The Punisher: One Last Kill trailer released — Jon Bernthal returns in brutal first look

Marvel has revealed the first trailer for The Punisher: One Last Kill, delivering a gripping look at Bernthal’s return as Frank Castle and making it clear the vigilante is as ruthless as ever.

A Violent Return to Form

The trailer features a relentless Frank Castle moving through a crime-ridden New York, offering his signature brand of justice through explosive clashes and brutal encounters. From gunfire to close combat, the footage highlights the character’s uncompromising nature and emotional instability.


The preview indicates a darker, more unfiltered tone, with Castle seems to be deeply disturbed as he unleashes violence in the city. The special leans heavily into chaos and emotional strain, reinforcing the Punisher’s identity as one of Marvel’s most intense antiheroes.

Creative Team and Development

The Punisher: One Last Kill arrives shortly following the end of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2. The project is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, who also co-wrote the special along with Bernthal.

Bernthal has featured Frank Castle since his debut in the 2016 second season of Daredevil, before leading two seasons of The Punisher on Netflix. After Marvel’s transition to Disney+, the character has continued to develop within the broader cinematic universe.

Expanding Role in the MCU

More recently, Frank Castle has appeared in both seasons of Daredevil: Born Again, further establishing his place in the Marvel timeline. The character is also scheduled to make his big-screen launch in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, marking a major expansion of his role within the MCU.

2026 is shaping up to be a significant year for the Punisher, with Bernthal reprising the role across several projects, including this standalone special.

Story Hints and Emotional Depth

Although plot details continue to be limited, the trailer focuses on a narrative concentrated on Castle’s internal struggle. According to Marvel, Frank "searches for meaning beyond revenge, when an unexpected force pulls him back into the fight."

The clip also teases the return of Jason R. Moore as Curtis Hoyle, a close ally of Castle. However, his presence may not be completely real, as the trailer clues he could appear as a memory or hallucination connected to Frank’s unstable mental state.

Brutality Meets Psychological Conflict

The special does not seem to get away from violence. Scenes in the trailer indicate a deep confrontation that involve gunfire, physical beatdowns, and high-impact action sequences, all mirroring Castle’s relentless approach.

At the same time, the story appears to explore the emotional strain of his actions, combining physical brutality with psychological depth.

Release Date and What’s Next

The Punisher: One Last Kill is set to debut on Disney+ on May 12. The release arrives ahead of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, where the Punisher is anticipated to return again, potentially along with Spider-Man.

With its combination of high-stakes action and character-driven storytelling, the special promises to offer a gripping chapter in Frank Castle’s journey, one that balances vengeance with intense questions regarding purpose and redemption.

FAQs:

Q1. What is The Punisher: One Last Kill about?

It focuses on Frank Castle’s continued journey as a vigilante. The story explores both his violent actions and emotional struggles.

Q2. Who plays the Punisher in the new special?

Jon Bernthal reprises his role as Frank Castle. He has played the character since 2016.