Looks like the world of Marvel comics is coming to the small screen as it has just been reported that Fox has just bought a live action version of the Marvel comic ‘The Punisher’ and has given it a put pilot commitment. A put pilot commitment means that the studio is guaranteeing to get the pilot into production. That is good news for those who want to see this comic come to life.
The TV version of the ‘The Punisher’ will be a little different from its comic book counterpart. While in the comics, the Punisher (aka Frank Castle) is a veteran who fights crime after some crooks kill his family, the television version will have Frank Castle work as “a rising star detective with the New York Police Department who moonlights as the vigilante The Punisher, seeking justice for those the system has failed.”
‘The Punisher’ is being described as an hour long procedural and will be produced by Ed Bernero who is best known for being the executive producer for ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘Third Watch.’ This is one of many shows that Marvel Studios hopes will take off as well as their movies have. They are already developing with ABC Studios ‘AKA Jessica Jones’ (based on the comic Alias), ‘The Hulk’, ‘Cloak and Dagger’ and ‘Mockingbird.’ As for Fox, ever since the cancellation of ‘Human Target’, they have been looking at comics for new shows. They already are working on ‘The Spectre’ and now will be going forward with ‘The Punisher.’
How will the change in the story affect the series? I guess you’ll have to wait until the pilot is aired. If it does get picked up as a series, hopefully there will be an enticing story arc as just watching Castle go after criminals each week can get a bit tiresome. Until then, what do you think of this version of the possible television series?
