hesitance to reprise his role.
Jon Bernthal Originally Declined To Appear As The Punisher In Daredevil: Born Again And Recently Gave His Reasoning As To Why

Image via Disney+
Shortly after the release of Daredevil: Born Again episode 4, Entertainment Weekly released an interview with Bernthal that explored the actor"s resurgence as Frank Castle in the MCU. It was during this interview that Bernthal first admitted that he declined to return for the original plan of Daredevil: Born Again. This original plan persevered through the development of six episodes, yet a break in production caused by the industry strikes of 2023 allowed Marvel Studios" execs and Daredevil: Born Again"s cast alike to admit the show was not working.
Concerning why it was not working for Bernthal specifically, the actor stated that the tone, style, and story did not feel congruent with what he knew Frank Castle/The Punisher to be. Bernthal stated

"Ultimately, I didn"t see it. I didn"t see the version of Frank, and what they wanted from Frank [didn"t] really make sense to me and I thought would not appeal to the fans..."

Bernthal goes on to say that he was simply not interested in doing it, so he walked away from Daredevil: Born Again. Of course, the creative overhaul of the show has been no secret, but many assumed the likes of Bernthal, Cox, and D"Onofrio were involved from the start. While the latter two actors may have been, the reveal that Bernthal declined at first is very interesting.
Bernthal's Return Says Promising Things About The Rest Of Season 1 & The Show's Future The Overhaul Changed Bernthal's Mind Close With these comments from Bernthal in mind, it highlights how promising the rest of Daredevil: Born Again season 1 and other elements of the show"s future must be. Daredevil: Born Again season 2 is already in development and is likely set for release in 2026, with Bernthal expected to return as The Punisher once more. The fact that Bernthal refused to be part of the original show but was swayed by the creative overhaul just goes to show how successful the process was in making Daredevil: Born Again seasons 1 and 2 more like what fans were expecting.

Related Daredevil: Born Again Season 2: Cast, Production Status & Everything We Know Fear not, Daredevil: Born Again season 2 is already confirmed to be coming after the first season, and here is everything we know about it thus far.
Posts Bernthal remarks in the aforementioned interview that he was given a lot more freedom to express his desires for Frank"s character after the creative overhaul. He also states that, as an actor and storyteller, he could not let his love of playing that role overtake his need to do what is best for the character. This implies that the overhaul of Daredevil: Born Again meant that Bernthal could finally serve the role of Frank Castle the best after an initially shaky start, proving how promising the show"s future truly is.
Jon Bernthal's Perspective On The Punisher Makes The Upcoming Spinoff More Exciting Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Is Not The Only Upcoming Appearance For Bernthal

As I have alluded to, Bernthal"s refusal to come back and his subsequent change of heart only makes his MCU future more important and exciting. I have already explained how Bernthal"s comments all but guarantee good things for the remainder of Daredevil: Born Again season 1 and the upcoming season 2, but they also make another upcoming MCU project all the more exciting. Shortly before Daredevil: Born Again"s premiere, it was announced that Bernthal would write a Punisher Marvel Special Presentation project for Disney+.
The Punisher Special Presentation is expected to be released on Disney+ at some point in 2026.
This announcement was exciting enough already, but Bernthal"s words about the character after Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 have only increased the anticipation to immeasurable heights. Not only has Bernthal confirmed that Marvel Studios are letting him depict a version of the character he wishes, but that the story itself is "really special. It"s the visceral, psychologically complex, unforgiving, no-holds-barred version of Frank." Bernthal has proved beyond all doubt that he knows this character better than most, making Daredevil: Born Again"s future just as important as The Punisher"s special is exciting.
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Daredevil: Born Again TV-MA Crime Action Superhero Thriller Adventure

9/10 192 9.1/10 Release Date March 4, 2025 Showrunner Chris Ord Directors Michael Cuesta, Aaron Moorhead, Justin Benson, Jeffrey Nachmanoff Writers Chris Ord Franchise(s) Daredevil, Marvel Cinematic Universe Cast See All