Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Daredevil: Born Again Episode 8I’m pretty confident I know whichDaredevil: Born Againcharacter could become the perfect rival inThe Punisher’supcomingMCUspecial. AsDaredevil: Born Againreaches the end of its first season, it’s expected that Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle will reunite with Matt Murdock for the finale episode. Keeping that in mind, I do think the finale will help set the stage for the upcoming Punisher series and its potential antagonist.
Announced at the beginning of 2025, just ahead ofDaredevil: Born Again’spremiere episodes in March, it was confirmed thatThe Punisher will be getting his own MCU Special Presentation, not unlike Marvel’sEchoseries, which was released in 2024. It was also confirmed that Jon Bernthal himself will be co-writing the special, presumably spinning out from his appearances inDardevil: Born Againseason 1.Keeping that in mind, I think Frank Castle’s Punisher is about to get an all-new nemesis followingDaredevil: Born Again’sfinale.
Cole North Is Taking A Lot Of The AVTF’s Spotlight in Daredevil: Born Again
I’m Not Surprised, Considering North’s Marvel Comics History
Officially created by Mayor Fisk to deal with the serial-killing artist known as Muse inDaredevil: Born Againepisode 6, the Anti-Vigilante Task Force has now been deployed in full force.Not having to answer to anyone other than Fisk himself and allowed to operate freely using extreme prejudice, the AVTF is made up of corrupt and aggressive NYPD officers and detectives who idolize Frank Castle’s Punisher. Likewise,many of these cops have co-opted the Punisher’s skull logo, representing their willingness to use whatever means necessary in the name of “justice”.
Keeping that in mind, one of the AVTF officers with a large spotlight is Detective Cole North (Jeremy Isaiah Earl). Shown by Mayor Fisk’s side at the Black and White Ball inDaredevil: Born Againepisode 8, North was also falsely given public credit by Fisk for the murder of Muse inDaredevil: Born Againepisode 7. This makes sense,considering Cole North’s history in the comics as a detectivewho started his journey in a similar fashion, going after vigilantes and causing problems for both Daredevil and Spider-Man. He’s also had conflicts with The Punisher in the comics as well.
I’m Confident North Killed White Tiger And Took The Punisher’s Logo
Going After Vigilantes Before The Task Force Was Even Made
Interestingly enough, Cole North has yet to be shown without a Punisher logo tattoo like many of his fellow officers. This feels intentional, especially because we still don’t knowwho it was that posed as The Punisher and killed White Tiger inDaredevil: Born Againepisode 3.I’m willing to bet Cole North was Hector Ayala’s killer, having spray-painted a white skull on a bulletproof vest just like Frank Castle himself.
Daredevil: Born Again Episode 8 Sets Up An Epic Finale With 11 MCU Easter Eggs and Netflix References
Daredevil: Born Again episode 8 sets the stage for an epic MCU finale, featuring multiple MCU Easter eggs and references to the original Netflix show.
Regardless if the killer is revealed to be Cole North, what’s going to be interesting is learning whether the hit was put out by Mayor Fisk before the official formation of his task force or if the murder was carried out independently.Either way, the possible reveal that North killed White Tiger while dressed as the Punisher could put him right in the crosshairs of Frank Castle, not to mention Daredevil himself. After all, Punisher made it clear inDaredevil: Born Againepisode 4that he has no love for his “bulls*** fanboys.”
Tasked By Mayor Fisk To Track Down Frank Castle Personally
Image via Disney+
I expect Cole North to be featured inDaredevil: Born Again’sfinale episode, presumably as the ATVF races Daredevil (and likely Punisher) to get their hands on Bullseye. Assuming North survives the ordeal, I could easily see Mayor Fisk assigning him to track down the Punisher in the aftermath ofDaredevil: Born Againseason 1, setting for the upcomingPunisherSpecial Presentation. It would certainly mirror how Fisk assigned North to track down and arrest various New York vigilantes like Spider-Man.The opportunity to see The Punisher clash with an impostor and effectively reclaim his skull does have some exciting potential for the MCU.
Daredevil: Born Again’sfinale premieres April 15th on Disney+, whileThe Punisherspecial releases in 2026.
