Marvel Studios Will Omit Netflix’s Best MCU Hero from 2026’s Netflix Crossover

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A major crossover event between Netflix and the Marvel Cinematic Universe is planned for 2026, but one popular hero won’t be included. After Marvel Studios got the rights to characters from the old Netflix shows like Daredevil, they started rebuilding that superhero world on Disney+. This began in 2025 with the new Daredevil: Born Again series, and will continue in 2026 with its second season.

The upcoming second season of Daredevil: Born Again is set to be a major event, bringing together characters from the old Netflix Marvel shows. Charlie Cox will return as Daredevil, and Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones will also appear. However, despite the crossover, Jon Bernthal won’t be reprising his role as The Punisher.

As a big fan of both Daredevil and the Punisher, I was really hoping to see Jon Bernthal back as Frank Castle in the new season of Daredevil: Born Again. Unfortunately, the producer, Sana Amanat, has confirmed he won’t be appearing. He was fantastic in Season 1, teaming up with Daredevil against Wilson Fisk, and with Fisk getting even stronger, a lot of us thought Castle might be needed again. It’s disappointing news, but hopefully, the show will still be amazing without him!

Many fans consider The Punisher one of the strongest characters to emerge from the Marvel Netflix series. Introduced in Season 2 of Daredevil, Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of the character was so popular that it led to his own two-season series, The Punisher.

Jon Bernthal’s Punisher has quickly become a fan favorite in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His successful return in Daredevil: Born Again led to a dedicated Marvel Studios special featuring the character. He’s also been cast in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Because of this increased demand and multiple projects, it makes sense that Bernthal won’t be appearing in a second season of Daredevil: Born Again.

Even though Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, won’t be part of the Daredevil: Born Again series, fans will still see him in 2026. A Punisher TV special is planned, and Jon Bernthal will also be appearing as the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which comes out on July 31, 2026.

How Punisher’s Absence Will Impact Daredevil: Born Again Season 2

Though fans of Daredevil: Born Again will be sad to see the Punisher missing, the Disney+ series plans to include many other popular characters alongside Matt Murdock. Even though Frank Castle won’t be appearing, several other favorites will be present.

Amanat has confirmed that Deborah Ann Woll will have a much bigger role as Karen Page in Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again. While Karen was a key character in the original Daredevil series on Netflix, she didn’t appear much in the first season of the reboot. That will change in Season 2, with Woll’s character appearing more often and sporting a new look.

Fans are really excited about Krysten Ritter coming back as Jessica Jones in the new season of Daredevil: Born Again. Many hope her return will lead to more Jessica Jones shows and movies, just like Jon Bernthal’s appearance as the Punisher did.

It’s amazing to see Daredevil rallying all his New York friends to take on Wilson Fisk and his anti-vigilante movement! It’s also got me wondering if we’ll see the other Defenders return. While Luke Cage’s Mike Colter and Iron Fist’s Finn Jones haven’t said anything about being in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, the way the show is going on Disney+ feels like Marvel is setting things up for a full Defenders team-up eventually. I’m really hoping we get to see them all together again!

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2025-12-21 09:35