Marvel Drops the ‘Punisher’ Name for Jon Bernthal’s Frank in Spider-Man Film

Overview

• Reporting published Tuesday, August 25, 2026, found that Spider-Man: Brand New Day never uses the codename 'Punisher' and instead refers to Jon Bernthal’s character only as Frank.
• Critics and multiple outlets say the film shifts how the MCU presents the character by focusing on his personal code and tensions with Spider-Man rather than on a feared vigilante reputation.
• Reviewers point to several key scenes that show moral conflict between Frank and Spider-Man without labeling those moments as definitive plot twists.
• Marvel and Disney have not announced a direct Punisher follow-up, and outlets note any future Bernthal appearances—such as on Daredevil or in another Spider-Man project—are unconfirmed speculation.
• The move changes how other characters and institutions treat Frank on screen and could affect Marvel’s branding, storytelling choices, and where the character appears next.