Marvel Studios Unveils First HD Look at Its Female Punisher

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Marvel Studios recently revealed a high-definition look at a new female version of the Punisher, appearing in a recent Marvel project. After a pause following the Netflix series featuring the Defenders, the Punisher is returning to prominence through various Disney+ shows and movies. While many fans know the character from Jon Bernthal’s popular live-action performance, another interpretation of the Punisher has been quietly gaining attention.

Marvel Studios has revealed the first high-definition pictures of Riri Williams as a Punisher-inspired version of herself from the upcoming third season of What If…? Concept artist Justin Kim shared the images, showcasing Riri in the Punisher’s signature look – including the skull symbol on her shirt and a long black coat.

This version of Riri Williams wears sunglasses and is heavily armed. She has a missile launcher on her back, a blaster in her right hand, and powerful weapons attached to both arms.

The image originally appeared at the end of the final episode of What If…? Season 3. This episode showcased alternate versions of Marvel characters that hadn’t been featured in any previous episodes of the series. The montage also included characters like Samurai Ghost Rider, an Iron Man version of Kingo, and a Blade-inspired Moon Knight, who would later be seen in Marvel Zombies.

Kim explained that the characters worked well together because he drew inspiration from Riri’s past experiences with violence.

I was really excited by the potential pairing of the Punisher and Riri Williams. Considering Riri’s own difficult past with violence, I pictured a version of her driven by anger and determined to get revenge on criminals.

Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, is back with Marvel Studios. After previously appearing in two seasons on Netflix and as part of the Daredevil series, he’ll be featured in the first season of Daredevil: Born Again. He’s also confirmed to return for the second season of Born Again and will star in his own special presentation on Disney+. Plus, fans can expect to see The Punisher in the 2026 film Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Before becoming a major character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Punisher appeared in various TV shows and movies. He first appeared in Marvel Comics’ The Amazing Spider-Man #179 back in 1974.

Dolph Lundgren was the first actor to portray Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, in a movie released in 1989. While it played in theaters overseas, it went straight to video stores in North America. The film wasn’t very successful, partly because it didn’t include the iconic skull symbol that’s become closely associated with the character.

In 2004, Lionsgate attempted to revive the film series with a new, R-rated movie starring Thomas Jane, alongside veterans John Travolta and Roy Scheider, and Rebecca Romijn (who later appeared in X-Men and Marvel films). Although it earned over $54 million worldwide, the film received negative reviews, with critics finding the revenge story predictable and relying too heavily on violence.

The Punisher character was reimagined again in the 2008 film, Punisher: War Zone, starring the late Ray Stevenson. Stevenson later became known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Thor movies.

Marvel Studios is planning a significant resurgence for the Punisher, bringing him into the spotlight with other mature-themed heroes and alongside popular characters like Spider-Man and the Hulk. While his future after Spider-Man 4 and his upcoming Disney+ series is uncertain, Marvel seems determined to keep him a prominent figure.

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2025-10-25 01:37