Frank Castle Returns to the MCU in a Tense Reunion with Daredevil
Jon Bernthal is back as Frank Castle, the Punisher, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The latest episode of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ features a riveting encounter between the Punisher and Matt Murdock, played by Charlie Cox, as they both search for answers regarding the murder of White Tiger, portrayed by Kamar de los Reyes. The episode follows the aftermath of Hector Ayala, also known as White Tiger, being acquitted of charges by the NYPD only to be subsequently gunned down by an unknown assailant.
The episode unfolds with Matt Murdock pursuing the shooter. Initially, he suspects that a tainted cop named Powell, played by Hamish Allan-Headley, is responsible. In a tense confrontation at the courthouse, Matt uses his heightened senses to gauge Powell’s innocence, determined by his steady heartbeat, leading him to realize that Powell is not the murderer. Continuing his quest, Matt returns to the crime scene. By paying close attention to his surroundings, he discovers a crucial clue in a bullet casing hidden beneath a drain cover. His findings lead him to confront Frank Castle, who’s holed up in a secret hideout.
When Matt and Frank reunite, the tension is palpable. Frank, immediately on guard, confronts Matt for breaking into his hideout. As they exchange words, Matt urges Frank to stop viewing himself as a victim and to instead use his capabilities to genuinely help others. This push infuriates Frank, who calls out Matt for still being haunted by his own trauma since Foggy’s death, played by Elden Henson. Frank’s harsh reminder that Bullseye, the man who killed Foggy, is still alive drives Matt to a breaking point, culminating in a brief physical altercation.
Despite the initial flare-up, Matt and Frank manage to reconcile after their heated exchange. Frank confides in Matt about the ongoing torment of hearing his deceased family’s voices, and suggests that Bullseye should pay with his life for his crimes. In a nod to Bernthal’s compelling portrayal, executive producers Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead highlight the emotional depth of his character, particularly recalling a memorable scene from Netflix’s ‘The Punisher’ where he stands by his wife’s grave.
As for who killed White Tiger, the mystery remains unsolved. The crime could be the handiwork of the elusive serial killer known as Muse, whose presence is symbolically marked by new murals showing up across New York, including a White Tiger depiction seen at a club earlier in the episode. Alternatively, Mayor Wilson Fisk, also known as the Kingpin and brought to life by Vincent D’Onofrio, could have orchestrated the hit. The episode features Fisk and his wife Vanessa, played by Ayelet Zurer, in couple’s therapy as they navigate their murky relationship while steering clear of discussing his underworld dealings.