The upcoming R-rated Disney+ (Disney Plus) Daredevil show is a long time coming.

Related: ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Leaks, Everything We Know So Far
Currently, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) finds itself in Phase Five, embarking on the second installment of the post-Avengers: Endgame narrative known as the Multiverse Saga. Under The Walt Disney Company’s umbrella, Marvel Studios is actively diversifying its storytelling scope by introducing a plethora of superhero teams beyond the central Avengers lineup.
During the San Diego Comic-Con 2022, Kevin Feige unveiled plans for the MCU to introduce specialized teams geared towards addressing a wide range of threats, encompassing challenges on cosmic, supernatural, and street levels.

Leading the charge in broadening superhero tales on Earth are Tom Holland’s Peter Parker/Spider-Man and Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock/Daredevil, who have been designated as the key figures for the street-level division of the MCU.
Marvel Studios is tasked with reintroducing the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen to today’s MCU audience, given the character’s absence since the conclusion of the Netflix Marvel Daredevil series in 2015. The series, based on Frank Miller’s comic book hero of the same name, was abruptly halted in 2018 following the announcement of Disney+ (Disney Plus).
Now, an exciting first look at the much-anticipated Punisher/Frank Castle — Netflix-era actor Jon Bernthal — has surfaced.

Related: Disney Moves Ahead With ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2: Report
Netflix Daredevil and Punisher Alum First Look Revealed
Daredevil Updates (via littlepandapit on Instagram) shared the pic of Bernthal in his Punisher get-up, bloody knuckles and all, pointing at the camera. Adding some interesting context, the account posted to X (formerly Twitter):
First look at Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle / The Punisher for ‘DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN’.
The actor was seen taking a break from filming in NYC, alongside other people who were in costume and had fake blood 👀
(via littlepandapit | IG)
First look at Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle / The Punisher for ‘DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN’.
The actor was seen taking a break from filming in NYC, alongside other people who were in costume and had fake blood 👀
(via littlepandapit | IG) pic.twitter.com/anDGzVQPyy
— Daredevil Updates (@DDevilUpdates) March 31, 2024
The fact that Bernthal and the surrounding actors all appear to be sporting makeup mimicking blood and dirt is rather telling — audiences can expect something decidedly 18+ in the upcoming film — more likely putting it in line with the Daredevil continuation that fans of the series have been hoping for (and worried about not getting).