Summary
Thomas Jane discusses the rumors of him appearing inDeadpool & Wolverineand his thoughts on Jon Bernthal being the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Punisher inDaredevil: Born Again. Jane played the Punisher in the 2004 film of the same name and, as a prominent Marvel character from the pre-MCU films, was a prime candidate to appear inDeadpool & Wolverine. Bernthal has played the Punisher sinceDaredevilseason 2 and is reprising the role as part ofDaredevil: Born Again’s story.
While speaking withThe Direct,Jane made it clear that he was never going to have a cameo inDeadpool & Wolverine.He is candid about why he was not the ideal actor to play the Punisher, despite playing the role before Bernthal. Jane also compliments Bernthal’s portrayal of the character, and explains why Bernthal is better-suited to continue the role inDaredevil: Born Againand moving forward in the MCU. Check out Jane’s comments below:
Nope. I like [Jon] Bernthal’s Punisher. I think, you know, for me, it was always a little bit of a stretch. Frank Castle is supposed to be an Italian American. I’m not. I’m an Irish American. So for me, I had to dye the hair and sort of take on a persona, but Bernthal wears it so well, so I think they should stick with him.
Jon Bernthal Was The Only Viable Choice For The MCU’s Punisher
Bernthal’s Punisher Was A Major Part Of Netflix’s Marvel Series
With Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, and Wilson Bethel all reprising theirDaredevilroles as part of the MCU’sDaredevil: Born Againcast, it only makes sense that Bernthal is also reprising his role as the Punisher. While the series will not beDaredevilseason 4, the MCU has already shown with D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk/Kingpin that it will incorporate key elements from the Netflix series.Bernthal’s Punisher was particularly integral to the arcs of Karen Page (Woll) and Matt Murdock/Daredevil (Cox), making his return all the more essential.
It would be jarring to have a different actor suddenly playing the Punisher while he interacts with characters fromDaredeviland potentially from the other Netflix Marvel series as well.
In addition to looking the part and significantly impacting other characters' arcs, Bernthal brought a much-needed sense of humanity to the Punisher. Without this, the Punisher becomes an empty vehicle for over-the-top violence and the essence of the character is lost. In bothDaredeviland in thePunisherseries,Bernthal grounded the character as someone consumed by tragedy and longing for the loved ones he had lost, which added more weight behind his violent actions.
Predicting 10 MCU Cameos That Could Be In Daredevil: Born Again After Charlie Cox’s Recent Comments
Charlie Cox has hinted at there being several cameo appearances from past MCU characters in Daredevil: Born Again, and there are many possibilities.
His portrayal of the Punisher was considered to be one of the best parts ofNetflix’s Marvel series, including inDaredevilseason 2.It would be jarring to have a different actor suddenly playing the Punisherwhile he interacts with characters fromDaredeviland potentially from the other Netflix Marvel series as well. Bernthal’s return is one of the many elements that makesDaredevil: Born Againone of the MCU’s most exciting upcoming projects.
Daredevil: Born Again
Cast
Daredevil: Born Again follows blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who uses his heightened abilities to pursue justice in New York. As he manages a bustling law firm, former mob boss Wilson Fisk navigates political ambitions, leading both men toward a confrontation as their pasts resurface.
