Actor Jon Bernthal says fans do not need to worry about his character feeling softened in the upcoming PG-13 film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He assures that the version of Frank Castle in the movie is the same man seen in more mature TV projects.
The concern came from fans who know the character from his brutal appearances in Netflix’s Daredevil and The Punisher series, which featured graphic violence. Bernthal explained that a key goal for him, director Destin Daniel Cretton, and star Tom Holland was to ensure the character remained consistent. In an interview, he stated that the team wanted “the Punisher that could walk off of the Spider-Man set could walk onto the Special set,” and he believes they achieved that goal.
Understanding Fan Concerns About a PG-13 Punisher
Jon Bernthal first played Frank Castle in the second season of Daredevil in 2016, before leading his own series. These Netflix shows were made for adult audiences and featured intense, realistic violence. In The Punisher, the character is a veteran who uses lethal force, viewing the world in absolute terms. The show’s creator, Steve Lightfoot, wanted the violence to feel realistic and have consequences to underscore the story’s dark themes.
Because of this history, the announcement that the Punisher would appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day led to questions. Spider-Man films are typically rated PG-13, made for a broader audience. Fans worried this meant the character would lose his edge in a process often called “Disneyfied”. Set photos have already shown the two heroes in a tense standoff, with Frank Castle pointing a gun at Spider-Man, hinting at their conflicting methods.
How the Character’s Core Will Stay Intact
Bernthal addressed these fears directly. While he could not give details about his role in the July 31 blockbuster, he offered important context. He reminded everyone that around the same time the movie releases, a separate Punisher Special Presentation will arrive on Disney+. He co-wrote this special and says it will be “as high octane kind of Punisher as you’ve ever seen”.
This special is expected to deliver the level of action fans associate with the character. Bernthal’s point is that the same man exists in both projects. The movie will not show the same graphic violence due to its rating, but the character’s essence, motivation, and intensity will be unchanged. The actor is known for being protective of the role, which he says “means so much to people in the military”. He has previously walked away from projects when he felt the portrayal wouldn’t be right for fans.
The Creative Team’s Commitment to Authenticity
To ensure authenticity, the production brought in a military advisor. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Colton Hill, who built a relationship with Bernthal, was brought on board. He started as a consultant for the Punisher’s Disney+ special and his role expanded to serve as a military advisor for Spider-Man: Brand New Day as well. This step helps ground the character, even within a superhero story.
Bernthal has emphasized that Frank Castle requires a “level of darkness”. The creative challenge for Destin Daniel Cretton and the writers was to translate that darkness into a PG-13 framework without diluting it. The likely approach is to focus on the character’s intimidating presence, his unwavering mindset, and the implied threat of his actions, rather than explicit gore.
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What to Expect When Spider-Man Meets The Punisher
The pairing of Spider-Man and the Punisher is a classic comic book dynamic based on ideological conflict. Tom Holland’s Peter Parker is an optimistic hero who values all life. Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle is a hardened anti-hero who believes in lethal justice. Their interaction in the film is expected to highlight this clash.
“What was really important to me and to Destin and to Tom is that we believed that the Punisher that could walk off of the Spider-Man set could walk onto the Special set. I do believe that we achieved that.” – Jon Bernthal
The movie will explore their different worldviews. Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in theaters on July 31, 2026. Fans can also look forward to the Punisher Special Presentation on Disney+ around the same time for a more mature look at the character.
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