Summary
Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, is set to return to the MCU in Daredevil: Born Again, and fans are already speculating on where else he could show up.
Fans speculate that The Punisher's inclusion in Armor Wars, with Don Cheadle reprising his role as War Machine, would be a perfect match. In fact, artist Arkin Tyagi even created fan art envisioning the Punisher donning a War Machine-like suit. Initially planned as a Disney+ series, Armor Wars has since transitioned into an MCU film that is expected to delve into Rhodey/War Machine's storyline following the revelation that he had been replaced by a Skrull impostor. Unfortunately, the movie's release date remains uncertain due to potential strikes.
In the realm of fan art for Armor Wars, there is a fresh depiction envisioning The Punisher's integration into the Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Despite his Netflix show being cancelled, Frank Castle, portrayed by Jon Bernthal, will be making a comeback in the MCU alongside Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio in Daredevil: Born Again. This forthcoming project will mark Bernthal's reunion with Cox and D'Onofrio, following their shared experiences in Daredevil season 2.
Details surrounding Punisher's return in Daredevil: Born Again remain largely undisclosed, leaving the MCU audience intrigued about Bernthal's potential appearances beyond his role in the Disney+ series. One prospect that has captured attention as an opportune platform for Bernthal's Punisher post-Daredevil: Born Again is Armor Wars, led by Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine.
What We Know About The MCU's Armor Wars Movie So Far
: Arkin Tyagi's latest release showcases his enthusiasm for Punisher's comeback in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) through a revamped illustration. The artwork depicts Frank in an innovative War Machine-esque armor, creating anticipation for a potential appearance in the upcoming series Armor Wars. Drawing inspiration from Punisher's iconic comic book armor, Tyagi envisions a similar suit for the character's introduction to the MCU.Initially announced in December 2020, Marvel Studios revealed Armor Wars as an upcoming Disney+ show, marking Cheadle's first solo project within the MCU. However, plans took a dramatic turn when Marvel Studios decided to transform Armor Wars into an MCU movie, driven by their dedication to telling the story in the most effective way possible. Yassir Lester, the previously announced show writer, remains involved with Armor Wars as a screenwriter, although no director has yet been officially attached to the project.
Plot details of Secret Invasion are being kept secret, but the reveal that the War Machine that audiences have been following is actually a Skrull sets the stage for Armor Wars. In Armor Wars, Rhodey will likely focus on finding his place in the world again, while also discovering how long he had been kidnapped. It is possible that the real Rhodey is unaware of Tony Stark's death in Avengers: Endgame, which will likely be a significant emotional journey for him.
It is currently unclear when Marvel Studios plans to release Armor Wars or if it will be part of Phase 6. Due to ongoing strikes, such as the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes, it wouldn't be surprising if Armor Wars is not released until Phase 7 at the earliest. Hopefully, when Marvel Studios is able to share new details about Armor Wars, the wait will be worthwhile.
Source: Arkin Tyagi/Instagram