Punisher fans get ready to lose your minds. Jon Bernthal is officially back as Frank Castle in the MCU and his return in Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 is everything we hoped for and maybe even more. Seriously folks The Punisher has arrived and he is not messing around.

Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 Just Blew Up the Internet Thanks to The Punisher

While Daredevil: Born Again has been a bit of a slow burn Episode 4 just cranked up the heat thanks to Jon Bernthal's intense comeback. For real reviews are saying Bernthal's Punisher is the best part of this episode and honestly we are not surprised. After tracking down Frank to ask about a skull bullet Matt Murdock gets way more than he bargained for.

This isn't some friendly reunion. Frank and Matt clash big time. Their debate about justice revenge and the state of New York gets seriously heated. IGN even called it "one of the best MCU show dialogue sequences ever". High praise right? Punisher calls out Daredevil for being in denial about his own thirst for revenge and things get super emotional. Apparently Matt even tears up! Whoa.

Bernthal's Back But It Almost Didn't Happen: He Reveals Why He Initially Turned Down Daredevil Return

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Get this Jon Bernthal almost didn't come back as The Punisher for Daredevil: Born Again at all. In a recent interview he said he actually turned down the first version of the show. Why? Because he didn't think the initial plan for Frank Castle felt right.

Bernthal explained that the early scripts didn't make sense for the character he knew and loved. He was worried it wouldn't resonate with fans or be true to the Punisher's dark and complex nature. He was ready to walk away completely. Luckily Marvel came back with a revised approach. They brought in Dario Scardapane who worked on The Punisher Netflix series and really listened to Bernthal's ideas for Frank. This time they were on the same page and the result is the Punisher we are seeing now and he is incredible.

Punisher is Back to Being Punisher Not a "Murderous Cop" Bernthal Teases Standalone Special

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Bernthal hinted at what he didn't want The Punisher to become in this new Daredevil series. Forbes mentioned suspicion that the original plan was to make him a "murderous cop or something". Instead the final version shows Frank opposing corrupt cops and reclaiming his symbol which is way more in line with the character fans know.

And the good news doesn't stop there. Bernthal confirmed he is not just back for Daredevil: Born Again but also working on a standalone Punisher TV special for Disney+. It sounds like this special will be a "no-holds-barred" version of Frank Castle. Bernthal himself even co-wrote it and promises it will be "visceral psychologically complex unforgiving" and explore the true cost of violence. He is clearly passionate about getting this character right and giving fans the Punisher story they deserve.

Episode 4 Review Highlights: Punisher Steals the Show But Episode is More Than Just Action

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Critics are definitely loving Bernthal's Punisher return. IGN said "Easily the best part of this episode is Bernthal’s return as the Punisher." Gizmodo called it a "short but welcome return" and praised Bernthal for making the most of his screen time.

But Episode 4 is not just about Punisher's big entrance. Reviews highlight other strong points too. IGN praised Fisk's storyline calling it "amazing" and noting how hilarious it is to see him struggle with the political system. Gizmodo pointed out the episode offers a "lighthearted" break before things get darker again and also praised the insight into Vanessa and Fisk's complex marriage.

Key Takeaways: What to Expect from Punisher's Return in Daredevil: Born Again

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  1. Jon Bernthal is back as Frank Castle/The Punisher and his return is explosive and intense.
  2. Episode 4 highlights the dynamic between Punisher and Daredevil with a powerful dialogue scene about justice and revenge.
  3. Bernthal initially turned down the Daredevil return due to script concerns but came back when Marvel revised their approach.
  4. Punisher is not a murderous cop but a force against corruption and reclaiming his symbol.
  5. A standalone Punisher TV special is in development co-written by and starring Bernthal promising a "no-holds-barred" take on the character.
  6. Episode 4 also develops Fisk's and Matt's storylines beyond Punisher's return making it a compelling episode overall.

Get Ready for More Punisher: This is Just the Beginning

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So if you were waiting for The Punisher to make his grand MCU entrance in Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 is your moment. Jon Bernthal is back he is bringing the intensity and it sounds like this is just the start of a much bigger Punisher story to come. With a standalone TV special on the horizon and his role in Daredevil: Born Again Frank Castle is ready to unleash his brand of justice on the MCU in a major way. Buckle up folks it is going to be a wild ride.