Dolph Lundgren’s 36-Year-Old Marvel Movie is Hard To Find, But Worth The Effort

by

Dolph Lundgren became a household name after playing the intimidating Ivan Drago in the 1985 film *Rocky IV*, and he’s enjoyed a successful action career ever since. He recently returned to the big screen as King Nereus in *Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom*, the conclusion to the DC Extended Universe. However, many fans don’t know that Lundgren actually started his career in comic book movies much earlier, playing the lead role in one of Marvel‘s first film adaptations.

Mark Goldblatt’s 1989 action movie, *The Punisher*, is based on the comic book character Frank Castle, created in the early 1970s by Gerry Conway and artists John Romita Sr. and Ross Andru. Despite having a dedicated fanbase, the film has largely been forgotten, likely because it was released directly to video due to financial problems at New World Pictures. Currently, the only way to watch it is by buying a physical copy – it’s not available for streaming or digital rental. But those who are fans insist it’s a worthwhile purchase for a small price.

Dolph Lundgren Is One Of The Best To Play The Punisher

Fans of Marvel’s The Punisher always have strong opinions about who best portrays the character on screen. While some appreciate Thomas Jane’s performance in the 2004 film, and others favor Ray Stevenson in *Punisher: War Zone*, many currently prefer the actor who first appeared as The Punisher in *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*.

Dolph Lundgren was the first actor to play the Punisher outside of comic books, but he’s often considered one of the worst portrayals. However, that shouldn’t overshadow his performance. The movie *The Punisher* significantly changes the character’s story: Frank Castle becomes a vigilante seeking revenge on all criminals after his family is murdered by the mob.

This movie reimagines Castle as a former undercover police officer, not a Marine veteran. He lives in the sewers, and surprisingly, doesn’t wear his iconic skull logo – though his outfit is the correct color. Despite these changes, Lundgren delivers a compelling performance, capturing Castle’s cold, unwavering dedication to punishing criminals and protecting the innocent.

The Punisher Boasts An Impressive Supporting Cast

Beyond Dolph Lundgren’s strong performance as the complex anti-hero Frank Castle, *The Punisher* features a talented supporting cast. Nancy Everhard, known for her roles in *DeepStar Six* and later *Everwood*, is particularly memorable as Samantha “Sam” Leary, a determined detective who quickly suspects Castle is the mysterious vigilante.

In 2024, the actor truly shining alongside Lundgren is the Academy Award winner known for *An Officer and a Gentleman*. He brings a powerful emotional core and plenty of humor to the role of Jake Berkowitz, a seasoned detective. Berkowitz is Frank Castle’s former partner and close friend, and he’s deeply hurt to discover that Castle faked his death and has been operating as a vigilante without his knowledge.

Even if you’re disappointed that *The Punisher* doesn’t stick closely to the original comics, you can still appreciate it for the performance of Jon Bernthal, who later played Lucius Fox in the animated series *The Batman* and Will Reeves in other DC adaptations.

The Punisher’s Action Is Relentless

While *The Punisher* movie doesn’t perfectly follow the comic book storyline, it more than compensates with its intense and exciting action. The fight scenes are among the best ever filmed, and Dolph Lundgren’s take on the character stands out, particularly considering it was originally released direct-to-video. Lundgren’s pre-existing martial arts skills are a major reason why – he wasn’t just acting; he was performing, bringing a genuine physicality to the role of Frank Castle, even though he’s also known for playing boxers.

Watching the Punisher take down his ruthless enemies is incredibly satisfying, especially when he uses stealth and quick, decisive attacks – sometimes with his signature skull-emblazoned throwing knives. But the most memorable scene in *The Punisher*, and the one that truly captures the spirit of the comic book, is when Frank hijacks a city bus. He bravely faces intense gunfire and a high-speed chase while trying to rescue a group of kidnapped children, showcasing his core motivations.

Okay, let’s talk action. There are definitely moments where the gunfire gets… a lot. I’m thinking specifically of a casino shootout where Castle just unleashes a relentless barrage for what felt like an eternity. Honestly, it almost became numbing. But surprisingly, those over-the-top sequences actually *worked* for me. They made the film’s quieter, more artfully crafted scenes hit even harder. It’s a weird dynamic, but it elevated the whole thriller.

The Punisher Deserved A Direct Sequel

Despite bypassing movie theaters, *The Punisher* was a success on home video, earning $30 million from VHS and laserdisc sales after costing just $9 million to produce. Given the popularity of direct-to-video franchises in the ’80s and ’90s, it’s unfortunate Dolph Lundgren never returned as Frank Castle in a follow-up film.

The movie hints at the character’s troubled past and the reasons behind his violence, but doesn’t fully explore them – something future installments could have addressed. Dolph Lundgren’s performance is subtle and complex, and he clearly has the ability to portray the character’s darker, more forceful side, but we don’t see enough of it. While his reserved approach works well overall, the film feels incomplete, and a sequel – even just a video release – could have provided the opportunity to delve deeper into the character.

I remember a time when *The Punisher* comic was actually struggling – Marvel cancelled it back in the mid-90s! It wasn’t until the early 2000s, with writer Garth Ennis taking the reins, that Frank Castle really found his edge, though those stories were published under Marvel’s more adult MAX imprint. That likely explains why we didn’t see another movie until the Thomas Jane film in 2004. Thankfully, the character’s stayed popular, and with Marvel now experimenting with darker themes, I’m holding out hope we’ll see Jon Bernthal get his own Punisher movie. And honestly, it would be amazing if they could bring in Dolph Lundgren for a cameo – a perfect nod to his earlier portrayal!

Read More

2025-10-07 01:37