The Punisher Set Video Hints at John Wick-Like Dark Scene in Special

A recently leaked video from the set of Marvel Studios' upcoming Punisher special presentation has ignited strong reactions online. Featuring Jon Bernthal returning as Frank Castle, the footage showcases a scene that appears to echo one of the most infamous moments from John Wick—a potential dog death.

Marvel officially announced the special presentation ahead of the character’s reappearance in Daredevil: Born Again, with King Richard director Reinaldo Marcus Green at the helm. Green is not only directing the project but also co-writing it alongside Bernthal, giving fans hope that this version of The Punisher will stay faithful to the raw intensity of earlier iterations.

Leaked Footage Shows Possible Dog Death on Set

The scene in question was shared on Instagram by user @elderordonez1, who posted behind-the-scenes footage from the Queens, New York set. The video shows several gangsters walking along a sidewalk, one of them holding a real dog on a leash. Moments later, the dog appears to have been replaced by a fake version, which is then seen in the arms of Bernthal’s Frank Castle.

While there’s no audio or dialogue to clarify the context of the scene, fans were quick to draw conclusions. Many speculate that the dog is killed off-screen and the aftermath is what Castle discovers—possibly triggering a violent, emotionally charged reaction from his character.

Though nothing has been confirmed by Marvel or Bernthal, the internet immediately began drawing comparisons to John Wick, which famously used the death of a dog as the emotional and narrative catalyst for the entire franchise. Some fans praised the intensity of the scene, seeing it as a return to form for The Punisher, while others criticized it for relying on what they see as a played-out trope.

Realism and Practical Sets on Display

Beyond the controversy, the set video also highlighted Marvel’s commitment to realism and practical effects. The caption of the post noted that production built two fake subway entrances on 117th Street between Myrtle Avenue and Hillside Avenue—despite there being no real stations in that area. Fans praised the effort, calling the level of detail “movie magic at its best.”

The use of a real dog that was later swapped out for a fake one also shows a level of production care, ensuring safety while aiming for emotional impact.

Jon Bernthal Promises a Dark, Brutal Return

Jon Bernthal, who previously portrayed the character in Netflix’s The Punisher and Daredevil, has made it clear that his return to the role won’t be watered down for broader audiences. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter in March 2025, Bernthal emphasized the darker direction of the special presentation.

“It’s going to be dark,” Bernthal said. “Frank has no interest in breaking out of the darkness. It’s not going to be easy. It will not be Punisher-lite, I promise you that.”

His words are reassuring for long-time fans who were concerned that Disney’s acquisition of Marvel TV properties might dilute the gritty realism that made The Punisher stand out.

Special Presentation to Tie in With Daredevil: Born Again

The special presentation is expected to premiere in 2026, likely alongside Daredevil: Born Again Season 2. Though details about the plot are scarce, it’s expected to deepen the street-level Marvel stories and re-establish The Punisher as a key player in the darker corner of the MCU.

Whether or not the dog scene ends up in the final cut, it’s already set the tone: this version of Frank Castle isn’t pulling punches, emotionally or physically.