Hell’s Kitchen is heating up, and it’s not just because of Matt Murdock’s fiery vigilante antics. Jon Bernthal’s iconic portrayal of Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, has made a thunderous return in “Daredevil: Born Again,” and fans on X are buzzing with excitement over one particular moment that’s being hailed as an all-time favorite in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
A Long-Awaited Reunion
“Daredevil: Born Again,” the highly anticipated Disney+ series that premiered on March 4, 2025, picks up the gritty streets of New York where Netflix’s “Daredevil” left off.
Charlie Cox returns as Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer-turned-vigilante Daredevil, facing off against Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) as the newly elected mayor of New York.
But it’s the reintroduction of Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle that has fans losing their minds—and for good reason.
While the first three episodes of the nine-episode Season 1 teased The Punisher’s presence—through graffiti of his skull symbol and mentions by Fisk—fans got their first taste of Frank’s return in a scene that’s gone viral on X.
On March 19, 2025, user posted a heartfelt quote from a confrontation between Frank and Matt, capturing a raw, emotional exchange about their mutual friend, Foggy Nelson:
“HE GOT LIFE!”
“How bout old Foggy? He get life?”
“Foggy. He was the kindest, purest soul I ever met. Guys like you and me, we could work a lifetime and never measure up to his decency.”
This dialogue, accompanied by a striking image of Frank Castle’s intense gaze, has sparked a firestorm of reactions on X, with users calling it “an all-time favorite Daredevil moment” and “jaw-dropping.”
The scene underscores the deep bond and moral tension between the two vigilantes—Daredevil’s commitment to justice without killing versus The Punisher’s lethal vengeance—while paying tribute to Foggy’s unwavering decency, a cornerstone of the “Daredevil” universe.
Building the Hype
The Punisher hasn’t physically appeared in the first three episodes of “Daredevil: Born Again,” but the buildup has been masterful.
Showrunner Dario Scardapane, who previously worked on Netflix’s “The Punisher,” has teased an “immensely satisfying” story for Frank, promising “hijinks” when he reunites with Matt.
Web reports from March 2025 suggest Frank’s return is tied to a “very particular person” and “very particular reason,” likely connected to the escalating crime and vigilante crackdown in Hell’s Kitchen under Fisk’s rule.
Frank Castle, last seen in the MCU in 2019’s “The Punisher” on Netflix, hasn’t crossed paths with Matt Murdock since “Daredevil” Season 2 in 2016. Now, nearly a decade later, their reunion in “Born Again”—set in 2027—promises to reignite their complex dynamic, blending action, drama, and moral philosophy.
Why This Moment Matters
The X thread reveals just how much this confrontation resonates with fans.
Replies like “Especially with the added ‘say his name’ dialogue—chef’s kiss” and “That conversation was masterful” highlight the emotional depth and character development Marvel has achieved.
The mention of Foggy Nelson, played by Elden Henson, adds a poignant layer, as his character’s sentencing (“He got life!”) drives home the stakes in a city spiraling into chaos.
This scene also ties into the broader narrative of “Daredevil: Born Again,” where vigilante justice is under scrutiny.
With Fisk using The Punisher’s brutal reputation to demonize all masked heroes, Frank’s return could either exacerbate the conflict or force an uneasy alliance with Matt. Either way, it’s clear Marvel is leaning into the gritty, street-level storytelling that made the Netflix “Daredevil” a fan favorite.
What’s Next for The Punisher?
While Episode 4 of “Daredevil: Born Again” (released after March 19, 2025) likely marks Frank’s on-screen return, Marvel has bigger plans for the character.
Web reports confirm a standalone Punisher television special starring Bernthal, set for 2026, alongside Season 2 of “Born Again.”
This signals Marvel’s intent to cement Frank Castle as a key figure in the MCU’s street-level universe, appealing to both longtime fans and new viewers.