Jon Bernthalwas recentlyspotted on the streets of New York Citysporting a crazy beard in preparation for the start of filming on Netflix’sMarvel’s ThePunisherseries, and he’s certainly not alone on set. We already knew thatBen Barneswould be starring alongside Bernthal’s Frank Castle (and his role has just been confirmed), but we now have word of two new players.
AsMarvelthemselves confirmed today, Barnes will be playing Frank Castle’s ally Billy Russo, whileEbon Moss-Bachrachjoins as the character Micro (who was teased in season two ofDaredevil), andAmber Rose Revahwill play a pivotal role in law enforcement. It’s also been confirmed thatMarvel’s The Punisherwill indeed be streaming globally in 2017. This means that, along with the previously announcedIron FistandThe Defenders, Netflix will be rolling out three Marvel series in the same year for the first time.
As showrunner and Executive ProducerSteve Lightfootsaid, “I’m really excited about the cast we’re assembling alongside Bernthal as Frank Castle. I look forward to watching Ben, Ebon and Amber embody these characters and breathe vivid life into the story we are crafting for this season of ‘Marvel’s The Punisher.'"
Jeph Loeb, Executive Producer and Marvel’s Head of Television, echoed that sentiment: “We couldn’t be more thrilled about the remarkable talent joining Jon Bernthal in ‘Marvel’s The Punisher.’ Ebon, Ben and Amber are incredibly talented actors and we can’t wait to see them bring these characters to life.“Jim Choryalso serves as Executive Producer in the Marvel Television, ABC Studios, and Netflix production. Check out more on the newly announced cast members below:
Ben Barnes as Billy Russo
Ben Barnes (The Chronicles of Narnia) joins the cast as Billy Russo, Frank’s Castle’s best friend from his days in the Special Forces. He runs a successful private military corporation called “Anvil.”
So while it sounds like Billy Russo will be something of an ally for Castle, his potential comic book character ties suggest something quite different.Spoilersfollow, so highlight below if you want to find out more:
In the comics, Billy Russo is another name forJigsaw, a once-handsome hitman in New York who was tasked with taking out Frank Castle and ended up getting thrown through a plate-glass window for his trouble. As you might have guessed, that messed up his face plenty good. This sets the two up as mortal enemies, so the casting might have just clued us in as to the solo series’ antagonist. Whether Jigsaw takes on the Punisher in this first season or a subsequent one remains to be seen, but I’m expecting a full-on betrayal and revenge arc here.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Micro
Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Girls) will play Micro, a former NSA analyst whose secrets may be of great value to Frank Castle and everyone around them.
Amber Rose Revah as Dinah Madani
Amber Rose Revah (Indian Summers, Son of God) joins as Dinah Madani, a highly-trained sophisticated Homeland Security agent who is vexed by the Punisher.
