Marvel Films Begin Filming Punisher Special, Spider-Man 4 Expected 2026

Filming is underway for Marvel's The Punisher Special Presentation, with Jon Bernthal reprising his role as Frank Castle and debuting a new tactical costume that has sparked mixed reactions among fans for its comic-accurate design. Bernthal co-wrote the special's script with director Reinaldo Marcus Green, and the story is expected to take place around the same time as Daredevil: Born Again, featuring Frank Castle potentially facing off against the villain Ma Gnucci. Rumors suggest that in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, scheduled for a 2026 release, Bernthal's Punisher will receive significant upgrades, including advanced weaponry and possibly a tank, to contend with threats like Spider-Man and the Hulk. Additional speculation indicates a plotline where Spider-Man attempts to stop Punisher from killing the villain Scorpion, played by Michael Mando, adding complexity to their dynamic. The new Punisher costume, revealed through on-set photos, features an all-black tactical suit with the signature white skull emblem and body armor, garnering praise for its faithfulness to the comics. Alongside Bernthal, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will star Tom Holland, Mark Ruffalo, Zendaya, and Sadie Sink, raising fan hopes for similarly comic-accurate character designs across the cast.