Thomas Jane’s Jacked New Photo Has Fans Convinced His Punisher Is Headed to Avengers: Secret Wars

More than two decades after he first put on the skull, Thomas Jane just gave fans a reason to believe his Frank Castle isn’t done with Marvel yet.

What sparked the speculation?

Jane, who played the Punisher in 2004’s film before Jon Bernthal took over the role on Netflix, posted a new photo on X showing off a noticeably bulked-up physique — complete with white hand wraps suggesting a return to martial arts training. The timing is what’s fueling theories: the post landed right as “Avengers: Secret Wars” prepares to begin shooting, and the 57-year-old actor has no publicly announced projects lined up.

For context, Jane famously gained 22 pounds in five months, training twice daily and eating eight meals a day, to prepare for his original 2004 role. A similar transformation now would track with exactly that kind of demanding physical prep.

Avengers: Secret Wars- Overview

Why it’s more plausible than it sounds?

Jane only played Frank Castle once officially, walking away from Lionsgate after creative disagreements over a sequel. He’s publicly confirmed he wasn’t approached for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” despite that film referencing multiple past Punisher actors, including a nod to Ray Stevenson’s version via Blade’s rocket launcher.

Since then, Marvel has leaned back into the character — Bernthal’s Punisher recently made his first PG-13 crossover appearance in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” officially entering Avengers-level territory before an on-screen mishap sidelined him. With “Secret Wars” set on Doctor Doom’s Battleworld, a setting built around alternate realities and variants drawn from across the Marvel Comics multiverse, there’s a clear narrative opening for multiple Punisher variants to coexist on screen.

What’s next for the Punisher?

Marvel hasn’t confirmed Jane’s involvement, but reports suggest a sequel to “The Punisher: One Last Kill” is in development, with the studio still deciding between a series or feature film format. Whether or not Jane’s variant appears in “Secret Wars,” interest in a full-scale Punisher revival is clearly building.

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