One of the greatest strengths of the partnership between Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios is the possibility it opens up for introducing popular Marvel characters who do not fall under Sony's Spider-Man-specific franchising.
Once again, this alliance is proving useful, as it is now confirmed that Jon Bernthal will be reprising his role as Punisher for a future MCU title called Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
This latest entry is the fourth solo live-action Spider-Man film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Tom Holland returning to play the iconic web-slinger. Returning with him this time will be Bernthal, who initially played Frank Castle/The Punisher in Netflix's Daredevil, his own standalone series, and will also be featured in a Disney+ Punisher special, plus other MCU cameos.
Back in 2021, we had reported that Marvel Studios had shown interest in having Jon Bernthal star in a Spider-Man movie. Additionally, there were rumors about Bernthal coming back for a solo Punisher venture. This recently confirmed news is in agreement with those reports, with The Hollywood Reporter confirming it officially:
"Bernthal is a part of Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the newest Spider-Man film from Sony and Marvel. Destin Daniel Cretton is helming the feature, which will film in England this summer."
Joining Holland and Bernthal are also the film's returning MCU actors Zendaya and Jacob Batalon. Stranger Things actress Sadie Sink is also on board in an as-yet unrevealed role. Plot details and character involvement are all kept secret, but the news of the Punisher's inclusion is definitely increasing fan anticipation.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day will have its theatrical premiere on July 31, 2026. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for all the latest news on this highly anticipated Marvel release as more is announced.
