Charlie Cox, known for his portrayal of Daredevil, has weighed in on a notable scene from the recent film Spider-Man: Brand New Day featuring Jon Bernthal's Punisher. The scene, which marks Bernthal's return to the big screen as Frank Castle, includes a line where the character states he has never had a friend like Peter Parker, a comment some fans interpreted as a slight against Daredevil, played by Cox.
During an appearance at MCM Comic-Con alongside Daredevil: Born Again co-star Deborah Ann Woll, who plays Karen Page, Cox was asked about the Punisher's comment. Woll was quick to offer her perspective, noting the complex relationship between her character, Karen Page, and Frank Castle. "Actually I'm more offended by that for Karen, rather than Matt," Woll stated. "Jesus Christ, Frank. Goddamnit. How many times have we saved each other's lives?"
Cox ultimately agreed with Woll's sentiment. "Yeah, I think Deb is right," he said. "Matt and Frank, I don't know that they'd call each other [friends]. I think there's a mutual understanding and respect, but they're not mates." When pressed to define the relationship between Daredevil and The Punisher, Cox concluded, "It's complicated."
Daredevil: Born Again is slated for its third season next year. The appearance of Frank Castle in the upcoming season remains unconfirmed. Following his role in Daredevil: Born Again's second season, The Punisher featured in his own Marvel Special Presentation and also appeared in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. It is currently unclear if Daredevil: Born Again will extend beyond its third season, as Disney and Marvel appear to be scaling back on live-action series production following the reported cancellation of Wonder Man Season 2. Daredevil: Born Again Season 3 is expected to begin airing in the spring.