Marvel's "Daredevil" will debut its second season on Netflix next month and will feature the popular comic character Frank Castle/Punisher in the form of Jon Bernthal ("The Walking Dead"). Unlike Matt Murdock, Castle doesn't have time for mercy, choosing instead to kill the criminals that are unfortunate enough to cross his path. But with two previous live-action versions of the character, how will this new incarnation separate himself from the pack? According to Bernthal, he'll be the least likable version to date.
"I think this guy lives in a world of darkness that no other person in this universe can compare with," Bernthal told IGN. "My goal here was to put myself in that darkness and bring that up and never pull punches, to never do half measures, to never be apologetic, to never pursue likability at all, to be completely unapologetic at all times."
Sounds pretty hardcore, no?
Though a bit obvious, Bernthal's take on Punisher sounds similar to his character Shane on "The Walking Dead." Shane, ever the realist, was willing to do some pretty terrible things to keep his people alive. That antagonistic vibe sounds like its been carried over to "Daredevil," which should make for one hell of a showdown.
In past versions, Punisher's fatal brand of justice has been accepted because it was used against the worst of the worst. But squaring off against the heroic Daredevil, fans may be conflicted by this darker, less morally upright take on the character. We shouldn't get ahead of ourselves, but it sounds like Marvel has once again hit on an interesting villain the same way Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio) and Killgrave (David Tennant) both stole the show in the first seasons of "Daredevil" and "Jessica Jones," respectively.
However, it's doubtful Punisher will stay dark, gloomy and murderous throughout the entire second season. At least, not if he wants to front his own show, as has been rumored.
"Daredevil" season two will become available for streaming on Friday, March 18.
