Early Talks of 'Punisher' Spinoff Series at Netflix

Netflix and Marvel are gearing up to make 'The Punisher' the sixth series on the streaming network. Even though Jon Bernthal as vigilante Frank Castle aka the Punisher hasn't appeared yet on the second season of 'Daredevil' (premieres March 18), they're confident enough to greenlight another series. It will follow the popular installments of 'Daredevil,' 'Jessica Jones' with 'Luke Cage,' 'Iron Fist,' and the team-up feature, 'Defenders' in line next.  

How popular are Marvel shows on Netflix? Well, we really don't know. Netflix keeps ratings top secret however NBC has used some interesting methodology to claim a show like 'Jessica Jones' averaged 4.8 million viewers during the first 35 days. That number makes it the most viewed show on the service and comparable ratings with broadcast television. Although, NBC claims they're not intimidated by those numbers they somehow pieced together. Still, it represents millions of people not watching NBC so they should be concerned. 

Netflix has been the perfect outlet for Marvel's more mature material. The "street-level" heroes of Hell's Kitchen and other parts of New York delve into more serious themes than Marvel's movies and shows on ABC. Sex, crime, violence, rape, are things the Netflix series tackle that separate it from any other comic book show or movie for that matter. It handles it all with the seriousness and respect it deserves than just to be gratuitous. 

That's why a character like 'The Punisher' would fit right in. He's a man coming from an unspeakable loss and as a military vet, he uses an arsenal of weapons to exact revenge and fight crime with extreme prejudice. 

No official word from Netflix or Marvel but was first reported by TV Line and other trade outlets. Entertainment Weekly also reported but talks to add Punisher to the line-up were still in the early stages. 

The entire 'Daredevil' season two begins March 18 on Netflix.