So, this ‘Punisher’ “special” is being shot as we speak. I’m not a comic book guy, in the least bit, but I’ve always liked the character and even dug the much-maligned 2004 movie starring Thomas Jane.
Now, I don't know how much Marvel paid Robert Elswit to be cinematographer on this upcoming ‘Punisher,’ but they clearly watched his night scenes in “Nightctawler” and said “we want THAT.” Elswit is officially attached as DP.
Elswit used to be Paul Thomas Anderson’s go-to cinematographer (“There Will Be Blood,” “Punch Drunk-Love”), but they had a falling out during the production of “Inherent Vice.”
‘Punisher’ is Marvel Studios’ upcoming one-off “Special Presentation” for Disney+—featuring Jon Bernthal reprising his role as Frank Castle in a new, standalone Punisher story. It’s technically a straight to streaming movie, but Disney isn’t calling it that since their “specials” tend to have runtimes not exceeding 60 minutes.
Bernthal not only stars as Castle, he also co-wrote the screenplay alongside director Reinaldo Marcus Green (“King Richard”). Marvel executive Brad Winderbaum described the special as “a shotgun blast of a story, but also with all the pathos and emotion fans expect from a Frank Castle arc.”
One has to acknowledge Elswit’s staggering body of work. He was Oscar-nominated for his sumptuous work in George Clooney’s “Good Night and Good Luck,” but will forever be known for his incredible photography in PTA “There Will Be Blood,” for which he won the Oscar. Using desert daylight, via 35mm film, Elswit created a visionary landscape of hell, fire and brimstone.
The ‘Punisher’ special is expected to premiere on Disney+ sometime in 2026, with a release window likely aligned with “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2, which is scheduled to debut in March 2026.