It seems the likelihood of Jon Bernthal’s character, The Punisher, showing up in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is growing more likely following recent updates. In 2026, The Punisher has quite an active year planned as he reappears in “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2. Furthermore, Bernthal himself will be contributing to a solo Disney+ Special Presentation for The Punisher, which is scheduled for release in 2026.
It seems that the news about Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk being in Spider-Man: Brand New Day could support previous speculations that Jon Bernthal’s Punisher will also reappear in the 2026 blockbuster. This would mean that Spider-Man 4 could have two well-known Marvel Cinatic Universe characters, Tom Holland’s Peter Parker and the returning Hulk and Punisher, as part of its cast. Additionally, if these rumors prove true, it will mark Bernthal’s first appearance on the big screen as his gritty anti-hero.
Among numerous bizarre speculations about Spider-Man 4, one particular rumor shared by John Rocha on The Hot Mic in January caught everyone’s attention as one of the most unusual.
During an interview on the Jeff Sneider podcast, Rocha mentioned that he received information about Spider-Man 4 from a highly reliable source within the industry. The information suggested that Spider-Man would team up with the Punisher to battle the Hulk. This potential plot is said to have emerged as Marvel Studios aimed to transition away from the Smart Hulk character, favoring a more primal version of the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Previously, these assertions were widely considered ludicrous by many, but they’ve gained more credibility lately following an exclusive report by Nexus Point News suggesting that Mark Ruffalo will take on a significant part as Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, in Spider-Man 4.
Moreover, Josh at Den of Nerds asserted on X that he obtained information from two separate sources suggesting that the Hulk might play the antagonist in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
As speculation grows about Hulk potentially appearing in Spider-Man 4, it strengthens the possibility suggested earlier by Rocha that Jon Bernthal’s character, The Punisher, might also make an appearance. However, remember that these are just rumors at this point, and plans can change. But if true, it definitely seems like The Punisher could be part of Brand New Day.
As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the eagerly anticipated “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is getting ready to roll the cameras this coming summer! It’s set to make its grand entrance on July 31, 2026, smashing Marvel Studios’ record for the earliest major release date.
So far, the lineup for “Spider-Man 4” includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, and possibly Mark Ruffalo. In the upcoming weeks and months, we can anticipate additional announcements as “Brand New Day” expands its supporting characters and villains.
Could The Punisher Be Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s Villain?
There’s been lots of talk about who might play the villain in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day“, as some theories suggest a famous female character could fill that role.
Reports suggest another major antagonist could potentially team up with the enigmatic female danger; this character is rumored to be Marlin Li, more commonly known as Mr. Negative, who gained notoriety in Insomniac’s Spider-Man video game.
In the same way that Peter Parker squared off against Doctor Strange in the movie “No Way Home”, it’s possible that a confrontation between Spider-Man and The Hulk could be part of the plot in “Brand New Day“. One of these new adversaries might reawaken Bruce Banner’s enraged alter ego, leading to a fight with Spider-Man. However, this could eventually lead to a partnership between the two.
As a huge fan, I can’t help but envision an intriguing scenario: if Spider-Man ever finds himself in need of aid against the Hulk, Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, played brilliantly by Jon Bernthal, could be just the ally he needs. Although his character has been confined to R-rated settings within the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far, I believe there’s potential to tone down the violence, language, and brutality, transforming him into a PG-13 action hero that still packs quite a punch!
Instead of The Punisher being the street-level hero many had hoped to see in Spider-Man 4, as fans have been eagerly anticipating a collaboration with Charlie Cox’s Daredevil, it seems that his involvement in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 might have made him the most viable option for a screen partnership.
Besides enhancing the street-level atmosphere that fans anticipate in Spider-Man 4, the Punisher could introduce an intriguing contrast. Peter Parker and Frank Castle hold starkly different views on dealing with criminals, a dichotomy that could create an interesting contrast in the Brand New Day storyline.
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2025-06-09 19:35