When Netflix released six critically acclaimed series based on Marvel characters, everyone had the same question in their minds: Are they actually canon to The Marvel Cinematic Universe? On the one hand, there were a few Easter Eggs indicating that all of these projects took place in the same world where the Chitauri invaded New York City courtesy of Loki. On the other, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Punisher never met the likes of Iron Man or Captain America on the big screen, and there was no indication that these long-awaited crossovers would ever happen. To make matters worse, all of the Marvel Netflix series were canceled sooner than anticipated, and the possibility of watching these characters in the MCU vanished.
Or so it initially seemed.
Wilson Fisk eventually made his long-awaited comeback in the Hawkeye Disney Plus series. This shocking event was later followed by Matt Murdock's appearance during the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, and now many iconic Netflix characters are stealing the spotlight in Daredevil: Born Again. It took more than half a decade, but we've come full circle again. The best part? A beloved anti-hero also returned after many years, and he's here to stay.
Punisher made his debut in Daredevil: Born Again
During the fourth episode of Daredevil: Born Again, audiences jumped in excitement as Frank Castle finally graced the small screen for the first time since 2019. It has been a long time coming, and we're not talking only out-of-series. The latest Marvel Disney Plus project has been teasing the beloved anti-hero from the very beginning as well. Audiences have seen many corrupt cops using the Punisher logo while abusing their power, and it was just a matter of time before he had a say in the matter. Interestingly enough, Frank's comeback wasn't during a big, violent action set-piece but rather an intense dialog.
Matt Murdock's former client, The White Tiger, was unfortunately shot and killed by an unknown party back during the events of episode 3. As a result, the Man Without Fear went back to the crime scene to see if he could uncover any more clues that could lead to the perpetrator. Eventually, he discovers the shell of the bullet responsible for ending Hector Ayala, and it has engraved the Punisher logo. Learning this, Daredevil goes directly to the source to clarify what's going on and perhaps gain an ally in the fight against those stealing the anti-hero's image.
As was to be expected, the Punisher wasn't interested in jumping at the chance to be a hero and save the city. However, he suspects that Matt already knew this before his visit and that there was another reason behind the reunion. In that moment, audiences are treated to a conversation taken straight again from the Netflix's Daredevil series. Frank claims that the Devil of Hell's Kitchen simply wanted to ask permission to cross a line and hunt down Bullseye, who killed Foggy Nelson. While Matt tries to deny such an idea, it's clear that he's still deeply hurt.
At that moment, the parallelisms between the two become evident. Both heroes had to live through the pain of losing someone very close — someone who was family in one way or another. They're still hurt, and the scars haven't fully healed. In a way, both of them want to hurt the rest of the world for what happened to them. But since they have a code, that task becomes all the more difficult. It's a devastating (yet incredible) discussion that also acted as the perfect way to introduce The Punisher to the MCU.
Fortunately, this isn't the last we'll see of this incredible team-up. Official trailers for Daredevil: Born Again reveal that the series' titular character and Frank will both fight against an armed team presumed to be the Kingpin's anti-hero forces. So if you missed some of that classic superhero violence: It's just a matter of time before it finally materializes.
Daredevil: Born Again is now streaming on Disney Plus.