Just a few months afterSeason 1debuted onNetflix, production is already under way onMarvel’s Daredevil Season 2, which is set to premiere sometime in 2016.Marvelhas already announced a number of new additions to the cast, the most prominent beingJon Bernthalsigning on to play Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher. During the TCA press tour earlier today, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos teased that there is the possibility of this iconic character spinning off into his own TV series or movie. And he might join the ensemble Netflix miniseriesThe Defenders.
“It is possible for sure. That’s the beauty of theMarveluniverse. Any of them could spin out into films too.”
We have already gotten our first look atJon Bernthalon the set asThe Punisher.Marvel’s casting announcement from last month revealed that Frank Castle is, “a vigilante who aims to clean up New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen by any means necessary, no matter how lethal the results.” New showrunner Marco Ramirez described Punisher as a “serial killer” who targets criminals, which contrasts withDaredevil’s methods. Despite his murderous ways, Punisher is not being viewed as the villain inMarvel’s Daredevil Season 2.
Of the four Marvel Netflix shows,Marvel’s Daredevil,Marvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jones,Marvel’s Luke CageandMarvel’s Iron Fist, onlyMarvel’s Iron Fistdoesn’t have the title character cast.Krysten Ritteris playingJessica JonesandMike Colterhas been set to portrayLuke Cage. According to Ted Sarandos,Marvel’s Iron Fistcasting news will be coming soon.
“Hopefully soon. It’s always a little extra complex with Marvel in announcing things.”
When Marvel and Netflix first announcedMarvel’s Daredevil,Marvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jones,Marvel’s Luke CageandMarvel’s Iron Fist, it was believed that all four shows will launch in 2015, with each of these characters coming together to formThe Defendersin a new miniseries. That is not the case anymore, withMarvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jonesset to debut later this year, followed by Marvel’s Daredevil Season 2 in 2016, and most likelyMarvel’s Luke Cage. While he wouldn’t announce any specific release dates, Ted Sarandos did tease that fans should expect new seasons from one of these programs every six months.
“I think ideally there will be a rhythm of about every six months you’ll get a new season or a new series from the Defenders group. And then they’ll crossover into a combined [Defenders] season once we’ve launched the first season of each of the four characters.”
If Netflix sticks to this release plan, with two shows launching per year, that meansMarvel’s Iron FistandThe Defenderswill likely debut in 2017. That could change ifMarvel’s A.K.A. Jessica JonesandMarvel’s Luke Cageare renewed right away and start production on their second seasons shortly thereafter, likeMarvel’s Daredevil, but we’ll have to wait and see. What do you think about the prospect for a Punisher spinoff TV series and the release plan for these superhero shows?
