Daredevil Drops Punisher–Echo Episode

Writer Jesse Wigutow says a planned “bottle episode” pairing Jon Bernthal’s Punisher with Alaqua Cox’s Echo — an intimate, non‑romantic, character‑driven night together — was scrapped during Daredevil: Born Again’s mid‑production creative overhaul. Production pauses during the strikes and a showrunner change required new pilot and finale material to be grafted onto earlier footage, which contributors and critics say left Season 1 feeling uneven and reduced Echo’s presence. Wigutow confirmed the Punisher/Echo installment “fell away” but indicated it might be revisited; Bernthal’s Punisher remains active in Marvel’s plans, including a reported Disney+ special and other appearances. Current showrunner Dario Scardapane and producers say Season 2 is being developed with a clearer, singular vision, and reporting places its release around March 2026. Meanwhile, outlets report rumors that more Netflix‑era characters — possibly including Elektra and Jessica Jones — may connect to Born Again’s next season as the series continues to balance street‑level politics centered on Mayor Fisk with broader MCU continuity.