EXCLUSIVE: The Punisher TV Special to Begin Filming This July - Plot, Cast & Release Plans
The Punisher is officially locked, loaded, and ready for action. Marvel Studios is wasting no time firing up Phase Six, and according to exclusive sources, the long-rumored Punisher Disney+ special is finally moving into production. And yes, Jon Bernthal is back, reprising his role as Frank Castle in what promises to be one of the MCU’s grittiest special presentations to date.
With cameras set to roll in mid-July in New York City, the new special will follow hot on the heels of Daredevil: Born Again season 2, which Bernthal has been filming in recent months. Once that wraps, Castle’s next blood-soaked chapter officially begins.
Production Timeline and Creative Team
The Punisher special will shoot from mid-July through early August 2025, giving Marvel plenty of runway to deliver a sleek, stylized TV event. At the helm is Reinaldo Marcus Green, known for his powerful direction in King Richard and he’s not just directing, but co-writing the script alongside Bernthal himself.
This move marks Marvel Studios’ third Special Presentation on Disney+, following the well-received Werewolf by Night and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.
But don’t expect a festive tone, this one’s going dark, brutal, and personal.
What We Know About the Plot (So Far)
As with most Marvel projects, the exact plot remains under wraps. However, industry insiders suggest the story picks up with Frank Castle escaping from Wilson Fisk’s private prison, setting the tone for a focused, intense revenge narrative.
Adding more intrigue is a new villain reportedly being cast: a female crime boss with strong ties to Castle’s past. While not officially confirmed, multiple sources including scooper DanielRPK point to Ma Gnucci, one of Punisher’s most ruthless comic book enemies. Our own intel supports this rumor, and casting for the role is currently underway.
Bernthal’s Rise as Marvel’s Dark Hero
The Punisher special will mark Jon Bernthal’s fourth official MCU appearance, following his roles in Daredevil, The Punisher (Netflix continuity), and Daredevil: Born Again. It’s also the steppingstone to his feature film debut in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set for release on July 31, 2026.
Marvel appears to be playing the long game with Castle carefully building him into the MCU's more grounded, morally grey corner. With street-level stories gaining traction again, Castle’s return couldn’t come at a better time.
Where & When to Watch
Marvel Studios’ The Punisher special is set to premiere in 2026 on Disney+ as part of Phase Six. No exact date has been confirmed but expect it to arrive after the second season of Daredevil: Born Again, likely placing it in early-to-mid 2026.
For fans of Marvel’s grittier side think less space gods, more street justice this could be the special that reignites interest in the darker corners of the MCU.
