Punisher to Appear in Thunderbolts? Jon Bernthal Rumored to Have a Cameo Opposite Bucky and U.S. Agent

A recent rumor has sparked excitement among Marvel fans: Jon Bernthal, who gained massive popularity for his role as Frank Castle/The Punisher, is reportedly set to make a surprise appearance in the upcoming Thunderbolts movie. According to sources, Bernthal’s Punisher could show up in a short but intense cameo — facing off against Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier) and John Walker (U.S. Agent).

Punisher Returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

This news arrives just as Bernthal is officially confirmed to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Daredevil: Born Again, set to premiere on Disney+ in 2025. Reports indicate that Punisher will make a major appearance in episode 4 of the series, marking his first canonical MCU appearance since The Punisher series ended in 2019.

Cameo in Thunderbolts: Rumor or Reality?

The speculation about Punisher appearing in Thunderbolts stems from recent reports suggesting that in the film’s latest round of reshoots, Jon Bernthal was added for a short cameo — similar to how Daredevil briefly appeared in Echo. In this rumored scene, Frank Castle is said to have a tense encounter with both Bucky and U.S. Agent, potentially bringing a gritty edge to the film’s already intense dynamic.

While Marvel Studios has yet to confirm this, the possibility seems plausible, especially considering the studio’s recent trend of integrating Netflix-era Marvel characters into the MCU.

Punisher Is Getting His Own Special on Disney+

Beyond cameos, Marvel has also officially announced that Jon Bernthal will star in a new Punisher special presentation on Disney+, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. Set to release in 2026, the project promises to give Punisher a more central role in the MCU moving forward.

Conclusion

Although Marvel has not officially confirmed Punisher’s appearance in Thunderbolts, all signs point to a strong return for Frank Castle. With Bernthal back in Daredevil: Born Again and a solo special in the works, it’s only a matter of time before he plays a bigger role in the MCU. If the rumored showdown with Bucky and U.S. Agent proves true, it could become one of the most talked-about moments in Thunderbolts.