(Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
Tom Holland has revealed how Spider-Man: Brand New Day adapts The Punisher for a PG-13 audience. Jon Bernthal will be seen reprising his iconic role of Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher.
What did Tom Holland say about The Punisher in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
In comics and in live-action adaptations, The Punisher has been seen as a brutal, R-rated character. Considering that Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a PG-13 movie, everyone was curious to see how it would tackle The Punisher’s not-so-friendly elements, such as dropping F-bombs. The film’s lead star has now revealed how Spider-Man keeps Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle in check.
In a new media interaction, Tom Holland teased his chemistry with The Punisher, saying, “The banter between the two of us is really-really awesome. And he’s so great. And I love trying to figuring out how you take a very R-rated character and fit him into our world without changing him.” Explaining the strategy, the actor revealed, “Every time he goes to swear, we just web his mouth.”
(Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
Additionally, Holland also admired Bernthal’s performance in the film. “I think people are going to love Jon in this film. When he’s on screen, he sets such a great tone.”
Previously, Holland had addressed several concerns regarding The Punisher’s treatment in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He assured that despite the PG-13 rating, Frank’s overall personality won’t change. “I know that there are concerns about taking a sort of R-rated character and putting him into one of these movies, but the way that we’ve designed the world around him feels very authentic to the Frank Castle we know,” he said.
In addition to Holland and Bernthal, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will also feature Zendaya and Jacob Batalon. They will return in their respective roles of MJ and Ned. Mark Ruffalo will appear as Bruce Banner/Hulk. Former Stranger Things star Sadie Sink is also playing a mysterious role in the story.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day releases in theaters on July 31, 2026.
