Jon Bernthal recently discussed his return as Frank Castle in Daredevil: Born Again and the changes that led to it. While promoting the series, he explained that the show’s initial version did not match his vision for the character. His comments highlight the creative overhaul and Marvel’s plans for the Punisher.
Daredevil: Born Again’s original version didn’t ‘make sense’ to Jon Bernthal
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jon Bernthal said the original version of Daredevil: Born Again did not fit his vision for Frank Castle. “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 and wouldn’t be congruent.”
The actor continued, “It was not something I was really interested in doing. So we had to walk away.” Marvel later revamped the project, bringing in new writers and The Punisher executive producer Dario Scardapane as showrunner. Bernthal said, “They really brought me into the conversation. We really got specific about where Frank is psychologically, where Frank’s at physically.”
This revision led to his return as Frank Castle, appearing in Episode 4 of Daredevil: Born Again, where Castle has a tense confrontation with Matt Murdock. Bernthal described it as “just a toe dip” and explained, “Let’s see if there’s a real openness and a hunger to let Frank be what Frank is.”
Marvel has since expanded Bernthal’s role, confirming Daredevil: Born Again season two and approving a standalone Punisher TV special. Bernthal, who is writing and starring in the project, shared, “It’s the visceral, psychologically complex, unforgiving, no-holds-barred version of Frank where he’s going to turn his back to the audience.” He emphasized, “Nothing is easy and all violence has a cost, and we’re going to see that cost.”
Bernthal noted Marvel’s collaboration, saying, “They have an idea of where they want him to go… but they’re really giving me agency on how we get him there and making sure that it’s honest and authentic and truthful.”
