The Punisher: a cult character
The Punisher is an iconic character from Marvel Studios. Created in 1974 by Gerry Conway, Ross Andu and John Romita Sr., it quickly became a pillar of the House of Ideas. His raw violence, his lack of power, his unwavering determination and his uncompromising politics make him a new hero, and unique in the Marvel landscape. It aims to bring a new audience, and to adapt the comics to more adult readers. 
On the adaptation side, the character is not left out. In 1989, it was Dolph Lundgren who took on the role of Frank Castle in a rather wobbly adaptation by Mark Goldblatt. In 2004, Jonathan Hensleigh directed a new version of the story with Thomas Jane in the title role. Once again, the film causes some critical disappointment despite the presence of John Travolta as a big villain. At the box office, the film grossed only $ 54 million on a budget of $33 million. In 2008, Lexi Alexander directed the latest film with The Punisher – War Zone. Ray Stevenson took on the role, but again, the film was a critical and commercial failure. For a budget of $35 million, the film grossed only $10 million at the box office. Finally, in 2017, Steve Lightfoot embarked on the best adaptation to date: Marvel's The Punisher, a two-season Netflix series worn by Jon Bernthal.
Thomas Jane wants to tour with Jon Bernthal
During an interview with ComicBook, Thomas Jane expressed interest in reviving the Punisher. Not as an actor, but as a director.In 2009, he embarked on directing and directed his first feature film: Dark Country. Unfortunately for him, the film received catastrophic reviews and was limited to a direct DVD/VOD release. Well, that doesn't bode well. But he seems to want to repeat the experience by directing Jon Bernthal in a Punisher movie. Not sure Disney gives him his agreement…
If the fans really wanted me back, we could come up with a script. You see, I think The Punisher, and the reason I made the short film, is that it hasn't been approached yet in a way that fully honors the character. I love what Bernthal did on Netflix. I think he's a super Punisher. In fact, I'd love to direct a Punisher with Bernthal, because he's a great actor.
Thomas Jane really has very little chance of being chosen to direct a new Punisher movie. Disney would already have to work on a new adaptation of the character. And if that's the case, the firm probably has other, more competent directors in the viewfinder. And then, there is no guarantee that Jon Bernthal will be able to reprise the role of Frank Castle. The series was scrapped after Netflix and Marvel Studios broke its contract. And no one knows who will be the next face of the killer in costume. There is still a small chance that Marvel Studios will recall Jon Bernthal in the skin of the character. After all, it is rumored that Charlie Cox will return in the Daredevil costume for the needs of Spider-Man 3. Even if nothing has been formalized yet, the future seems clearer for the cast of Marvel/Netflix series.
