A big Marvel crossover is coming in 2026. It will bring Netflix era heroes into the MCU again. But one fan favorite will be missing.

Marvel Studios is slowly rebuilding the old Netflix superhero world on Disney+. This started in 2025 with Daredevil: Born Again. The story will continue in a bigger way with Season 2. Season 2 is shaping up to be special. Charlie Cox will return as Daredevil. Krysten Ritter will also come back as Jessica Jones. This makes it a major Defenders crossover.

But Jon Bernthal will not return as Frank Castle. The Punisher will not appear in Season 2. Producer Sana Amanat confirmed this in an interview. She said Bernthal is not part of the new season. This news surprised many fans.

Bernthal did appear in Season 1. He helped Daredevil fight Wilson Fisk’s Anti Vigilante Task Force. Since Fisk is becoming even more powerful, fans expected Frank Castle to return. That will not happen.

The Punisher has always been one of the most loved characters from the Netflix era. He first appeared in Daredevil Season 2. Fans loved him so much that he got his own show. It ran for 2 seasons.

His MCU return has been just as popular. After appearing in Daredevil: Born Again, Bernthal was given his own Marvel Special Presentation. He is also confirmed to appear in Spider Man: Brand New Day.

With so many projects lined up, Bernthal simply could not fit Season 2 into his schedule. That seems to be the main reason for his absence.

There is still good news. Fans will see plenty of Frank Castle in 2026. The Punisher special is coming that year. His first MCU movie role will also arrive in Spider Man: Brand New Day on July 31, 2026.

Even without the Punisher, Daredevil Season 2 will not feel empty. Several familiar faces are returning.

Karen Page will have a much bigger role. Deborah Ann Woll’s character was mostly missing in Season 1. That will change in Season 2. She will appear more often and with a new look.

Jessica Jones is another major return. Krysten Ritter’s comeback has created a lot of excitement. Many fans hope her return could lead to more solo projects in the future.

As Matt Murdock gathers allies to fight Fisk, questions remain. Will Luke Cage return. Will Iron Fist show up. Nothing has been confirmed yet.

Still, everything points toward something bigger. Marvel seems to be slowly setting up a full Defenders reunion down the line.