Jon Bernthal's Punisher Special Reveals Runtime Hours Before Anticipated Premiere

Jon Bernthal is poised for an exceptionally busy year in 2026, having already released his first project, "Gary," a surprising prequel episode to "The Bear." Co-starring Ebon Moss-Bachrach, this episode was shadow-dropped on Hulu without promotion and quickly dominated streaming charts.

Bernthal's schedule also includes starring roles in two major summer blockbusters, "The Odyssey" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," both of which will feature Tom Holland.

This extensive workload follows his recent appearance in "His & Hers," one of Netflix's biggest shows of the year, alongside Tessa Thompson.

Fans eagerly awaiting his return as Frank Castle, The Punisher, will not have to wait long. Jon Bernthal is set to reprise his iconic role in "The Punisher: One Last Kill," a Special Presentation scheduled for release on Disney+ tonight at 9 pm EST.

Although specific plot details are being kept under wraps, it has been confirmed that this special is designed to bridge the narrative gap between "Daredevil: Born Again Season 2" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," connecting these two street-level Marvel projects within New York City.

Further exciting fans, Bernthal not only stars in "The Punisher: One Last Kill" but also co-wrote the special with director Reinaldo Marcus Green. A recent development revealed the project's official runtime to be 44 minutes, excluding credits.

While some viewers hoping for a longer feature might find this disappointing, the concise runtime is expected to deliver a faster-paced and more action-packed experience.

Addressing inquiries about other fan-favorite characters, Charlie Cox’s Daredevil is not anticipated to appear in "The Punisher: One Last Kill." Matt Murdock was last seen incarcerated at the end of "Daredevil: Born Again Season 2," with his release expected in Season 3.

However, a scene in the "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" trailer depicting Spider-Man fighting The Hand in a prison hints at potential future crossovers, particularly given Cox's past cameo in "Spider-Man: No Way Home."

Complementing this exciting Marvel news, Collider has also developed a Marvel Personality Quiz, inviting fans to discover which MCU hero best aligns with their individual spirit, values, and fighting style. The quiz features six prominent heroes: Spider-Man, Daredevil, Iron Man, The Punisher, Thor, and Captain America.

Through ten insightful questions, the quiz delves into various aspects of heroism, including motivation, conflict resolution, perspectives on secret identities, coping with loss and grief, team dynamics, moral codes, everyday life, and underlying fears.

Upon completion, participants receive a detailed profile of their matched hero, explaining the parallels between their personality and the chosen Marvel character.

For instance, the Spider-Man profile describes individuals who, despite their youth, carry immense responsibility with loyalty and self-sacrifice, embodying Peter Parker's famous credo.

Daredevil matches are characterized by their fight in the shadows with a fierce moral compass, akin to Matt Murdock's duality between law and vigilantism. Those aligning with Iron Man are portrayed as brilliant, driven problem-solvers who evolve from ego to self-sacrifice, mirroring Tony Stark's transformative journey.

The Punisher profile identifies individuals shaped by profound grief, operating with unyielding conviction and a unique interpretation of justice, much like Frank Castle's relentless war. Thor profiles are for powerful, proud individuals on a journey of worthiness, transforming from an arrogant prince to a beloved protector.

Finally, Captain America matches embody an unwavering belief in higher ideals, fighting for what is right with steadfast principles, reflecting Steve Rogers' iconic heroism and refusal to back down from injustice.

For those seeking deeper insights into The Punisher and other street-level Marvel narratives, Collider encourages subscriptions to their newsletter, which promises in-depth coverage, scene-by-scene analysis, continuity explainers, and expert takes to connect the dots across the complex Marvel universe.

Further updates and comprehensive coverage on Jon Bernthal's "One Last Kill" will continue to be provided by Collider as the special begins streaming.