Jon Bernthal Explains Why Playing THE PUNISHER Helped Change His Mind About Superhero Adaptations
Explaining that he originally had no interesting in being part of the "whole superhero-comic-book thing," Daredevil star Jon Bernthal explains why The Punisher changed his mind and his love for the fans.
Like it or not, some actors simply aren't fans of the superhero genre. Apparently, Jon Bernthal was once among them, but it was getting to play Frank Castle in season two of Daredevil that changed his mind.
His lack of interest is surprising given his role in The Walking Dead, but that's a very different sort of comic, and it's clear that The Punisher's very different modus operandi is what convinced Bernthal to join this corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Oh, and before you slam the actor for not initially wanting to become part of the whole superhero thing, his comments about fans are really cool!
You can read a full piece about Bernthal over at GQ, but below are his comments specifically on The Punisher. He'll be reprising the role next year in a series of his own and possibly even The Defenders.
"I’m working on The Punisher now. You know, this whole superhero-comic-book thing is something I had zero interest in being a part of. The guys that I really, really respect as actors seem to have kind of purposely stayed away from that. I don’t mean that I’m above that or anything, just that it was not for me. But then when I got to know a little bit about this character… He ain’t got a [frick]ing cape. He ain’t got any superpowers. He’s a [frick]ing tortured, angry father and husband who’s living in this unbelievable world of darkness and loss and torment. Frank Castle resonates with me. And comic-book fans are the greatest fans on earth. It’s not like their insane fervor isn’t based on anything. This is a super-intelligent fan base, because reading a comic book requires you to do a lot of work. You’ve got to fill in all these [frick]ing gaps. I’m respectful of that. These characters exist in their minds and hearts."