Punisher in film explained

The fictional character Frank Castle / Punisher, a comic book vigilante antihero created by Gerry Conway, John Romita Sr. and Ross Andru and featured in Marvel Comics publications, has appeared as a main character in multiple theatrical, several animated straight-to-video films, and three fan films. Most notably, he has appeared in two self-titled films, the first in 1989 with Dolph Lundgren in the title role and the second in 2004 with Thomas Jane in the title role, as well as , starring Ray Stevenson.

Development

The first film, known simply as The Punisher and starring Dolph Lundgren, is a film that was released theatrically internationally but straight to video in North America by Live Entertainment in 1989 that is most notable for lacking the character's signature skull. Marvel hired Jonathan Hensleigh to write and direct the 2004 film, starring Thomas Jane. The film was mainly based on two Punisher comic book stories; The Punisher: Year One and Welcome Back, Frank.[1]

A direct sequel was supposed to follow based on strong DVD sales, but the lack of a good script kept the project in development for over 3 years, and by the end both Jonathan Hensleigh and Thomas Jane pulled out.[2] [3] [4] In June 2007, Lexi Alexander was hired to direct and Ray Stevenson was hired in July to play the Punisher in the newly titled , which became a reboot, and not a sequel to 2004's The Punisher.[5] This is the second time the film series has been rebooted, after the 2004 production rebooted 1989's The Punisher.[6] The film was released on December 5, 2008. The films primarily focus on Frank's vigilante crusade after the death of his family.

Live-action

The Punisher (1989)

See main article: The Punisher (1989 film). The Punisher appears in a self-titled film released by Live Entertainment, portrayed Dolph Lundgren. This version is described as an unnamed "city's most wanted, and most mysterious, vigilante" and a "one-man weapon against crime" who has killed 125 people in the five years preceding the film's events. Additionally, he is a former police officer, undercover detective, and U.S. Marine whose wife Julie and daughters Annie and Felice Castle were murdered by mobsters via a car bomb meant for him. After being legally declared dead following the incident, Castle establishes a base for him in the labyrinthine sewer system and kills mobsters wherever he finds them. However, his efforts draw the attention of Gianni Franco, a leading mobster who seeks to unite the mob families, and Lady Tanaka of the Yakuza, who kidnaps the mob families' children to force them to submit to their control.

The Punisher (2004)

See main article: The Punisher (2004 film). The Punisher appears in a self-titled film released by Lions Gate Pictures, portrayed by Thomas Jane. This version is an FBI agent and former soldier who goes on to retire after killing Bobby Saint, son of corrupt businessman Howard Saint. However, Howard retaliates by sending men to slaughter Frank's family amidst a Castle family reunion. Left for dead, burnt out, and haunted by the tragedy, Frank takes up a skull shirt given to him by his son before the latter's death and sets out to avenge his family by killing Howard and his inner circle. In an extended cut of the film, it is revealed Frank's friend Jimmy Weeks (Russell Andrews) sold him out to Howard.

Despite 2004's The Punisher being a box office disappointment, Lions Gate Entertainment was interested in a sequel based on the film's strong DVD sales. Jonathan Hensleigh and Thomas Jane were set to commence filming of the sequel, but the project remained in development hell for over 3 years due to the lack of a good script despite numerous writers being attached even after Hensleigh pulled out. Thomas Jane was so eager to do the sequel starring Jigsaw as the villain, that he'd put on an additional 12 pounds of muscle, and that "it would be darker, bloodier and more unfriendly than the first one." However, after reading the new script by Kurt Sutter, he stated, "What I won't do is spend months of my life sweating over a movie that I just don't believe in. I've always loved the Marvel guys and wish them well. Meanwhile, I'll continue to search for a film that one day might stand with all those films that the fans have asked me to watch."[7] [8]

Punisher: War Zone (2008)

See main article: Punisher: War Zone. The Punisher appears in Punisher: War Zone, portrayed by Ray Stevenson. This version is a former Force Recon Marine who has operated as the Punisher for five years. After inadvertently killing an undercover FBI agent while assaulting a mob dinner, he attempts to atone for his mistake and threatens to quit vigilantism over his partner Microchip's protests. Amidst this, he must also contend with the FBI's "Punisher Task Force" and Billy "The Beaut" Russoti / Jigsaw, a survivor of the mob dinner who seeks to recruit an army to get revenge on Frank.[9]

Ray Stevenson had expressed interest in sequels, hinting at Barracuda as a possible villain.[10] At the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con, when asked if he signed on for more Punisher, he said, "If I had my wish, it's going to run and run. It's up to the fan base. If this works, we get to do it all again."[10] After War Zone was not received well by audiences, the rights for the character eventually reverted to Marvel.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

See main article: Frank Castle (Marvel Cinematic Universe). In September 2014, Director duo, Anthony and Joe Russo indicated that the Punisher had two cameo appearances in their feature film (2014), as a Penske truck driver who runs over two different Hydra agents. The Russos also expressed interest in a Marvel One-Shot being produced about the character.[11]

In February 2020, Adam G. Simon stated that he had previously pitched a The Punisher film to Marvel Studios that would be set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), after the events of the Netflix television series of the same name, with Jon Bernthal reprising his role, described as "Falling Down by way of Full Metal Jacket":[12]

"You got to let this thing live in R-Rated territory and it has to have the same grit and unapologetic boldness of Logan. In my take, we find Frank Castle as we left him at the end of the series, only now completely aware of the threat that superheroes and villains pose to mankind. So, Frank Castle has to go gunning for the person who he feels is responsible for the innumerable civilian casualties. The one who started it all by organizing these weapons of mass destruction to come together. Nick Fury. The twist is that Frank is being used, he spots the double-cross early at the end of act one. From that point on, we have a 3:10 to Yuma situation. Frank and Fury on the run from everyone, heroes and villains. It's 3:10 to Yuma meets by way of Winter Soldier."

In the film, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), a unspecified variant of Castle was mentioned briefly to have been killed by the ruthless Cassandra Nova in the Void, a wasteland inhabited by a monster called Alioth, which consumes everything in its path. Before his death, he was apart of a resistance group that included Blade, Elektra Natchios, Remy LeBeau / Gambit, Johnny Storm / Human Torch, and Laura / X-23. Their team also included Peter Maximoff / Quicksilver, Matt Murdock / Daredevil and Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto, but all three died fighting Nova alongside Castle.

Animation

Iron Man: Rise of Technovore (2013)

The Punisher appears in ,[13] voiced by Norman Reedus.

Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014)

The Punisher appears in , voiced by Brian Bloom.[14] He is apprehended by S.H.I.E.L.D. after interfering with one of their missions, but is offered to work with Black Widow to stop Leviathan in exchange for his release.[15]

Fan films

The Punisher: Dirty Laundry (2012)

See main article: The Punisher: Dirty Laundry. At the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International, Jane debuted an independently financed Punisher short film, directed by Phil Joanou, written by Chad St. John, produced by Adi Shankar, and co-starring Ron Perlman, titled Dirty Laundry.[16] Jane said, "I wanted to make a fan film for a character I've always loved and believed in – a love letter to Frank Castle & his fans. It was an incredible experience with everyone on the project throwing in their time just for the fun of it. It's been a blast to be a part of from start to finish — we hope the friends of Frank enjoy watching it as much as we did making it."[17]

Do Not Fall in New York City (2012)

See main article: Do Not Fall in New York City. An animated Punisher fan film titled Do Not Fall in New York City was released in 2012, with Lee Westwood voicing the eponymous character.[18]

Skull (2020)

Stuntman Eric Linden, who worked on the MCU / Netflix series The Punisher as a stunt coordinator, second unit director, and stunt double for Jon Bernthal,[19] directed and portrayed the Punisher in the short film Skull, produced in association with FXitinPost.[20]

Cast and crew

Principal cast

CharacterThe PunisherThe PunisherMarvel Cinematic UniverseAnimationFan films

The Winter Soldier

Black Widow & Punisher

Dirty Laundry
Do Not Fall in New York CitySkull
Francis "Frank" Castle
Dolph LundgrenThomas JaneRay StevensonTesshô GendaThomas JaneLee WestwoodEric Linden
Norman ReedusBrian Bloom
Maria CastleSamantha Mathis
Danny / William "Will" CastleRobert SimperMarcus Johns
Natasha Romanova
Scarlett JohanssonMiyuki Sawashiro
Clare GrantJennifer Carpenter
Nick FurySamuel L. JacksonHideaki Tezuka
John Eric Bentley
Maria HillCobie SmuldersJunko Minagawa
Kari Wahlgren
Tony Stark
Robert Downey Jr.Keiji Fujiwara
Matthew Mercer
Clint Barton
Jeremy RennerShūhei Sakaguchi
Troy BakerMatthew Mercer
James "Rhodey" Rhodes
Don CheadleHiroki Yasumoto
James C. Mathis III
Bruce Banner
Mark RuffaloYuichi Karasuma
Fred Tatasciore
Thor OdinsonChris Hemsworth
Carol Danvers
Brie Larson
Pepper PottsGwyneth PaltrowHiroe Oka
Kate Higgins

Additional crew

Role
The PunisherThe Punisher
Dirty Laundry

Rise of Technovore

Black Widow & Punisher
Director(s)Mark GoldblattJonathan HensleighLexi AlexanderPhil JoanouHiroshi HamasakiKenichi Shimizu
Producer(s)Robert Mark KamenAvi Arad
Gale Anne Hurd
Gale Anne HurdAdi ShankarTaro Morishima
Writer(s)Boaz YakinJonathan Hensleigh
Michael France
Nick Santora
Art Marcum and Matt Holloway
Chad St. JohnKengo KajiMitsutaka Hirota
Marjorie Liu
ComposerDennis DreithCarlo SiliottoMichael WandmacherHans Zimmer
James Newton Howard
Tetsuya Takahashi
CinematographerIan BakerConrad W. HallSteve GainerMasanobu Takayanagicolspan="2"
EditorStephanie Flack
Tim Wellburn
Steven Kemper
Jeff Gullo
William Yeh
Dean Zimmerman
Paul NorlingBob Murawski
Production companyCarolco Pictures
New World Pictures
Lionsgate Films1984 Private Defense Contractors
RAW Studios
Madhouse
Marvel Entertainment
Marvel EntertainmentValhalla Motion Pictures
MHF Zweite Academy Film
SGF Entertainment Inc.
DistributorLive Entertainment
New World International
Lions Gate FilmsYouTubeSony Pictures Home Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan
Summit Entertainment
Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International
Marvel Studios
Sony Pictures Releasing
San Diego Comic-Con International
Running time89 minutes123 minutes103 minutes10 minutes88 minutes83 minutes
Release dateOctober 5, 1989 (West Germany)
April 25, 1991 (United States)
April 16, 2004December 5, 2008July 15, 2012April 24, 2013 (Japan)March 25, 2014 (North America)
September 3, 2014 (Japan)

Reception

Box office performance

FilmRelease dateBox office grossReference
United StatesOther territoriesUnited StatesOther territoriesWorldwide
The Punisher (1989)April 25, 1991October 5, 1989Not disclosed in grossNot disclosed in gross[21]
The Punisher (2004)April 16, 2004May 5, 2004$33,810,189$20,889,916$54,700,105[22]
(2008)December 5, 2008December 3, 2008$8,050,977$2,110,516$10,161,493[23]

Critical response

Film! scope="col" colspan="2"
CriticalPublic
Rotten TomatoesMetacriticCinemaScore
The Punisher (1989)[24] 63 (4 reviews)[25]
The Punisher (2004)[26] 33 (36 reviews)[27] [28]
Punisher: War Zone[29] 30 (24 reviews)[30]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Writer/Director Jonathan Hensleigh on The Punisher. Superhero Hype!. September 28, 2003. January 4, 2009. January 12, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090112105304/http://www.superherohype.com/punisher/index.php?id=198. dead.
  2. Web site: Jessica Barnes . John Dahl Says 'Punisher 2' Script Not That Good. Cinematical. June 15, 2007. January 5, 2009.
  3. Web site: Frosty. John Dahl is NOT directing PUNISHER 2. Collider. 2007-06-11. January 5, 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080915034847/http://www.collider.com/entertainment/news/article.asp/aid/4608/tcid/1. September 15, 2008.
  4. Web site: Quint. AICN Exclusive: Thomas Jane dropping out of Punisher 2?!? – Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news. Ain't It Cool News. May 15, 2007. January 5, 2009.
  5. News: Punisher Will Enter War Zone 3 Months Later. April 3, 2008. Superhero Hype!. December 14, 2008. January 8, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090108102639/http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=7025. dead.
  6. News: Punisher gets Lionsgate overhaul. Fleming. Michael. Variety. August 1, 2007. December 14, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080926161104/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117969569.html?categoryid=13&cs=1. September 26, 2008.
  7. News: Thomas Jane Pull out of Punisher 2 . SuperHeroHype.com . May 15, 2007 . August 7, 2008 . August 2, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090802193303/http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5685 . dead.
  8. News: AICN Exclusive: Thomas Jane dropping out of PUNISHER 2?!? . aintitcool.com . May 15, 2007.
  9. http://www.superherohype.com/news.php?id=6547 The Punisher: War Zone Synopsis – Superhero Hype!
  10. http://media.movies.ign.com/media/382/382367/vids_1.html IGN Punisher: War Zone Trailer, Videos and Movies
  11. Web site: Captain America: Winter Soldiers Punisher Cameo Explained – Was It Really Him?. Burcham. Cori. Screen Rant. February 17, 2020. February 17, 2020.
  12. Web site: The Raid Remake Writer Pitched a Punisher Movie to Marvel Studios.
  13. Web site: ANIME NEWS: Madhouse and Marvel join hands again to produce new 'Iron Man' anime feature. Asahi Shimbun. December 25, 2012. June 1, 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130603205705/http://ajw.asahi.com/article/cool_japan/anime_news/AJ201212250013. June 3, 2013.
  14. Web site: 'Avengers Confidential' Offers Black Widow Some Time in the Spotlight. The Hollywood Reporter. January 21, 2014. June 1, 2015.
  15. News: McMillan. Graeme. 'Avengers Confidential' Offers Black Widow Some Time in the Spotlight. January 22, 2014. The Hollywood Reporter. January 21, 2014.
  16. Web site: Comic-Con: Thomas Jane Unveiled a New PUNISHER Short Film with Special Guest Ron Perlman!. Collider. July 14, 2012. June 1, 2015. July 17, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120717165654/http://collider.com/punisher-short-film-thomas-jane/180604. dead.
  17. Web site: Watch DIRTY LAUNDRY, the PUNISHER Short Film Thomas Jane Brought to Comic-Con; Plus 10 Images and a New PUNISHER Logo. Collider. July 16, 2012. June 1, 2015.
  18. Web site: This animated fan film is the best Punisher movie to date. Cavalli, Ernest. Digitaltrends.com. September 11, 2012. August 17, 2016.
  19. Web site: STUNTS.
  20. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Web site: Skull: Punisher Reawakened. YouTube.
  21. Web site: The Punisher. Dolph-ultimate.com. July 28, 2019.
  22. Web site: The Punisher (2004). Box Office Mojo. May 27, 2017.
  23. Web site: Punisher: War Zone (2008). Box Office Mojo. May 27, 2017.
  24. . The Punisher . m . .
  25. the-punisher-1989 . The Punisher . movie . May 10, 2022.
  26. . The Punisher . m . .
  27. the-punisher . The Punisher . movie . May 10, 2022.
  28. Web site: Cinemascore :: Movie Title Search . . August 9, 2019 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20190809062201/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ . August 9, 2019.
  29. . Punisher: War Zone . m . .
  30. punisher-war-zone . Punisher: War Zone . movie . May 10, 2022.