Almost two weeks ago, we released our first "Marvel Highlight" article on Marvel's Daredevil. You can read the article for a history of the character on screen by clicking here. This week, we are returning with another Marvel Highlight covering the highly popular character, The Punisher. This character recently crossed over into Daredevil's world, therefore we have a lot to cover on what has happened with this character and what to expect in the future. Hold on to your body armor, because you're going to learn about the most gritty character in Marvel's world, The Punisher!
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| © Marvel Comics |
Brief History
In 1974, writer Gerry Conway and artist John Romita, Sr. debuted the legendary character known as The Punisher with Stan Lee being the one who suggested the characters name. Initially the idea was to call the character "Assassin" but luckily we ended up with the more suited Punisher title. The character sticks out amongst the other in Marvel's extended catalogue due to his willingness to kill in order to achieve justice. In comic book history, the good guy's usually don't kill. Somehow, The Punisher achieved fame even with this dark desire to end crime permanently. The characters real name is Frank Castle, and is frequently presented as a U.S. war veteran. It's a very dark journey that later turns Castle into the Punisher we know today. After a decline in popularity in the 90's, The Punisher was revived and has since become somewhat of a fan favorite in the comic book community.
It was 1989 when Frank Castle made his first film debut as The Punisher. The character was played by actor Dolph Lundgren (Rocky IV), who was described as indestructible. Unfortunately, films in 1989 couldn't be as true to their comic book companion material as they can now in 2016. The film received terrible reviews and was described as "cheesy". Due to the failure of the first film, it would be 15 years until the character was given a second chance on screen.
In 2004, actor Thomas Jane was given the opportunity to portray the character on screen against the evil Howard Saint, played by actor John Travolta in one of his more villainous roles. This film took from two of its comic book sources, The Punisher: Year One and Welcome Back, Frank. Regardless of the characters second chance, this film once again received negative reviews. Later down the road, this film became a fan favorite for those who enjoyed the character. Regardless, most fans believe the character still was not given a faithful comic book interpretation.
A sequel to the 2004 film was planned regardless of the negative reception. Due to creative differences between multiple people involved in the film, the sequel essentially developed into a remake by the name of Punisher: War Zone. The film went on to be released four years later in 2008 and would mark Marvel Studios first attempt at producing a Punisher film themselves. This go around, actor Ray Stevenson was given the honor of portraying the character. Unfortunately, once again the film received negative reviews. While the film did portray the extreme violence The Punisher is known for, it still was untrue to its comic book source material.
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| © Marvel Comics |
The Punisher Films
It was 1989 when Frank Castle made his first film debut as The Punisher. The character was played by actor Dolph Lundgren (Rocky IV), who was described as indestructible. Unfortunately, films in 1989 couldn't be as true to their comic book companion material as they can now in 2016. The film received terrible reviews and was described as "cheesy". Due to the failure of the first film, it would be 15 years until the character was given a second chance on screen.
In 2004, actor Thomas Jane was given the opportunity to portray the character on screen against the evil Howard Saint, played by actor John Travolta in one of his more villainous roles. This film took from two of its comic book sources, The Punisher: Year One and Welcome Back, Frank. Regardless of the characters second chance, this film once again received negative reviews. Later down the road, this film became a fan favorite for those who enjoyed the character. Regardless, most fans believe the character still was not given a faithful comic book interpretation.
A sequel to the 2004 film was planned regardless of the negative reception. Due to creative differences between multiple people involved in the film, the sequel essentially developed into a remake by the name of Punisher: War Zone. The film went on to be released four years later in 2008 and would mark Marvel Studios first attempt at producing a Punisher film themselves. This go around, actor Ray Stevenson was given the honor of portraying the character. Unfortunately, once again the film received negative reviews. While the film did portray the extreme violence The Punisher is known for, it still was untrue to its comic book source material.
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| © Marvel Daredevil 2016 |
The Punisher on Netflix's Daredevil
Nearly two weeks ago season two of Netflix's Daredevil was released to many positive reviews. Marvel's success on Netflix continues to grow, with high expectations for their Jessica Jones and Luke Cage shows as well. Within this season of Daredevil, The Punisher was revealed to be the main focus of this years story. Played by Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead), many people say that the character stole the show this season. This interpretation of Frank Castle received the highest praise the character has ever seen in live action. In fact, the reception is so positive that people have began campaigning for the character to receive his own show. Knowing the way that Marvel works, they enjoy satisfying their fans cravings. Aside from initial plans to start a Punisher show on Netflix in January, his warm reception in Daredevil likely led to the definite creation of such a show.
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| © Marvel Comics |
To sum it all up, after three consecutive films about the character receiving bad reception, The Punisher seemed to find his way on Netflix. We're very excited to see what happens in the future with the character, and it's likely that Jon Bernthal will be deemed the true Punisher for years to come. That's all we have for today, but please continue to join us in the future for more upcoming movie news and rumors, as well as our next Marvel Highlight arriving soon! If you're a fan of the comic book adaptations, check out our post on the most anticipated comic book films of 2016 by clicking here! Keep your shotguns handy, because nothing can stop the Punisher! Check us out next week for the best in the film world only on Crave Cinema!
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