The first look at Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/The Punisher on the set of Marvel Studios’ Punisher special presentation has been revealed in New York City.
Production is currently underway, and according to Just Jared, leaked set photos hint that a new villain is joining the story. The images show Gnucci’s Restaurant, teasing that Isabella “Ma” Gnucci will be the special’s main antagonist.
In Marvel Comics’ The Punisher (Vol. 4) #1–12, Isabella “Ma” Gnucci is a ruthless New York mob boss and one of the Punisher’s most formidable enemies. After the Punisher kills her sons, she declares war on him.
Reinaldo Marcus Green will be directing the special and co‑writing the script with Bernthal, who returns as Frank Castle/The Punisher.
During the special announcement, Bernthal said, “I care very deeply about Frank. I’m really grateful that I’m getting the opportunity to tell the story that I think the fans deserve.” Bernthal added, “We’re giving it our all, and we’re trying to tell a Frank Castle story where we’re not going to turn our backs on the audience — it’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be light, and I think it’s the version that this character deserves. I’m just beyond honored and grateful that we get the opportunity.”
Bernthal also teased that the standalone special will have a “Netflix tone.” He said, “It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out of the darkness. It’s not going to be easy. I don’t know — if that’s the Netflix tone, then that’s what it’s going to be. It will not be Punisher-lite, I promise you that.”
Produced by Marvel Studios, the Punisher special presentation will be released on Disney+ in 2026.
Source: Just Jared
