Daredevil: Born Again finale’s post-credits scene sets up “dark” Punisher spinoff

Daredevil: Born Again drew to a close in open-ended fashion, and a post-credits scene perfectly sets up The Punisher’s forthcoming spinoff special. Meaning SPOILERS ahead.

Daredevil: Born Again Episode 9 – appropriately titled ‘Straight to Hell’ – concluded in grim fashion for Matt Murdock and friends, with New York in turmoil, and Kingpin on top.

As Mayor of the city, Wilson Fisk has enforced a curfew on the people, enacted martial law, and killed the Police Commissioner in ferocious fashion.

He also rounded up his enemies and opponents and locked them up, including Frank Castle. But a scene midway through the end credits suggests The Punshier won’t be trapped in his cage for long.

How Daredevil: Born Again sets up Punisher special

Disney/Marvel

Marvel has recently introduced the ‘Special Presentation’ to Disney+, spinning off characters into their own standalone mini-movies on the streamer. Werewolf by Night dropped in 2022, and was closely followed by the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.

The Punisher is next to get special treatment, and the Daredevil: Born Again post-credits scene sets those wheels in motion.

The sequence starts with Frank Castle imprisoned in an underground cell. A guard walks by, and Frank makes smalltalk by asking how it’s going and what his name is. “Anthony Petruccio” comes the answer

“There you go.” says Castle. “Anthony Petruccio. It’s a good name. It’s strong. Where you from, Anthony Petruccio?”

The guard responds with “Jersey,” and Frank says “I thought so. I had a feeling. You know a little about me, Anthony? A little bit? Oh boy. I appreciate you. You give me a minute like this. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Frank holds his hand out through a gap in the bars, the guard shakes it, and Castle pulls the hand in, breaks it, then breaks the guard’s arm, precipitating his escape. That’s where the scene ends, with Punisher potentially back on the streets, and ready for his Special Presentation.

Jon Bernthal says spinoff will be “dark”

Disney+

As for what to expect from The Punisher spinoff, Frank Castle actor Jon Bernthal recently told The Hollywood Reporter: “I care very deeply about Frank, I’m really grateful that I’m getting the opportunity to tell the story that I think the fans deserve. We’re giving it our all and we’re trying to tell a Frank Castle story that we’re going to turn our back on the audience.

“It’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be light, and I think it’s the version that this character deserves and I’m just beyond honored and grateful that we get the opportunity.”

Regarding tone, Bernthal added: “It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out the darkness. It’s not going to be easy… It will not be Punisher-lite, I promise you that.”

Bernthal is currently cowriting the standalone special alongside director Reinaldo Marcus Green, and it’s set to air in 2026, when Daredevil: Born Again is also expected to drop.

Head here to find out why there isn’t a Daredevil: Born Again Episode 10, or here for our ranking of every Marvel TV show.