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Punisher Jessica Jones Netflix rights Marvel studios cinematic universe mcu Jon Bernthal to Reportedly Reprise Role as the Punisher in Daredevil: Born Again Disney+ MCU

Punisher, Jessica Jones Now Able to Join MCU as Marvel Regains Rights from Netflix

Marvel continues to gain full control over the live-action rights of its various superheroes, with the Punisher and Jessica Jones being released from Netflix, according to ComicBook.com. The characters were originally passed to Netflix as part of a 2013 deal that saw the streaming platform build out its own superhero universe additionally including Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist.

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The rights of the Punisher and Jessica Jones have reverted to Marvel two years after the official cancellation of their series, with the other three occurring late last year. Both The Punisher and Jessica Jones ended in February 2019. The move means Marvel is now free to incorporate these characters into the MCU if it chooses. It also officially closes the deal between Netflix and Marvel.

Rumors have already alleged that Daredevil actor Charlie Cox has been seen on the set of the upcoming third entry in the Spider-Man series. That film will reportedly formally introduce the multiverse to the MCU, with Jamie Foxx reprising the role of Electro from The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Alfred Molina appearing apparently as Doctor Octopus from Spider-Man 2.

The ending of this Netflix contract regarding the Punisher and Jessica Jones continues Marvel’s process of bringing its properties under its full creative control. Disney’s 2019 acquisition of Fox saw the likes of the X-Men and Fantastic Four join the fold, with the latter already announced for a new film. However, Sony continues to hold the rights to Spider-Man, building out its own universe around the character.


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Damien Lawardorn
Editor and Contributor of The Escapist: Damien Lawardorn has been writing about video games since 2010, including a 1.5 year period as Editor-in-Chief of Only Single Player. He’s also an emerging fiction writer, with a Bachelor of Arts with Media & Writing and English majors. His coverage ranges from news to feature interviews to analysis of video games, literature, and sometimes wider industry trends and other media. His particular interest lies in narrative, so it should come as little surprise that his favorite genres include adventures and RPGs, though he’ll readily dabble in anything that sounds interesting.