Jon Bernthal has had a monumental 2026, headlining two of the year's biggest box office hits and now dominating the streaming charts with his solo Punisher special. The Punisher: One Last Kill, a 48-minute Disney+ Special Presentation, has proven to be a massive draw for subscribers, racking up an impressive 586.2 million minutes watched during the first half of the year.
According to newly released viewership data, the special amassed 12.2 million total views across all Disney+ subscribers in that period. That places it behind only Andor (918.2 million minutes) among Disney+ originals, while comfortably ahead of other heavy hitters like The Book of Boba Fett and Loki. The numbers underscore the enduring popularity of Bernthal's take on Frank Castle, a character he first brought to life in Daredevil and reprised in the second season of Daredevil: Born Again.
The special, which dropped on May 12, spent weeks at the #1 spot on the platform before being dethroned by newer releases. Its success is a testament to the character's crossover appeal, blending gritty crime drama with superhero action. For fans of the genre, the special offers a tightly paced, no-holds-barred thrill ride that delivers exactly what the title promises.
Bernthal's 2026 has been a whirlwind. He starred as Menelaus in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, marking his first collaboration with the Oscar-winning director, and also appeared alongside Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, where his Punisher teamed up with the web-slinger to take on The Hulk and Jean Grey. His small-screen work has been equally notable, with memorable turns in His & Hers and The Bear.
The question on every fan's mind is whether Bernthal will return as the Punisher. While Marvel hasn't confirmed any upcoming projects, the character's massive streaming numbers and the positive reception to his MCU appearances suggest big plans are in store. Bernthal has repeatedly expressed interest in exploring more of Frank Castle's story, and his chemistry with Tom Holland in Spider-Man 4 has left audiences wanting more.
For those who haven't yet experienced The Punisher: One Last Kill, it's currently streaming on Disney+. If you're in the mood for more gritty action, you might also want to check out Bernthal's gritty crime miniseries on HBO Max or explore thrillers with the most mind-bending plot twists for your next binge.
As 2026 continues, all eyes are on Marvel to see what's next for the Punisher. With numbers like these, it's clear that Frank Castle isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
