Jon Bernthal has officially confirmed he’s returning as The Punisher in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The actor confirmed the news to a TikTok creator while attending Washington State Summer Con last month.
This confirms the recent report that Bernthal would reprise his role as The Punisher alongside Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, as part of the July 31, 2026 release directed by Shang-Chi‘s Destin Daniel Cretton. The appearance marks Castle’s MCU return following Daredevil: Born Again Season 1.
Bernthal is also asked what would happen if Shane met Negan in The Walking Dead. “I’ll f-ck him up,” replied Bernthal.
Watch the video:
@509_big_nate who's excited to see Jon Bernthal appear in Spider-Man 4 ? • • #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #fypシ #marvel #marvelstudios #punisher #daredevilbornagain #daredevilnetflix #thewalkinkdead #shanewalsh #negantwd #jonbernthal #summercon25 #meta #spiderman #spiderman4 ♬ original sound – Ғяɛƨн ρяιиcɛ
Spider-Man and Punisher vs. Savage Hulk?
Rumors suggest Spider-Man: Brand New Day will feature Spider-Man and The Punisher teaming up to take on the Savage Hulk. The version of the Hulk said to appear is closer to the classic, rampaging comic book incarnation from earlier in the MCU rather than the goofy Smart Hulk played by Mark Ruffalo.
Additional rumored villains include Scorpion, Boomerang, Tombstone, Tarantula, and Lady Chameleon, with actors including Steven Yeun and Sarah Snook.
Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are said to be back. Sadie Sink stars in a mystery role. Liza Colón-Zayas is said to be cast in an unknown role.
Punisher Special Shoots This Week in New York
In addition to his role in Spider-Man 4, Bernthal is also starring in a standalone Punisher Special Presentation for Disney+. According to social media posts, filming is scheduled for July 17 and 18 at Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NYC.
The special is written by Bernthal and Reinaldo Marcus Green, with Green also directing. It’s set to premiere on Disney+ sometime in 2026 as part of Marvel Studios’ Phase 6 lineup.
The NYC shoot further corroborates claims Marvel is pushing ahead with street-level characters like Punisher, Daredevil, and Spider-Man, especially with Spider-Man 4 filming set to in Glasgow.
Daredevil: Born Again also recently wrapped filming for Season 2.
