Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal auditioned for Marvel together, and I need Marvel to make a Spider-Man crossover project with the Punisher now that it’s possible. Holland debuted as Spider-Man in the MCU in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War. While the young actor faced pressure to live up to Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, Holland won over audiences and continues to play the role. He played the role in the MCU’s Homecoming trilogy, two Avengers films, and will return for Spider-Man 4. Marvel usually casts its characters perfectly, and Holland is no exception.
Another perfect Marvel casting is Bernthal as Frank Castle, a.k.a. the Punisher. Bernthal first landed on audiences’ radar as Shane in The Walking ᴅᴇᴀᴅ, but many know him now as the Punisher thanks to his exceptional performance. He first portrayed Castle in Netflix’s Daredevil Season 2 and his popularity led to a spinoff series that was canceled after two seasons. Bernthal is returning to Daredevil: Born Again, and I hope Marvel delivers a project featuring Spider-Man and the Punisher after learning about the actors’ unique MCU story.
Jon Bernthal And Tom Holland Auditioned For Marvel Together
The Two Actors Taped Their MCU Auditions While Working On Another Film
Holland and Bernthal have drastically different parts in Marvel but share an interesting Marvel connection. According to The New York Daily News, the two actors were filming an independent film in Ireland called Pilgrimage and decided to tape their MCU auditions together. Bernthal told the outlet that the pair filmed multiple tapes for their respective Marvel roles. Per Bernthal, the videos do exist, but they could be hard to find.
“We were making tapes from Ireland in the process of getting him cast in Spider-Man and then he and I made a tape for The Punisher. During this independent movie that we did in Ireland we were constantly making tapes for Marvel – just acting together. These tapes definitely do exist, you can call Marvel and ask for it, but that’s like breaking into Fort Knox.”
This strategy was successful as both actors were cast in these roles. However, I’m curious to see what these tapes look like, especially with Holland and Bernthal figuring out their versions of their respective characters. While these tapes may never see the light of day, Marvel can put these actors in a project together now that the Punisher has joined the MCU.
Marvel Needs To Put The Two Actors On Screen Together Now That It’s Possible
Marvel’s Netflix Shows Are Officially Canon In The MCU
The status of Marvel’s Netflix shows has always been confusing. While MCU events were vaguely mentioned, the Netflix shows always existed in an isolated Defenders universe. After the Defenders shows were canceled, it felt like these characters would be rebooted or ignored in the Marvel timeline. However, Daredevil made a cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Kingpin appeared in Hawkeye, suggesting Marvel was interested in continuing those characters’ stories.
After a new Daredevil series was announced, it was unclear if the Netflix show was continuing or if some of the original cast were returning for a different story. The first trailer for Daredevil: Born Again confirms it is an extension of the Netflix show, and original cast members like Deborah Ann Woll, Wilson Bethel, and Elden Henson are returning in their respective roles. Since Daredevil and Kingpin have already interacted with other MCU characters like Kate Bishop and She-Hulk, it’s possible that Bernthal’s Punisher could encounter Holland’s Spider-Man.
Spider-Man And The Punisher Have A History Of Crossovers In Marvel Comics
Marvel Has Many Comic Book Stories They Could Adapt For This Project
A Spider-Man and Punisher crossover project isn’t unheard of. It has happened many times in the comics, as the characters have bumped into each other several times while fighting crime in New York City. Their first encounter occurred in 1974’s The Amazing Spider-Man #129. It’s the first appearance of the Punisher, who is portrayed as an antagonist to Spider-Man after being hired to ᴀssᴀssinate him. Frank Castle is later portrayed as an anti-hero, though his methods of vigilante justice tend to be more violent than Spider-Man and other Marvel heroes.
Since this first appearance, Spider-Man and the Punisher have a history of teaming up or fighting in Marvel Comics, such as The Amazing Spider-Man #161-162 and Marvel Knights: The Punisher #2. The pair have a rocky relationship, and it would be interesting to see a team-up between Holland’s Spider-Man and Bernthal’s Punisher where the two have similar goals but fight over their different strategies. Spider-Man 4 is rumored to have a more street-level story, and an encounter with the Punisher would perfectly fit that MCU storyline.
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Captain America: Brave New World
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February 14, 2025
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Thunderbolts*
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May 2, 2025
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
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July 25, 2025
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Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
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Spider-Man Homecoming 4
- Release Date
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July 24, 2026
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Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
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May 7, 2027
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