Netflix accidentally does the MCU a huge favor by solving a major plot point for Jon Bernthal’s Punisher

Even though it’s been four years since Avengers: Endgame landed in theaters, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still dealing with the aftermath of Thanos snapping his fingers and wiping out half of all life in the universe for five years, with the effects being worked into the past, present, and future stories of many high-profile characters.

However, thanks to an interesting addendum to Netflix’s The Punisher, questions have been asked about what befell Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle during his half a decade out of the spotlight. Either he was floating in the ether being dusted, or he had half as many criminals to kill based on the law of averages.

Even though it’s highly unlikely the previous Marvel shows will be regarded as canon – which was made fairly clear during the respective returns of both Charlie Cox’s Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin – it’s been pointed out on Reddit that the epilogue to The Punisher takes place three months after the spring of 2018, which would appear to hint that Frank was spared.

While canonical purists will debate that point, it’s easy to forget (because Marvel wants you to) that the Defenders Saga was tied a lot closer to the mainline MCU than many people remember, with references to The Avengers, the Battle of New York, and even The Incredible Hulk. Where does Frank Castle fit into all of this? Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for Daredevil: Born Again to premiere before anyone finds out, but just having Bernthal back at all is enough.