Marvel fans are celebrating the news that The Punisher will be getting a special on Disney+.
- READ MORE: Marvel movie order – a definitive viewing chronology for the MCU (including Disney+ shows)
The original series was a spin-off of Daredevil, both produced by Netflix and ran for two seasons between 2017 and 2019.
The show shared the continuity of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but followed its own story line as Jon Bernthal starred as a vigilante who uses violent methods to fight crime. Bernthal will also appear as the character in Daredevil: Born Again, a reboot of the series now produced by Disney released March 4.
According to an article from The Hollywood Reporter, Bernthal will be co-writing the standalone special with Reinaldo Marcus Green, who will also direct. The pair worked together on the Oscar-winning film King Richard. The special will air in 2026, coinciding with the second season of Daredevil: Born Again.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), fans were excited but some wanted even more. “We won but make this a MOVIE,” demanded one user.
we won but make this a MOVIE https://t.co/dId7tLivBN
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) February 25, 2025
“The Punisher series kicked a$$! I’m excited about the presentation with Jon [Bernthal] at the helm,” said another fan, while a third stated: “No one else can play the punisher apart from Jon.”
The Punisher series kicked a$$! I'm excited about the presentation with Jon at the helm.
— The Curious Pollster (@PollSter_Mike1) February 25, 2025
No one else can play the punisher apart from Jon
— Judah (@bamijuda01) February 25, 2025
One tweet used the news to highlight Marvel’s 2026 slate, which includes Spider-Man 4 and Avengers: Doomsday among others. “2026 is going to be an insane year,” it read.
2026 is going to be an insane year 🔥🍿 pic.twitter.com/aU0o1hkjVO
— MCU Report (@MCUReport) February 25, 2025
A fan posted about the star’s commitment to the part, saying: “Bernthal was born for this role and letting him co-write shows they’re serious about doing The Punisher justice this time. Hope they keep it raw and don’t water it down”. Another simply proclaimed: “This is going to be EPIC!! Can’t wait to see it.”
Finally some good Marvel news. Bernthal was born for this role and letting him co-write shows they're serious about doing The Punisher justice this time. Hope they keep it raw and don't water it down.
— Divine3rd (@Divine3rd) February 25, 2025
This is going to be EPIC!! Can’t wait to see it
— Pablo Shicasso (@PabloShicasso) February 25, 2025
Despite the excitement for the new versions of these characters, Netflix’s original Daredevil show-runner has criticised Disney in the past for its handling of the reboot. Stephen DeKnight remarked: “I’m not going to see a penny because they claim it’s a completely different show.”