Punisher Special Adapts Comic's Worst Movie Version

Jon Bernthal's 'One Last Kill' aims to redeem the character's weakest film adaptation.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and twisted metal, capturing the gritty, high-stakes nature of the Punisher's vigilante crusade.The Punisher's uncompromising war on crime is reflected in the jagged, high-contrast textures of his violent world.Brooklyn Today

The upcoming Marvel Studios special presentation 'The Punisher: One Last Kill' will adapt the classic 'Welcome Back, Frank' comic storyline, which was previously mangled in the 2004 Punisher movie starring Thomas Jane. With Jon Bernthal reprising his acclaimed take on the vigilante Frank Castle, the special is poised to finally give this definitive Punisher tale the live-action treatment it deserves.

Why it matters

The 2004 Punisher movie, while not the worst comic book adaptation, was a bizarre mishmash of tones that never quite gelled. By adapting the beloved 'Welcome Back, Frank' comics, which are loaded with both gritty violence and offbeat humor, 'One Last Kill' has the potential to deliver the quintessential big-screen Punisher experience that fans have been waiting for since Bernthal's debut in Netflix's Daredevil.

The details

Based on the trailer, 'One Last Kill' will see Frank Castle attempting to retire from his vigilante ways, only to be drawn back into the fray. The special will feature key figures from the 'Welcome Back, Frank' comics, including the Gnucci crime family. Unlike the 2004 film, which reworked the source material into an origin story, 'One Last Kill' looks to more faithfully adapt Garth Ennis' acclaimed run, including Frank's efforts to protect his oddball neighbors.

  • The 2004 Punisher movie starring Thomas Jane was the most successful live-action take on the character prior to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
  • Jon Bernthal first portrayed the Punisher in the second season of Netflix's Daredevil in 2016, before headlining his own Punisher series that ran for two seasons.
  • Bernthal will reprise the role of Frank Castle in the upcoming Disney+ series Daredevil: Born Again and the Spider-Man film Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
  • The Punisher: One Last Kill is set to premiere on May 12, 2026.

The players

Jon Bernthal

The actor who has become the definitive live-action Punisher, first appearing in Netflix's Daredevil and then starring in his own Punisher series.

Garth Ennis

The acclaimed comic book writer whose 'Welcome Back, Frank' storyline is being adapted for the Punisher special.

Thomas Jane

The actor who previously portrayed the Punisher in the 2004 film adaptation, which took a different approach to the source material.

Reinaldo Marcus Green

The director of The Punisher: One Last Kill, who is co-writing the special with Jon Bernthal.

The Gnucci Crime Family

A key group of antagonists from the 'Welcome Back, Frank' comics that will appear in the Punisher special.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've been waiting for Jon Bernthal to get his definitive Punisher story since he first appeared in Daredevil. 'One Last Kill' looks like it's finally going to give us that.”

— Padraig Cotter, ScreenRant Writer

“Bernthal was inspired casting as the Punisher, and it's great to see him getting the chance to fully embrace the character in his own special presentation.”

— Angie Han, Entertainment Reporter

What’s next

Fans will be eager to see how 'One Last Kill' adapts the beloved 'Welcome Back, Frank' comics and whether it can succeed where the 2004 Punisher movie fell short. The special's release on May 12, 2026 will be a key test for the character's future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The takeaway

The Punisher has long been one of Marvel's most complex and morally ambiguous antiheroes, and 'One Last Kill' represents a chance to finally give the character the definitive live-action treatment he deserves. By adapting a classic comic storyline and reuniting Jon Bernthal with the role, the special has the potential to be a landmark moment for Marvel's most ruthless vigilante.