Summary:
- Jon Bernthal returns as the Punisher, officially joining the cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
- The upcoming sequel brings street-level stakes, a darker tone, and new characters into Peter Parker’s world.
- Fans finally get the Spider-Man and Punisher crossover that’s been years in the making.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is set to unite two of its most beloved street-level heroes, as Punisher star Jon Bernthal officially joins the cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Set to release on July 31, 2026, the fourth Spider-Man film starring Tom Holland will feature Frank Castle’s long-awaited debut in a Marvel Studios film, and his first major crossover in an MCU theatrical release.
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Jon Bernthal’s Punisher Joins Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Bernthal first appeared as Frank Castle in Daredevil Season 2 before taking the lead in The Punisher for two seasons between 2017-2019. After taking a break from the role, he returned earlier this year in Daredevil: Born Again, and is also confirmed to appear in the already greenlit season 2.
Now, his cameo in Spider-Man: Brand New Day introduces Castle’s story into the much wider spotlight. This will be the first time a character from Marvel’s Netflix era officially crosses over into a central MCU film.
And that’s not all. Bernthal is also co-writing a Punisher Special Presentation for Marvel Studios that will take place after Born Again Season 1. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, this special features a female crime boss villain, most likely Ma Gnucci, a name comic book fans will recognize.
A Grounded Chapter for Spider-Man
After the multiverse chaos of No Way Home, Brand New Day seems to be shifting the tone toward street-level storytelling. The story resumes after Peter Parker’s identity has been erased from public consciousness, throwing him into a much more isolated and vulnerable position.
With Punisher known for his brutal brand of justice, the sequel hints at a darker, more grounded approach than previous Spider-Man movies.
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Their rivalry began in the comics after the Punisher was manipulated into targeting Spider-Man, believing he was a criminal. That antagonistic history may shape their dynamic in the film. And while it is still uncertain whether Charlie Cox’s Daredevil will show up to maintain the peace, fans are certainly hoping to see all three on the big screen.
Cast and Production Updates
The movie will bring back familiar faces like Zendaya as MJ and Jacob Batalon as Ned. Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink and Liza Colón-Zayas have also been cast in undisclosed roles.
Mark Ruffalo has also been rumored to make a cameo as Bruce Banner, following the tradition of pairing Spider-Man with a seasoned MCU mentor, following Iron Man, Nick Fury, and Doctor Strange.
Brand New Day is helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for directing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Production is expected to begin in August 2025 in Glasgow, with pre-production currently underway at Pinewood Studios in the UK.
A Long-Awaited Team-Up
While fans have long hoped to see Spider-Man and Daredevil share the screen, it’s Bernthal’s Punisher who will take that spotlight this time, and it’s a great match. Fun fact: Bernthal and Holland actually helped each other prepare to audition for Marvel in 2017 while filming Pilgrimage.
Their on-screen meeting now feels like a full-circle moment years in the making. As Marvel shifts its focus to its street-level heroes, and with Punisher officially joining the cast, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be one of Phase 6’s most anticipated and intense installments.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
