Jon Bernthal Joins Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Brand New Day as The Punisher

Big news for Marvel fans—Jon Bernthal is officially joining the next Spider-Man movie, titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He’ll be stepping into the role he’s best known for, Frank Castle, aka The Punisher. This marks his first time taking the gritty vigilante to the big screen alongside Tom Holland’s Peter Parker.

What We Know So Far

This new Spider-Man film is set to be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The movie begins filming in England this summer and is scheduled to hit theaters on July 31, 2026.

Plot details are still mostly under wraps. However, it’s confirmed that Zendaya and Jacob Batalon will return as MJ and Ned. Sadie Sink from Stranger Things is another major addition to the cast.

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The story will take place after the emotional ending of No Way Home, where the world forgot Peter Parker was Spider-Man. Now, Peter is navigating a lonely life with no connections and no help. That sets the stage for some intense new stories—and maybe a darker tone.

The Punisher Enters Spider-Man’s World

Bringing in the Punisher is a big shift. Jon Bernthal’s Punisher is violent, raw, and street-level. He’s not the kind of guy who uses tech suits or magic spells. He sticks to guns, blades, and his fists.

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In the comics, Spider-Man and the Punisher have crossed paths many times. Sometimes they’re allies. Sometimes they’re at odds. Bernthal’s presence in this movie hints that Brand New Day might go in a grittier direction. Whether he’s fighting crime bosses or chasing after Peter, it’s bound to shake things up.

Bernthal’s History With Marvel

Bernthal first appeared as the Punisher in Daredevil on Netflix. Fans loved his brutal performance, and soon he had his own series, which ran for two seasons. He made a recent return in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+.

Now, Marvel clearly wants more of him. He’s confirmed for season two of Born Again and is co-writing a new Punisher movie for Disney+. That’s a lot of Punisher coming our way.

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Bernthal and Holland’s Marvel Connection

What’s cool is that Bernthal and Holland go way back. Before either actor landed their Marvel roles, they worked together on the 2017 film Pilgrimage. While filming, they helped each other record their Marvel audition tapes. That bit of history adds a nice touch to their upcoming on-screen reunion.

A Dark Twist for a Bright Hero?

Bernthal is known for wanting to keep the Punisher true to his R-rated, violent roots. So it’ll be interesting to see how his version of Frank Castle fits into the more family-friendly tone of Spider-Man’s world. Could this movie blend both tones successfully? Fans are hopeful.

Whether they fight side-by-side or clash at first, one thing is certain: Spider-Man and Punisher in the same film is going to be must-see Marvel.

FAQs

Who is Jon Bernthal playing in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?

He is reprising his role as Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, from his previous Marvel shows.

Will the Punisher be toned down for the Spider-Man movie?

That’s unclear. Bernthal prefers a violent, R-rated Punisher, so it’ll be interesting to see how they balance his style with Spider-Man’s PG-13 world.

When is the new Spider-Man movie releasing?

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to release on July 31, 2026.

Is Zendaya returning as MJ?

Yes, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are both confirmed to return, although their screen time hasn’t been revealed yet.

What’s next for Jon Bernthal in the Marvel Universe?

He’s confirmed for Daredevil: Born Again season two and is co-writing a new standalone Punisher film for Disney+.