Jon Bernthal Reveals Why He Walked Away from Daredevil: Born Again Initially as The Punisher; ‘Wasn’t Interested…’

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Jon Bernthal is set to come back as Frank Castle (the Punisher) in the upcoming series “Daredevil: Born Again,” but it wasn’t a certainty at first. Previously playing this role in “The Punisher” on Netflix until its ending in 2019, Bernthal initially turned down the offer to reprise the character due to disagreements about creative aspects. However, with a major change in the show’s plans, Bernthal felt that Castle would finally be portrayed in a way he found satisfying, leading him to put on Castle’s costume again.

In Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, Episode 4, we find Jon Bernthal back in the Marvel universe. Here, Matt Murdock (played by Charlie Cox) pursues the Punisher as part of an investigation into Hector Ayala’s murder. Their encounter is far from cordial; Frank comes close to decapitating Matt with an axe before their business begins. Despite his screen time being minimal in this episode, Bernthal views it as a preliminary step, assessing whether the character reintroduction would be well-received. He was keen to explore if there was room to maintain Frank’s gritty, psychologically complex nature, steering clear of any humor or cuteness.

The trial run appeared successful. Not only did Marvel announce Jon Bernthal’s return for Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, but they also approved a solo Punisher TV special. Bernthal himself acknowledged that his brief appearance in Episode 4 provided an opportunity to embody the Frank Castle character he had always aspired to portray.

Initially, Bernthal harbored reservations about Daredevil: Born Again because of its initial direction. The early concept of the series, before significant changes, was more akin to a procedural drama and less tied to the mythology established during the Netflix era. He recollected being offered a role in that version and feeling it didn’t match his concept of Frank Castle. In the end, he chose to step away from the project, stating, “I didn’t see it. The vision they had for Frank [didn’t] resonate with me, and I believed it wouldn’t appeal to fans.

Following the reorganization of the series, Marvel took on new head writers and appointed Dario Scardapane, who had worked as an executive producer on “The Punisher,” as showrunner. This development made Jon Bernthal more amenable to returning. He was pleased that the studio involved him in conversations about the character’s evolution, enabling them to delve deeply into Frank’s psychological and physical condition.

Bernthal acknowledged several influential figures in molding his portrayal, such as Scardapane, assistant director Phil Silvera who had previously contributed to Frank’s physicality, and his stunt double Eric Linden. In addition, he collaborated with Marine Raider Nick Koumalatsos, whom he referred to as essential not only in his training but also in grasping the psychological dimensions of Frank Castle.

In Daredevil: Born Again, Frank Castle serves as a tempting force influencing Matt Murdock’s decisions, nudging him towards his more sinister impulses. Despite Matt’s efforts to suppress his inner struggles, Frank persistently challenges him, viewing Matt’s ethical dilemmas as uncalled for and contradictory to truth.

Jon Bernthal is fully immersed in growing his interpretation of The Punisher. He’s teaming up with director Reinaldo Marcus Green for a Punisher TV special, and he’s even lending a hand in the writing process. He explained that this special will be a gritty, psychologically intense portrayal of Frank Castle, where violence has real repercussions. Although he couldn’t share many details about his future as The Punisher, he expressed appreciation for Marvel entrusting him with the freedom to develop the character in an authentic and truthful manner.

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2025-03-19 10:37