Jon Bernthal returns as Punisher for new Spider-Man film

In June 2025, Jon Bernthal was confirmed to reprise his role as Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher, in the upcoming Spider-Man film titled 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.' This film, produced by Marvel and Sony, is set to begin production in England during the summer. The movie will be the fourth solo Spider-Man film featuring Tom Holland, who will return as Peter Parker. Alongside Bernthal, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are expected to reprise their roles as MJ and Ned, although their specific involvement has yet to be confirmed. Furthermore, new cast members include Sadie Sink and Liza Colón-Zayas in undisclosed roles. The film is slated for release on July 31, 2026, following the events depicted in 'Spider-Man: No Way Home,' where Peter Parker's identity as Spider-Man was erased from people's memories. This announcement has generated excitement among fans, as Bernthal previously portrayed the Punisher in Netflix’s 'Daredevil' and its spin-off series, 'The Punisher.' His casting signals a continuation of the gritty style associated with his character as the Punisher, which contrasts with the lighter tone generally seen in previous Spider-Man movies. Moreover, Bernthal is expected to also star in a separate, as-yet-untitled special on Disney+, which is anticipated to coincide with the projects planned for 2026. The film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, marks a significant addition to the Spider-Man franchise and is expected to delve deeper into the aftermath of the events in 'No Way Home.' This will be Cretton's first venture with the Spider-Man series, and fans are eager to see how he will handle the narrative complexities introduced in the previous films. The inclusion of Bernthal as the Punisher and the other cast members hints at a potentially darker, more mature tone for the film series moving forward. As Marvel continues to expand its cinematic universe, integrating characters from different narratives allows for fresh storytelling possibilities. Bernthal's Punisher, known for his violent approach to justice, may create an interesting dynamic when set against Tom Holland's Spider-Man, who embodies the classic heroism associated with the Marvel brand. This film aims to appeal to both long-time fans of the franchise and those who have followed the character development in previous series and films.