The Punisher

From Marvel Comics #1 to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The iconic character's logo was spotted among rioters at the Capitol last week.

Daredevil star Vincent D’Onofrio has been reasonably clear about Kingpin’s absence from The Defenders, though some have certainly held out hope for Wilson Fisk’s return in Jon Bernthal’s Punisher spinoff, given their past chemistry. Allow D’Onofrio to dash your hopes even further, debunking any suggestion he might show up in the 2017 Daredevil spinoff.

Fans of Daredevil’s Kingpin were undoubtedly disappointed to hear that Vincent D’Onofrio wasn’t likely to menace The Defenders, even as his specter still looms over Hell’s Kitchen. D’Onofrio previously claimed to know when Wilson Fisk might return, but does his 2017 production schedule rule out Daredevil Season 3?

We don’t yet have the clearest picture of how Marvel’s Netflix Punisher spinoff will fit in with the other Defenders series (beyond a 2017 premiere), but at least its cast is hard at work. See for yourself, as the full assembled roster behind The Punisher stands tall, not punishing things in a new cast photo.

The initial lack of announced cast for Marvel’s Netflix Punisher spinoff made it unusual that production had begun, but now that Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle is firmly back in the habit, more fresh faces are announced for the Defender side-series. Both Bates Motel’s Jaime Ray Newman and 11.22.63 sharpshooter Daniel Webber have joined the cast in supporting roles, along with two others.

Marvel and Jon Bernthal officially confirmed that The Punisher had gotten to work on the streets of New York, though you’d never known it by the newest set photos. Even as Frank Castle has been sporting a different look, it looks like Marvel’s violent anti-hero has found a much more constructive line of work.

Among the hierarchy of Marvel Netflix news from New York Comic-Con, The Punisher confirming details that set photographers have known for days ranks lower, but nonetheless appreciated. Not only is production confirmed begun, but Daredevil star Deborah Ann Woll has a larger role than we thought.

Jon Bernthal got tongues wagging with reports that Netflix’s Punisher spinoff had already started filming, and now Marvel is finally backing it up. Not only do we know for sure that 2017 will see the Punisher’s return, but also three major additions to the Netflix cast.

We’re still not entirely clear on how The Punisher managed to start filming without any real casting announcements, or where Marvel’s gun-toting antihero might fit in The Defenders, but a bit of crossover is to be expected. Just as Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle emerged from Daredevil, the spinoff series returns the favor in a new set photo appearance.