David Bridges
Highlights
- Episode Concept: A planned episode featuring the Punisher and Echo was initially considered for Daredevil: Born Again.
- Writer’s Insight: Jesse Wigutow described the potential narrative dynamics between the two characters as interesting.
- Future Possibility: There’s a chance that this concept could be revisited in future seasons of the show.
- Upcoming Content: The Punisher is set to appear in a solo special in 2026, before the next season of Daredevil.
The first season of Daredevil: Born Again was partially built off the bones of an old version. One idea which didn’t survive the changeover? Apparently, a one-off episode focused on the Punisher (Jon Bernthal) and Echo (Alaqua Cox).
In a recent interview with IGN, writer Jesse Wigutow—who wrote two of season one’s nine episodes—mentioned a “bottle episode” that was planned featuring Frank and Maya that he’d have written. When this was being concepted “two, three years ago,” the two antiheroes would’ve “shared an interesting night together. Not romantically, but narratively,” said Wigutow. He conceded that it could resurface in Born Again’s future, but called its original development “crooked” and said it might need a slight rework.
While Echo is a more recent MCU addition and only had one run-in with Daredevil, her and Punisher hanging out could be fun. The closest thing Born Again had to a one-off was its bank heist halfway through the season, which seemed to be generally liked that season. If the show’s got the space for bottle episodes that can highlight its supporting street heroes who don’t have the time or space for a full spinoff of their own, this is a good way to work within the system.
As for Punisher, he’s got a solo special that’ll have him doing what he does best. That’s due sometime in 2026, presumably before Daredevil: Born Again returns for season two. And sometime after that, we’ll get more of Matt and whoever else in season three.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
