Behind-the-scenes images from the upcoming Marvel special 'The Punisher' appear to reveal Frank Castle's next formidable opponent.
Following his recent comeback in 'Daredevil: Born Again,' Jon Bernthal's acclaimed portrayal of Frank Castle/The Punisher will headline his own standalone Disney+ special releasing next year.
While plot details remain tightly guarded, recent New York filming locations suggest a pivotal confrontation - one featuring Castle facing off against a notorious Marvel Comics antagonist.
Leaked photos depict Castle standing opposite a wheelchair-bound brunette woman immediately recognizable to comic fans as Isabella "Ma" Gnucci - a ruthless crime boss seeking revenge for Castle's execution of her sons.
Gnucci ranks among Marvel's most brutal villains, with a backstory fittingly grim for Punisher lore. In the comics, Castle orchestrates her mauling by zoo polar bears, leaving her paralyzed yet undeterred in her vengeance quest.
The set photos capture Gnucci wagging an accusatory finger at Castle during their playground meeting sans polar bears. Comic readers know how brutally this confrontation escalates - and rest assured, Castle shows no mercy regardless of her disability.
New BTS look at 'THE PUNISHER'.
— Daredevil Shots (@_DaredevilShots) July 23, 2025
Possible first look at Ma Gnucci. pic.twitter.com/2gBk1ZzWZm
2026 shapes up as Castle's banner year, with appearances spanning Tom Holland's 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' alongside his Disney+ special. Holland's upbeat Wall-Crawler may clash tonally with the gun-wielding vigilante, though reports suggest they'll unite against a rampaging Hulk.
"When Punisher joins Spider-Man's world, expect tonal whiplash," Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige told THR. "This Holland installment finally delivers classic solo Spider-Man stories - neighborhood heroics rather than global crises. Naturally, we're pairing him with previously unseen street-level allies... and foes."
Feige added: "Castle famously debuted in Amazing Spider-Man #129. There's poetic symmetry bringing them together after all these years."
Disney+ hasn't announced Punisher's special release date. 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' hits theaters July 31, 2026.
