Will Punisher Return in Iron Fist or Defenders Next?

Marvel and Netflix confirmed earlier this year that they are developing aPunisher spin-offseries, withJon Bernthalset to reprise his role as Frank Castle, after making his MCU debut inDaredevilSeason 2. Now it seems that we may seeThe Punisheron the streaming service again, perhaps inIron Fist, thanks to a recent tweet from New York Comic Con. The convention revealed that the actor’s “Netflix production schedule” has altered his involvement in the con, and he will only be available for autograph signings at NYCC on Saturday and Sunday.

While the briefTwitterstatement from New York Comic Con doesn’t say thatJon Bernthalis specifically shootingIron Fist, it’s the only one of Marvel’s Netflix shows that is in production. It’s possible that the actor could be shooting scenes forThe Defenders, but that hasn’t started production yet, so the obvious conclusion to be drawn from this tweet is that he’s filming scenes forIron Fist. There is one other possible scenario forJon Bernthal, though.

Jon Bernthalmay have even started filmingThe Punisherseries in secret, although that does seem unlikely, since no additional cast members have come aboard. Then again, it’s worth noting that many viewers recently spotted a listing forThe Punisheron Netflix which revealed theseries premierewould arrive in 2017. Still, if the streaming service was eyeing a 2017 premiere, then filming would likely have to begin at some point later this year, which has many wondering if a 2018 debut may be more likely.

Regardless, this spin-off is happening, and the last we heard about this Netflix series is that they are eyeing the MCU debut of aMarvel characternamed David “Microchip” Lieberman. The character is reportedly being cast under the fake name of “Dennis Landstrom,” with excerpts from the audition scene revealing that David has tracked Frank down, despite Frank’s best efforts to remain hidden. In the comics, Microchip is portrayed as a hard-drinking computer hacker who often provides Frank with technical support during his missions, and even supplies him with some high-tech gadgets.

As forIron Fist, filming started in New York City back in April, but we don’t know when production is expected to wrap, or when the show may premiere on Netflix. The streaming service’s third Marvel series,Luke Cage, will debut Friday, September 30, withIron Fistarriving at some point in 2017, along withThe Defendersmini-series, butThe Punisher’s debut date is still up in the air. Another recent report claimed thatThe Defenderswill debut before new seasons of bothDaredevilandJessica Jones. Take a look at New York Comic Con’s tweet below, regardingJon Bernthal’s availability.