The Punisher Casting Call Alludes To “The Slavers” Story Arc

Frank Castle is gearing up for his next assignment.

With The Punisher season 2 expected to lens across parts of New York City later this year, That Hashtag Show has unearthed an intriguing casting call that gives us an indication of the direction in which Marvel and Netflix are headed.

Apparently, both parties are on the lookout for three new additions: Annie Beir, Kim Davis, and Melvin Skelling. And though each name is likely a pseudonym to be used during auditions, THS’ character breakdowns strongly suggest that The Punisher plans to adapt “The Slavers,” Garth Ennis’ hardboiled comic from 2005, for its second season.

Annie Beir, for instance, is a 16-year-old described as “someone who is used to the streets and is both scrappy and aware of her environment,” while Kim Davis will reportedly come on board as a series regular, one who works as a therapist (Frank’s therapist, perhaps?) in her mid-30s.

Last and certainly not least, That Hashtag Show’s report points to Melvin Skelling, an “honest detective” drafted into New York City’s law enforcement when things begin to go awry…again. Couple this with the inevitable return of Billy Russo’s Jigsaw and you have all the makings of a tense, nail-biting second installment to one of the most grueling and realistic comic book shows in recent memory.

Season 2 of The Punisher will likely air in 2019 – long after Marvel brings us new installments of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and presumably, Iron Fist, though we wouldn’t be too surprised if the latter slips into 2019 as well. Up next is the sophomore outing of Jessica Jones, and Netflix’s whip-smart detective hasn’t lost her edge since her memorable turn in The Defenders.