'The Punisher' reloaded -- will the third time be the charm?

Is it finally time to take your punishment? Frank Castle, a.k.a. the Punisher, is one of the great Marvel Comics characters but you sure wouldn't know it from the two clumsy Hollywood adaptations. The 1989 Dolph Lundgren movie took away his skull-logo costume and the 2004 Thomas Jane affair took him out of New York's urban jungle and plopped him down in South Florida ... what are you people thinking?

Now comes a third try with the Lionsgate film "Punisher: War Zone," which stars Ray Stevenson and hits theaters Dec. 5. Thankfully, this time it actually looks pretty good. One of the trailers:

It hasn't been an easy production, apparently. There was considerable chatter in the fan press that director Lexi Alexander, a native of Germany and a former karate and kickboxing champion, had been fired from the film or forced to bow to cuts that would make the natural R-rated project into a PG-13 film. (I talked to Lionsgate today about lining up an interview with Alexander soon so maybe I can get some insight into what happened.)

Anyway, Alexander is definitely on board now, and to prove it she recorded a message to fans and has selected a clip from the film that shows some high-caliber action. You can find that message and clip at the movie's sleek official website.

-- Geoff Boucher

Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.      

Comments

[Nomad]

Lexi and most everybody else associated with this film are under NDAs so it will be interesting to see what she is able to say if you get the chance to interview her.

There's no doubt that the rumors of her temporary absence from the film's post production process caused outrage among the internet fans and that the Global Punisher Army launched a huge campaign to get her back. There was clearly widespread support for Lexi's vision of Punisher War Zone and we're all very glad to see she's on board.

And those rumors about a PG-13 rating? No way THAT was ever going to happen! Lexi commented that she was surprised they found enough PG footage for the trailer!

Nomad

[Nomad]

P.S.

An interview with The Punisher himself, Ray Stevenson, wouldn't be amiss.

Nomad

[Gematria]

I can;t wait for what looks to be the first devoted adaptation to the Punisher franchise. This is a character whose call sign is as familiar as the Golden Arches. Kudos to the production for casting the right actors and not just the names du jour. Can;t wait until its december 5th release.