Ray Stevenson Wants To Play Frank Castle Again As Marvel Studios Regains Punisher Rights

Some might believe Thomas Jane was an excellent Frank Castle but others have been on the side of Rome's Ray Stevenson. ThePlaylist was able to interview Ray during promotion for his new film Kill The Irishman. He reveals that we could see him in future Thor sequels as he's signed on for three films which is a regular part of a Marvel contract. They went on to see if there is a possibility that Stevenson could reprise his Punisher role in a new film.

"We have talked a bit. We have met about it. I would love to do it. We can definitely bring back Frank to the screen.” He warned that such negotiations may be premature, considering the shifting rights of the character. “I think they’ve just got the property back, it was with Lionsgate.” 

While there was glaring problems with War Zone that being the cartoony feel of Jigsaw and not grounding the film better. It gave us the best take on Frank Castle and some serious shoot-em-up action. I assume that now Marvel Studios owns the rights they could end up re-branding a new line R-rated films.

Kevin Feige Gives Insight To Upcoming Marvel Projects

In the Thor set visit interview from Collider which was held during before the production of Captain America. Kevin Feige gives the impression that The Howling Commandos will be the only Marvel hero group used in the film. Previously there had been rumors that we'd see a mix of Commandos and Invaders in the movie.

Director Joe Johnston has denied on many occasions that Namor (a member of the Invaders) would be included in the film. Saying the film would focus on only one Marvel hero. This could mean that others such as Union Jack and Spitfire would also not be featured. It makes sense that Namor and Union Jack could be better suited in their own films or contemporary Marvel sequels. So this would mean that J.J. Feild is playing Percy Pinkerton not Union Jack.

Also yesterday Feige was involved with a live chat on HeroComplex (LATimes) which was to promote the release of the new Thor trailer. Where the producer dished on tidbits of future projects and answered fans questions. Even Incredible Hulk director Louis Leterrier dropped by to say hi. I was luckily enough to join this chat yet it was beyond crowded and laggy.

Kevin gave confirmation that The Avengers' Iron Man armor will see an evolution similar to the different suits in Iron Man 2. Giving me the impression the Hulk Buster suit is an option.

 "Joss would kill me if I gave anything away, but I will say that the evolution you saw his armor take in IM2 will continue in The Avengers."

One of the biggest admissions of Kevin is confirmation that Marvel Studios has indeed got the rights back for The Punisher. A Frank Castle show is being rumored to be setup at HBO for a hardcore violent series. He doesn't comment on where we'll see Frank next. Kevin does mention how the Blade franchise had been a successful group of R-themed films.

"Punisher's back in house, and various plans are in the works."

He even spoke on the possibilities of bringing Moon Knight to life. Knight had been set to become a TV series but it ultimately didn't happen. The vigilante hero is one of the most complex in the Marvel roster living the life of cab driver, playboy, mercenary and mystical vigilante.

"Moonknight's a challenging, but extremely interesting character. We've been discussing various versions of it for years."
 

Kevin briefly confirmed projects in the works like Black Panther, Iron Fist and his love/hope for a Dr. Strange movie. He also talked Luke Cage and his love interest Jessica Jones, it's one of few times he's brought up the Luke Cage project. Liking everyone's support for Isaiah Mustafa (Old Spice Guy) to play Cage. He also gave an update on the progress of Edgar Wright's Ant-Man.

"Edgar was here a few days ago. He's already working on the next draft."

Marvel Studios Regains Control of Punisher

It looks like the previous rumor of Frank Castle being included in upcoming Marvel Studios films could be true. Kevin Feige during the Marvel Comic-Con pannel confirms the studio has regained control of Punisher and hopes to include him in their film universe soon. Lionsgate held the rights to anti-hero for the last two movies. Previously it had been rumored that Frank could make an appearance in Avengers or the S.H.I.E.L.D. film. After three failed solo films I think it would be interesting to see Castle included as a supporting character in other Marvel films.


Most recently Ray Stevenson had played the role but has taken up another character in Thor so it's expected Castle will be recast. My vote goes to Jon Hamm (Mad Men, The Town, Sucker Punch) to take on the role.

RUMOR: Punisher Joining Avengers & SHIELD?

It seems that Craig Fairbrass is now listed on IMDB as the new Frank Castle (Punisher). Of course everyone should take rumors with a grain of salt when it comes from IMDB. It's even odder they have Punisher listed for both Captain America and Avengers. The character really hasn't been involved with either properties and isn't known for being featured in them. Yet it does seem like a good way to revive an exhausted character who hasn't exactly worked well in solo films.


Traditionally Frank Castle has been a lone wolf criminal vigilante and is know for his extensive body counts. That aside Castle is a Marine and it wouldn't be hard to include him in a SHIELD film. While it's unlikely that he would make the Avengers lineup I could see Marvel re-introducing him in it. It could be a smart move to bring in the well known character to support their future films. I did some digging and Castle has been involved with SHIELD (alternative earth), Captain America (replacing Steve Rogers) and Secret Avengers so it's possible they could include him. The only way I could see him used in Captain America would be if his father was in the Howling Commandos so they could have the Castle name involved.


Recently Castle was played by Ray Stevenson who knocked it out of the park in War Zone even if the film didn't impress, his Punisher certainly did. It's questionable if we will ever see Stevenson's Punisher in Marvel Studios films since he is playing Volstagg in Thor. It wouldn't be surprising to see a fourth actor take on the role.


Now come the biggest problems with the rumor. Craig Fairbrass isn't known for commanding strong performances. His films (The Bank Job, Rise of The Footsoldier) don't give me the impression he's a good fit considering the level of talent that's previously been cast. Yet I have to admit he does look the part. The other issue is how much of the rights does Lionsgate own for Punisher? I've been under the impression Marvel Studios retains the rights for the character but they shared them with Lionsgate for the solo films. Similar to what we've seen with Universal and The Hulk. Although they could outright own them similar to their deal with New Line and the Blade franchise. This could be a complete fabrication but it would be interesting to see Marvel try to expand the film universe by including the fan favorite character.

*Would you like to see the Punisher in Avengers or SHIELD?