How The Punisher Survived the Blip: A Fan Theory

Insight into The Punisher's survival post-Blip and the narrative possibilities it unveils in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
How The Punisher Survived the Blip: A Fan Theory

Highlights

  • A fan theory dissects how Frank Castle's survival post-Blip opens up intriguing angles for his character development.
  • The Punisher's relentless crusade against crime continues after the Blip, showcasing his resilience and commitment.
  • Exploring post-Blip narratives in the MCU provides a platform for rich storytelling, especially for characters like the Punisher.

Discover a fan theory that sheds light on how the formidable antihero, Frank Castle, may have defied the odds and survived the Blip during The Punisher Season 2.

In the epic saga of Avengers: Infinity War, the tyrant Thanos infamously wielded the Infinity Stones to trigger the Blip, erasing half of all life in the universe with a snap of his fingers. While this cataclysmic event reverberated across the Avengers storyline, it also impacted the broader MCU, with shows like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, WandaVision, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and Eternals delving into its aftermath. However, a compelling fan theory proposes that a certain character, the Punisher, may have endured the chaos of the Blip.

The theory, originating from Reddit user u/Luke_Oasis, highlights a subtle detail from the Netflix series The Punisher. The theory suggests that the closing scenes of the show's second season occur in August 2018, a few months post-Blip, implying the Punisher's survival and positioning this moment as the sole post-Blip instance in the Netflix Marvel universe. In this sequence, Frank Castle persists in his vigilante pursuits, dispensing his version of justice with unwavering determination. The prospect of this scene unfolding after the Blip prompts speculation on how this world-altering event may have shaped his subsequent decisions and missions.

Starring Jon Bernthal as the titular character, The Punisher follows Frank, a former Marine who metamorphoses into a vigilante after his family falls victim to criminal violence. Bernthal's portrayal encapsulates Frank's fervent quest for retribution and his quest for justice on the mean streets of New York City. Alongside Bernthal, the series featured Ebon Moss-Bachrach as David Lieberman (Micro), Ben Barnes as Billy Russo (Jigsaw), Amber Rose Revah as Dinah Madani, and Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page. Fans are eagerly anticipating Bernthal's reprisal in the upcoming Disney+ series Daredevil: Born Again. Recent set images reveal Bernthal reuniting with former co-stars, his countenance mirroring the battle scars synonymous with the Punisher's unyielding pursuit of righteousness.

The Blip's repercussions rippled through the MCU, with several characters confirmed to have survived its aftermath. Clint Barton, known as Hawkeye, navigated a poignant journey post-Blip after losing his entire family to Thanos' snap. Adopting the persona of Ronin, Barton embarked on a vengeful odyssey against global crime syndicates. His narrative of anguish, redemption, and the struggle to forge ahead unfolded in the Disney+ series Hawkeye, portraying the emotional toll exacted on those left behind. As the MCU expands and intertwines characters from diverse storylines, exploring how individuals coped with the Blip's aftermath presents a tapestry of narrative prospects. The imminent Daredevil: Born Again series promises an in-depth exploration of the Punisher's post-Blip trajectory, his interactions with fellow survivors, and the hurdles they confront in a universe forever altered by Thanos' actions.

Catch The Punisher streaming now on Disney Plus.

Source: u/Luke_Oasis