Marvel's The Punisher Adds Ben Barnes as Series Regular

Production is already underway on Marvel’s Iron Fist with cameras set to roll on Marvel’s The Defenders later this year, but the underbelly of crime in the MCU on Netflix is still cooking with Marvel’s The Punisher officially ordered earlier this year. Jon Bernthal is set to reprise his role from Marvel’s Daredevil but now the first bit of casting for the series has already been revealed, as TVLine brings word that Ben Barnes (Westworld, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian) has joined the cast.

The outlet is unclear about who Barnes will be playing in the series but points toward a rumor he will appear as Bobby Saint, the role played by James Carpinello in the 2004 film. Interestingly enough, this character was created for the film and isn’t found in the pages of Marvel comics, so take that part with a grain of salt.

“For me, the complexity and unpredictability of Frank Castle make him an incredibly compelling character and I couldn’t be more excited to dive into his world,” Executive Producer and Showrunner, Steve Lightfoot (Hannibal, Narcos) previously said. “After watching Jon’s performance in ‘Marvel’s Daredevil’ I could not be more excited to be working with him to further develop and progress the story of this anti-hero in a show of his own.”

It’s unclear when The Punisher spin-off series would begin production or premiere, though it’s likely that it will arrive after The Defenders mini-series. Netflix CCO Ted Sarandos previously teased that Bernthal will be part of The Defenders earlier this summer.

(Photo Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com)