Netflix has released the first trailer for The Punisher season 2 delving into the minds of Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) and Billy Russo (Ben Barnes). Both men should be in a pretty dark place after the events of season 1. The first season of The Punisher saw Frank fighting (and killing) those that were involved in the murder of his wife and kids. This included people like Billy, a man Frank formerly considered his brother. Billy is dealing with the fallout of Frank’s wrath and subsequent disfigurement. Frank was finally able to get the closure he needed, but it came at a cost.
The Punisher season 2 trailer hints at the high price both Frank and Billy have had to pay. It shows the first look at Billy’s scared face and new mask, seemingly embracing his role as the villain Jigsaw. But it also shows Frank suited up in his skull vest ready for battle. “You need to let me be what I’m meant to be,” Bernthal warns. “I’m not the one who dies, I’m the one who does the killing.” When these two come head to head again things are going to get interesting. And the wait won’t be long, the trailer also reveals the release date for The Punisher season 2 as January 18th.
Check out the trailer below.
Besides Frank’s trauma, the trailer also hints at what’s to come for Billy. Comic book fans are familiar with the character of Jigsaw, but Barnes and the writers wanted to not just focus on the change in the character’s physical appearance, but his mental state as well. In an interview with io9 Barnes spoke about how the show made changes to the character to humanize him.
“It’s not just about the physical. He’s had his head very much traumatized in the same way that many many veterans have been and he’s trying to deal with that. He’s got brain damage and severe issues with his memory. He’s trying to piece together what happened and who he is, and at one point the metaphor is used that his brain is the jigsaw they’re trying to put back together.”
Season 1 was a poignant look at how trauma and grief affected Frank and shaped him into The Punisher. Hopefully the show handles Billy’s more villainous turn with the same level respect and nuance.
The Punisher season 2 will be available to stream on Netflix on January 18th. Season 1 is available now.
Former marine-turned-vigilante Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) has been living a quiet life on the road until he suddenly becomes embroiled in the attempted murder of a young girl (Giorgia Whigham). As he is drawn into the mystery surrounding her and those in pursuit of the information she holds, Castle attracts a new target on his back as new and old enemies force him to confront whether he should accept his destiny and embrace a life as “The Punisher.”
Steve Lightfoot (Hannibal) serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer. The cast also features Ben Barnes (Billy Russo), Amber Rose Revah (Dinah Madani), Jason R. Moore (Curtis), Josh Stewart (John Pilgrim), and Floriana Lima (Dr. Krista Dumont).The Punisher season 2 will be available to stream on Netflix on January 18th. Season 1 is available now.