The Punisher: One Last Kill is an American television special directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and co-written by Green and Jon Bernthal for Disney+. Based on Marvel Comics and its iconic antihero the Punisher, this marks the third special presentation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the second MCU project centered on the character, following The Punisher (2017–2019), which originally debuted on Netflix.
Bernthal reprises his role as Frank Castle, continuing from his earlier appearances and his recent return in Daredevil: Born Again. The special premiered on May 12, 2026, as part of Phase Six of the MCU.
The story follows Castle living off the grid in Little Sicily, haunted by hallucinations tied to his past and still grieving the loss of his family. His isolation is disrupted when crime boss Ma Gnucci, head of the Gnucci crime family targets him for revenge, placing a bounty on his head after the deaths of her husband and sons.
I’ll admit upfront this review may be a bit biased. The Punisher has always been one of my favorite Marvel characters, and to me, Jon Bernthal remains the definitive version of Frank Castle. That said, this special absolutely delivers. Disney doesn’t hold back, the tone stays true to the original series with its brutal, raw, gritty, and unapologetically violent edge. This is far from a watered-down adaptation and instead feels like a proper continuation fans have been waiting for.
The action is intense, the pacing is tight, and there are several standout moments that hit hard. The ending, in particular, is very satisfying and leaves a strong impression.
My only real critique is that it’s just an hour long, it feels like it starts and ends too quickly. I also would’ve liked to see some connection or cameo, possibly involving Spider-Man, to help bridge into upcoming MCU projects this summer.
Overall, The Punisher: One Last Kill is a well-written, action-packed special that stays true to the character. For fans of the original series or gritty Marvel storytelling, this is absolutely worth the watch.
