Will Netflix renew "The Punisher" for season 3? After the streaming platform recently canceled the other shows under the Marvel banner, speculations are rife that the series starring Jon Bernthal (Frank Castle/The Punisher) would be next on the chopping block.
Showrunner Steven Lightfoot addressed the status of "The Punisher" season 3 in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He said that he doesn't have any concrete ideas on Netflix's next moves because he's not privy to the discussions between the streaming platform and the show's home studio, Marvel. He's hopeful, however, that Netflix would still renew the series despite the way it handled Marvel shows like "Daredevil," "Luke Cage" and "Iron Fist," which will no longer continue on the streaming platform.
Lightfoot also said that they are ready to return to work for "The Punisher" season 3 as soon as Netflix gives the green light. As of press time, however, what's clear to him is that the show has not yet been canceled, but it has not also been renewed.
But if Netflix won't renew "The Punisher" for the third season, Lightfoot made sure that they wrapped up the series in the second season properly. He told Comic Book that they specifically filmed the final image to signify the character's transition into a full-blown vigilante superhero. That last scene is supposed to tie the events of season 2 neatly, but it's also meant to give fans a glimpse of something to hope for, in case there could be a third season.
The renewal of "The Punisher" season 3 hinges on one very crucial factor that has nothing to do with the show's popularity or rating. Marvel's mother company, Disney, is launching a streaming platform that will compete with Netflix later this year. Thus, Netflix has been slowly discarding movies and television programs from the Mouse House in their library.
Meanwhile, Bernthal also shared his thoughts on the fate of "The Punisher" season 3. He told Variety that he's not in control of the show's future, but he will be at peace regardless of Netflix's decision.
Bernthal said that he's very much aware of the reality of the issues between Disney/Marvel and Netflix. But he's mainly focused on just doing his job as an actor the best way he can because that's the only thing he can control.
"The Punisher" season 1 and 2 remain streaming on Netflix. The show also stars Deborah Ann Woll (Karen Page), Ben Barnes (Jigsaw), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Microchip), Amber Rose Revah (Dinah) and Jason R. Moore (Curtis).
