Warning: This article contains some spoilers for the latest episode of Daredevil: Born Again.

The Punisher is back. In the latest episode of Daredevil: Born Again, Jon Bernthal made his highly anticipated return as Frank Castle, aka the Punisher.

Recommended Videos The episode marks Bernthals first appearance as the vigilante since NetflixsThe Punisherin 2019. However, the return almost never happened. Bernthal originally walked away from the first incarnation of Daredevil: Born Again.

Please enable Javascript to view this content Ultimately, I didnt see it, Bernthal told EW. I didnt see the version of Frank, and what they wanted from Frank [didnt] really make sense to me and I thought would not appeal to the fans and wouldnt be congruent. It was not something I was really interested in doing. So we had to walk away.

In September 2023, Marvel pulled the plug on Born Againand creatively overhauled the series. New writers and directing teams were brought in to give the Disney+ series a grittier and more violent tone, similar to the one employed by the Netflix show.

The Punishers Dario Scardapane became the new showrunner on Born Again. Bernthal appreciated these changes and changed his original stance on returning.

They really brought me into the conversation, Bernthal explained. We really got specific about where Frank is psychologically, where Franks at physically.

Daredevil: Born Againwont be a one-off for Bernthals character. The Punisher will receive a Disney+ TV special, similar to Werewolf by Night. Bernthal has been extremely hands-on, penning the screenplay with director Reinaldo Marcus Green.

The story that weve laid out is, I think, really special, Bernthal said about the upcoming special. Its the visceral, psychologically complex, unforgiving, no-holds-barred version of Frank where hes going to turn his back to the audience. And nothing is easy and all violence has a cost, and were going to see that cost. Im grateful that theyre letting me go to the places that I really want to go.

The next episode ofDaredevil: Born Againstreams to Disney+ on Tuesday, March 25.

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