Why The Punisher Is Skipping Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 for a New Marvel Special
Jon Bernthal won’t reprise his role in the next Daredevil season. Instead, he’s set for a major Marvel Special on Disney Plus. Find out what’s next for Frank Castle. Don’t miss the latest on Marvel’s evolving TV universe.
Fans hoping to see Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle back in action alongside Daredevil will have to wait a bit longer. While many familiar faces are set to return for the highly anticipated second season of Daredevil: Born Again, the Punisher is officially sitting this one out. The decision isn’t due to creative differences or scheduling conflicts with the main series, but rather because Marvel Studios has bigger plans for the character in a different format.
Instead of joining the ensemble in the upcoming season, Bernthal is gearing up to headline his own Marvel Studios Special Presentation, which is scheduled to hit Disney Plus in 2026. This standalone TV movie will mark the third entry in Marvel’s growing lineup of hour-long specials, following the success of previous releases like Werewolf By Night and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. These specials have carved out a unique space in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering fans a chance to dive deeper into beloved characters without the commitment of a full series.
Bernthal won’t be the only familiar face in the new special. Jason R. Moore is set to reprise his role as Curtis Hoyle, Frank’s trusted ally. The project will be helmed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, known for his work on King Richard, bringing a fresh perspective to the gritty world of Frank Castle. While Marvel is keeping most details under wraps, leaked set photos have sparked speculation about the appearance of Ma Gnucci, a notorious crime boss from the comics, hinting at a storyline that could push Castle to his limits.
Meanwhile, the world of Daredevil continues to evolve. Although the second season is still months away from its Disney Plus premiere, the creative team is already laying the groundwork for a third season. The next chapter promises a return to the roots of the character, with a focus on more grounded storytelling and unexplored territory for the Man Without Fear. This approach aims to keep long-time fans engaged while attracting new viewers to the franchise.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe expands into Phase 6, the decision to give the Punisher his own spotlight reflects the studio’s commitment to exploring diverse storytelling formats. With Daredevil: Born Again season 2 set to debut in March 2026 and the Punisher special following later that year, fans have plenty to look forward to as Marvel continues to reinvent its TV landscape.
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