In the build up to New York Comic-Con, it looked more and more likely that Marvel could once again come away surprising fans. They have certainly delivered on that so far. Similar to how Marvel/Netflix’s Luke Cage panel at SDCC became much more about the entire Netflix slate, the NYCC panel for Iron Fist did the same. Not only was a full-length trailer for Iron Fist unveiled; Marvel also announced that Sigourney Weaver, who recently hinted that she had landed a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has in fact joined as the villain that will force the MCU’s street-level heroes to unite in The Defenders.
While none of this has anything to do with The Punisher, this was the Netflix property that was getting the most attention at the beginning of the week. Jon Bernthal was spotted in New York filming the series, which later allowed for Deborah Ann Woll to be seen on set as well. This led everyone to believe that The Punisher is currently filming with the Daredevil co-star, and now it has all been confirmed.
Both Bernthal and Woll were present at the Marvel TV NYCC panel to announce that filming has indeed started on The Punisher series and that they are not working on a different project. Bernthal seemed more than happy to be bringing the beloved character back saying on stage, “I believe in Frank and his journey, and I’m fascinated by it.” Both actors also had nothing but nice things to say about wanting to work together again:
Bernthal: When professor [Jeph] Loeb [Marvel TV head] told me we were gonna do a series on The Punisher, first thing I asked him is would I have the pleasure and the honor to work again with one of the most honest, the most kind, and the most talented actress I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.
Woll: What Frank and Karen got to do last year is some of my favorite stuff.
The official announcement of either item should not be a surprise, and was something that was heavily speculated would happen. If Marvel really wanted to highlight the series, they could have brought out fellow new additions Ben Barnes (Billy Russo), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Micro), and Amber Rose Revah (Dinah Madani). However, they could potentially have another big event to bring the cast together when the release gets closer.
Marvel has yet to confirm when exactly The Punisher will debut, only that it will in fact come out in 2017. This means that in just three years of their partnership, Netflix and Marvel are already accelerating the schedule due in large part to the positive reception of every series. It is safe to say that The Punisher is highly anticipated given his debut earlier this year, and fans could still potentially see him in The Defenders as well.
NEXT: Marvel’s Iron Fist Trailer
Daredevil season 1 & 2, Jessica Jones season 1, and Luke Cage season 1 are now available on Netflix. Iron Fist season 1 arrives on March 17th, 2017. The Defenders and The Punisher arrive in 2017. Release dates for Jessica Jones season 2 and Daredevil season 3 have not yet been announced.
