Release Date and Streaming Platform of The Punisher: One Last Kill

The Punisher: One Last Kill will be available for streaming on Disney+ starting May 12, 2026. This television special is part of Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and represents the second MCU production dedicated to the character Frank Castle, after the original series The Punisher (2017-2019) on Netflix.

Plot and Main Characters of the Marvel Special on Frank Castle

The plot follows Frank Castle, played by Jon Bernthal, who tries to live a life away from revenge but is drawn into an unexpected conflict. Bernthal reprises the role he defined in the Netflix series and the more recent Daredevil: Born Again (2025). Alongside him, Jason R. Moore returns as Curtis Hoyle, Castle’s friend and war veteran, while Roe Rancell plays Dennis. The cast also includes Mila Jaymes, Nick Koumalatsos, and other members of Castle’s squad, with appearances of key characters such as the deceased daughter Lisa and the figure of Ma Gnucci.

Production and Development: From Netflix Series to Disney+ with Jon Bernthal and Reinaldo Marcus Green

The project was born during the filming of the first season of Daredevil: Born Again, when Bernthal proposed a story dedicated to the Punisher. The screenplay was written by Bernthal together with director Reinaldo Marcus Green, known for King Richard (2021) and We Own This City (2022). Filming took place in New York between July and August 2025, with particular attention to details such as references to the Gnucci crime family, already known to fans of the character. Post-production work was entrusted to Melissa Lawson Cheung, while the soundtrack was composed by Kris Bowers, who also scored Secret Invasion (2023).

Narrative Aspects and Inspirations: A Story of Revenge and Consequences

The story explores the philosophy of Frank Castle, driven by pain, revenge, and justice, with an approach highlighting the emotional and physical cost of violence. Bernthal emphasized that this version of the Punisher will be more intense and complex than previous ones, with an uncompromising representation of the consequences of the protagonist’s actions. The main inspiration comes from the comic series The Punisher: Welcome Back, Frank, written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Steve Dillon and Jimmy Palmiotti.

Trailer

The first official trailer was released on April 9, 2026, showing Frank Castle in a phase of inner conflict and intense action. The trailer attracted attention for the return of Curtis Hoyle, with speculation about his role as a real presence or hallucination. The promotion also included the reprint of Welcome Back, Frank in a new paperback edition, with an introduction by Ennis and a foreword by Bernthal, to attract new readers and longtime fans.

Recent Movies and Series of the Cast of The Punisher: One Last Kill

Jon Bernthal has recently also worked on the movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), maintaining consistency in his role as Frank Castle within the MCU. Reinaldo Marcus Green, director of the special, is known for the movie King Richard (2021), while Jason R. Moore has participated in notable television productions, consolidating his presence in the contemporary series landscape.