There’ve been plenty of rumblings lately about what the future holds for the title characters of Netlix’s former Marvel properties. Kevin Feige seems keen to have the members of the Defenders as part of the MCU, but it isn’t entirely clear in what capacity. Charlie Cox and Krysten Ritter have been said to be reprising their roles as Daredevil and Jessica Jones, while both Iron Fist and Luke Cage will likely be rebooted entirely.

That leaves the Punisher as the odd one out. Given the definitively R-rated nature of the character, there’s little chance of Frank Castle fitting in with the MCU’s well-established PG-13 template, not unless they want to completely remove the appeal of the military veteran turned vigilante. Star Jon Bernthal has spoken frequently about how close the Punisher is to his heart though, despite the huge number of injuries he suffered during filming, and would no doubt jump at the chance to play him again if given the opportunity.

Recent Deadpool-related rumors have hinted that Marvel could be set to make a venture into R-rated territory, too, with the Punisher also mooted for similarly adult-orientated treatment but now, sources have informed me that the most likely way for Bernthal to return to our screens as the black-clad merchant of death in the near future will be via Hulu.

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