http://realager.deviantart.com/art/Mnupuntease-530655533?q=in%3Ascraps%20sort%3Atime%20gallery%3Arealager&qo=55<> />
The 1st series of MNU season 2
Punisher
If the MCU were to utilize Frank Castle as a veteran of, say, Desert Storm or Iraqi Freedom than this wouldn't apply. If however, they take note from Garth Ennis and age the Vietnam vet in real time than the story of Castle becomes enriched and historical.
I've seen some very compelling versions of this saga. In one particular story, the blogger suggests Frank being a vigilante in the 80's. Another notes that the story should use Frank as a Kaiser Sozze-type (Usual Suspects) to strike fear into the underworld. Popular or not, I've come up with a version that places The Punisher into the MCU mythos.
Born in 1955, Frank Castle joined the Marines at 17. Although young, Castle proved he was more than capable. Having spent many years as part of Special Forces, Castle didn't settle down with a family until late in life. It was around 1990 when his wife and 2 children were killed by the mob in order to exterminate the trio as they had bore witness, unintentionally, to a murder. The retired soldier sets out to obliterate the mobsters responsible.
None of that is depicted. Instead, it takes 2 minutes for Agent Quatermain to describe Castle, the assignment, to Agent Woo. Woo must locate and detain Frank Castle as we learn he hasn't stopped after disposing of his family's killers.
The first 5-7 episodes
Woo attempts to track the elusive vigilante. Microchip, our Kobiashi (Usual Suspects), helps Punisher avoid capture from SHIELD and the police until the last episode (5,6 or 7) in which he meets his end by Baracuda.
Baracuda provides the Muscle for Ma Gnucci. Both, are found dead but not before Woo, one step behind Castle, interacts with them. The yet to be seen Frank Castle, known by the terrified underworld as The Punisher, kills Massimo "Bigman" Cesare on his 100th birthday. Also killed is Silvermane and his Enforcers.
His war on crime lasts for roughly 6 years. The last episode chronicling the beginning shows Woo finally corner Punisher and just before he slowly turns around with his hands on his head, the building explodes.
The next episode is current and shows the bequests brood of criminals speaking about the return of Punisher. While some doubt, others fear. Fisk enters and lashes out and the very thought of his survival and questions the threat of a man far past his prime if he were alive. He assigns his newest crony, Billy "the beaut", to find any truth in the matter.
The next episode, Welcome Back, Frank, sees the vet scar the face of "the beaut." Over the next 3 episodes, he progressively gets more disfigured. Whilst mutilating "Jigsaw", the body count rises. In episodes 11 & 12, as Frank inches ever so close to Fisk, Daredevil runs interference, objecting to his methods.
In episode 13, Jigsaw, in the presence of DD, is murdered, with Frank mocking the soft methods of the blind hero. Immediately following Jigsaw's brutal death, Castle blows DD of the roof with a sawed-off shotgun, leaving him for dead. Led to believe he has Fisk cornered inside a warehouse, Castle realizes he's been hunted and the Kingpin of crime isn't even there. In walks Kraven; the show ends on a cliffhanger.
The Cast
Punisher
Robert Patrick
Born in 1958, shows like The Unit and movies like T2 show the dark and gritty attributes that Patrick exhibits in his acting style that suits the aged veteran. I narrowed it down to 3 choices and he was the clear number one.
http://realager.deviantart.com/art/Mnupunisher-530655957?q=in%3Ascraps%20sort%3Atime%20gallery%3Arealager&qo=52<> style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />
Microchip
Stephen Root
Root has been cast before as Chip. As the spokesman for a person that may or may not exist, an actor with gravitas needs to be in command. Few actors can be as frightening, cowardly and methodical, simultaneously, like Root.
http://realager.deviantart.com/art/Mnumicro-530655473?q=in%3Ascraps%20sort%3Atime%20gallery%3Arealager&qo=56<> />
Agent Jimmy Woo
I'm tired of not seeing familiar agents. Woo was the perfect character to use as the true protagonist of the first arc of The Punisher as we cheer him on in his mission while quietly hoping he stays one step behind the titular vigilante.
Osric Chau
The Supernatural alumni, at 28, was more than capable in said show and gives off a rookie feel with a fair balance of confidence, proving his worth as an elite agent.
http://realager.deviantart.com/art/Mnuwoo-530655549?q=in%3Ascraps%20sort%3Atime%20gallery%3Arealager&qo=54<> />
Ma Gnucci
Angelica Huston
It's not often this Witches star is cast as a damsel in distress or, for that matter, anything other than an antagonist. Huston is not only great enough so that Marvel fills itself with pride if casting her, but level-headed enough to (probably) accepting the role. Huston should be A-list; as she isn't (for what ever reason) this would be a huge home run for MNU (Marvel Netflix U)
http://realager.deviantart.com/art/Mnumagnuc-530655569?q=in%3Ascraps%20sort%3Atime%20gallery%3Arealager&qo=53<> />
Barracuda
Kevin Grevioux
I just can't see any reason this isn't the go-to, obvious choice. He is also recognizable but not, clearly, a Jack Nicholson-type--- wait, wow, CBMs really grab some a-listers for certain roles, wow! Anyway, he would benefit as much as Marvel if they partnered up for this character.
http://realager.deviantart.com/art/Mnubarrac-530654462?q=in%3Ascraps%20sort%3Atime%20gallery%3Arealager&qo=57<> />
Silvermane
Lance Henriksen
So far, I've got tons of excellent actors that are not block busting A-listers. He may be not be the King of "oh it's got that guy" actors, but the fantastic Henriksen is definitely royalty in that department.
http://realager.deviantart.com/art/Mnusilverm-530656083?q=in%3Ascraps%20sort%3Atime%20gallery%3Arealager&qo=51<> />
Ox
Antonio Te Maioha
The Spartacus actor was an easy fit for a not so easy character. In a world with Barracuda, Kingpin and plenty other muscle bound behemoths, choosing an Ox that was big, but not as forceful as Barracuda, and, strong, but not as deadly as Kingpin, was difficult. The 6'4" actor makes an imposing threat without taking away from the others.
Fancy Dan
Andy Davoli
The 41 year old Knock-Around Guys actor played dapper enough there to convince me he would be a memorable FD.
Montana
David Anders
The 34 year old actor from Alias, Heroes, Vampire Diaries and Once Upon A Time is always memorable. He's, judging by CWs constant use of him, an actor's actor.
http://realager.deviantart.com/art/Mnuenforc-530668827?q=in%3Ascraps%20sort%3Atime%20gallery%3Arealager&qo=50<> />
Massimo "Bigman" Cesare
Dominic Chianese
Adding a bit of make-up to age Soprano's Uncle Junior to 100, Chianese's remarkable death scene is going to show how even the mob's most respected godfather isn't untouchable. No one will go unpunished.
Wilson Fisk
Vincent D'onofrio
What a great performance! Here's hoping he becomes the Hydra/Thanos of the MNU.
Jigsaw
Matt Bomer
This pretty boy was on everyone's short list for the Man of Steel. With White Collar over, I feel he's better suited for a role like this.
http://realager.deviantart.com/art/Mnujig-530668853?q=in%3Ascraps%20sort%3Atime%20gallery%3Arealager&qo=58<> style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />
Kraven
Jon Bernthal
If Frank Castle is a Vietnam vet and they don't update him as they have with nearly all other characters, than I stand by Robert Patrick. If, however, they use a younger Castle, than the Walking Dead's Shane should be the vigilante. Faulting back to my version, I feel Bernthal would excel as Kraven. The crossover potential is too exciting. He and Bullseye, for me, are the 2 best enemies for Punisher, though, Bullseye is best saved for Daredevil/Elektra before facing off against Punisher. Kraven, in my eyes, hunting and stalking his prey, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce and decimate his target, mirrors Castle.
http://realager.deviantart.com/art/Nnukravin-530668868?q=in%3Ascraps%20sort%3Atime%20gallery%3Arealager&qo=49<> style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />
What follows are the next set fancasts to come:
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The rest of the MNU Phase 2...
2)Spider-Man
3) Daredevil 2
4) Defenders 2
5) Midnight Sons
MNU Phase 3 2017
1) Illuminati
2) Spider-Man 2
3) New Warriors
4) Sinister 6
5) Thunderbolts
Phase 4 2018
1) Daredevil/Punisher
2) Spider-Man 3
3) Midnight Sons 2
4) Agent Venom
5) Marvel Knights