Netflix viewers may be rewarded with The Punisher as a standalone series

Jon Bernthal’s The Punisher may be coming to Netflix as a standalone series. The rumored Daredevil spin-off is very close to being greenlit according to TVLine but isn’t likely to come out in 2016.  Viewers will get their first look at The Walking Dead star’s interpretation of the Marvel character when season two of Daredevil is released on March 18. The streamer currently has five Marvel dramas on the docket including Jessica Jones, which was just renewed for its second season.

In response to a question about the spin-off, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos was vague. “All the characters in the universe could also spin out,” said the exec (according to ScreenCrush).  “Right now, these are produced at the scale of a major film, so there are long production times and long post times … It’s not the goal to put out more than one or two out a year.” Early word on Bernthal’s take on the vigilante also known as Frank Castle is “overwhelming positive” according to TVLine.

Bernthal went all in to best represent the ex-military vigilante also known as Frank Castle. In preparation, he trained with members of the military. The actor explained to Entertainment Weekly that he tried to capture the emptiness and ‘unbelievable anger and hatred and shame’ the character had after losing his family. “I had to put myself in as dark of a place as possible the last six months,” said Bernthal.

As for Jessica Jones, the second Marvel drama on Netflix will return for a second season at some point. While the air date is unknown, we do know that Melissa Rosenberg will again executive produce the Krysten Ritter-starring 13-episode season.

“I just want to continue with her character,” said Rosenberg at today’s Television Critics Association winter press tour according to The Wrap. “She’s a very damaged character, her damage goes beyond [season one villain] Killgrave. There’s a lot to mine from in her backstory and in her present-day situation, so I think we’ll find something.”

In addition to Daredevil season two, Luke Cage is expected to arrive later this year. We’ll keep you updated on future developments.