Netflix orders 'The Punisher' spinoff

Netflix has ordered a full first season of Marvel's The Punisher, it was announced Friday.

Jon Bernthal, who debuted as Frank Castle in the second season of Marvel's Daredevil, will reprise his role as the title character.

Steve Lightfoot (Hannibal) will serve as executive producer and showrunner on the series and write the first two episodes.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed in January that Netflix was planning a spinoff featuring the Walking Dead alum.

"For me, the complexity and unpredictability of Frank Castle make him an incredibly compelling character and I couldn't be more excited to dive into his world," Lightfoot said in a statement. "After watching Jon's performance in Marvel's Daredevil I could not be more excited to be working with him to further develop and progress the story of this anti-hero in a show of his own."

Marvel Television head and The Punisher executive producer Jeph Loeb added: "We want to thank the fans who are clamoring for more of Jon's stunning and powerful performance as Frank Castle from Marvel's Daredevil. Now combined with showrunner Steve Lightfoot's compelling writing, we're thrilled to bring Marvel's The Punisher to Netflix."

Netflix's vp, original content, Cindy Holland, said: "Jon hooked our global audience with his performance as Frank Castle from the moment he stepped on screen in Marvel's Daredevil, and we are looking forward to seeing more of him in this role under the vision of Steve Lightfoot."

The Punisher is the sixth series ordered as part of Netflix's collaboration with Marvel, joining Daredevil, Jessica Jones and the upcoming Luke Cage, Iron Fist and The Defenders.

For Marvel, The Punisher marks its eighth TV series, with Agents of SHIELD and Agent Carter airing on ABC.

The show will be produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios for Netflix.

The Punisher is the latest series ordered at Netflix, which is looking to have a new original show to debut every week of the year as part of its $1 billion investment in original programming.

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