Marvel Releases First Trailer for 'Punisher: One Last Kill'

The intense footage teases a brutal return, emotional flashbacks, and a possible villain reveal ahead of the Disney+ special's debut.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:41pm

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A stark, minimalist illustration featuring a jagged, black silhouette of the Punisher's iconic skull logo against a backdrop of bold, contrasting red and white geometric shapes, capturing the character's intense and uncompromising nature.The Punisher's return promises a brutal, emotional journey as Frank Castle confronts his past and faces a new formidable foe.NYC Today

Marvel Television has dropped the first trailer for the upcoming Punisher special, 'Punisher: One Last Kill,' which sees Jon Bernthal reprising his role as Frank Castle. The trailer offers a glimpse into Frank's vulnerable state as he grapples with his past, including emotional flashbacks to his family tragedy. It also hints at the potential involvement of the villainous Ma Gnucci, a ruthless crime boss from the Punisher comics, as Frank prepares for what appears to be 'one last kill.'

Why it matters

The Punisher has long been one of Marvel's most popular and complex characters, with Bernthal's portrayal in the Netflix series earning widespread acclaim. 'Punisher: One Last Kill' marks the character's return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after a years-long absence, and the trailer suggests the special will delve deeper into Frank Castle's tortured psyche and his unrelenting quest for justice, while also potentially introducing a formidable new adversary.

The details

The trailer opens with Frank Castle in a vulnerable state, wrestling with his past as his friend Curtis Hoyle tries to get him to open up. Flashback scenes revisit the tragedy that led to Frank's transformation into the Punisher, including glimpses of his young daughter. The trailer then shifts into full Punisher mode, with Frank tearing through enemies using high-powered weapons and physical force. The final shot shows Frank in his Punisher gear outside a location called Gnucci's Restaurant, hinting at the potential involvement of the villainous Ma Gnucci, a ruthless crime boss from the Punisher comics.

  • The Punisher: One Last Kill will debut on Disney+ on May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. PT and 9 p.m. ET.
  • The Punisher is also set to appear in the upcoming Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures collaboration, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, arriving on July 31, 2026.

The players

Jon Bernthal

An American actor who is reprising his role as Frank Castle/The Punisher in the upcoming Disney+ special.

Jason R. Moore

An American actor who is returning as Curtis Hoyle, Frank Castle's closest friend and a former US Navy personnel, in the Disney+ special.

Ma Gnucci

A ruthless crime boss from the Punisher comics who is the likely villain in the upcoming Disney+ special.

Reinaldo Marcus Green

An American film director who is directing the Punisher: One Last Kill Disney+ special.

Jon Bernthal

An American actor who is also serving as an executive producer on the Punisher: One Last Kill Disney+ special.

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What’s next

The Punisher is set to appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures collaboration arriving on July 31, 2026, though it's still unknown whether he will play a major role or a supporting presence in the film.

The takeaway

The trailer for 'Punisher: One Last Kill' suggests Marvel is poised to deliver a gritty, emotional, and action-packed return for one of its most complex and beloved characters, setting the stage for Frank Castle's potential future appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.