ROTTEN TOMATOES: Jane Out, Dahl In on "Punisher 2"?

Jane Out, Dahl In on "Punisher 2"?

by Scott Weinberg | May 18, 2007

We're already well aware that actor Thomas Jane has walked away from the "Punisher" sequel, but now comes word that a new director might be attached.

One source indicates that the new director will be John Dahl, the man who gave you "Red Rock West," "The Last Seduction," "Joy Ride," "The Great Raid," and "Rounders." (OK, and "Unforgettable.") He also has "You Kill Me" hitting screens this summer.

We're also assured that the villain Jigsaw will make an appearance in "The Punisher 2." (No, not that Jigsaw.) Now all they need is a leading man. Any suggestions from the Tomato patch?

Source: Freeze Dried Movies

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(1-20 of 53 posts) | Reply

TheBomb69 writes:
on May 18 2007 02:31 AM

I can only see Jane in this role now.

(Reply to this)

Zengine writes:
on May 18 2007 04:52 AM

Different actor, different director........They should just remake it again.

Even as amusing as the last one was (popsicle-blowtorture), I don't think they've done justice to the amount of ass-kicking that is necessary to properly portray The Punisher. He's like an urban Rambo. Do it right.

(Reply to this)

Shatter24 writes:
on May 18 2007 05:26 AM

[b]I still want Jane[/b]
You need to woo him back. He's been the biggest proponent of a sequel, and has stood alone in the rain trying to get it made. They should give him a little more money, some creative control, and make him feel like a part of the Marvel family again.

If not, I don't know who it could be. Most of the real tough guys in cinema are in their 50s and 60s now. He worked really well in the role, it is too bad.

(Reply to this)

Vikingus writes:
on May 18 2007 06:19 AM

Make punisher an older guy and give the role to Van Damme, lol?

(Reply to this)

ShiftyJedi writes:
on May 18 2007 06:40 AM

[b]Without Thomas Jane its a DTDVD film[/b]
The first one had that charm, it had a great lead action actor who cared more about the film then anyone else. It had Big Sexy playing a Russian in a great fighting scene and some memeroble lines. Along with Johnathan Hindseight directing the film will able to excel past stock characters and hamming villianary by J.T. All I've read is that Jane basically quit to leave the sequel with the worst parts of the original to remain.

(Reply to this)

krycek77 writes:
on May 18 2007 06:47 AM

In reply to this comment (#865817)
I felt the same way as Zengine. The first movie did not have enough action as a Punisher movie should; here's to hoping that they make a darker, more violent sequel.

(Reply to this)

Matanuki writes:
on May 18 2007 07:24 AM

Dwayne Johnson with a three day beard. Anything less would be uncivilized. ;-)

(Reply to this)

Merlin235 writes:
on May 18 2007 08:05 AM

I wasn't a huge fan of the first Punisher, but I don't see it happening without Jane. Or, in my opinion, I don't see it being any GOOD.

(Reply to this)

stevegilpin writes:
on May 18 2007 08:09 AM

Honestly, I always saw Aaron Eckhart as the Punisher.....but, this movie will most likely suck....maybe they should just settle for Dolph Lundgren again. :)

(Reply to this)

KnowsHisStuff writes:
on May 18 2007 08:56 AM

At least they're going with a proper villain this time.

(Reply to this)

nerdninja writes:
on May 18 2007 09:32 AM

In reply to this comment (#865819)
Van Damme...nah the Punisher should definitely be played by...Chuck Norris!

(Reply to this)

JUDGE DREDD writes:
on May 18 2007 09:34 AM

[b]KURT RUSSEL as The Punisher !!!!![/b]
Kurt russel is a great action guy, and judging by the Grindhouse trailer, he sure is gritty enough! I think Russel is destined for big things once again!

Anyone seen soldier ? very cool hard as nails Kurt Russel film.

(Reply to this)

nerdninja writes:
on May 18 2007 09:41 AM

Seriously though, Gerald Butler miiiiiight be able to fill the shoes vacated by Thomas Jane

(Reply to this)

Matanuki writes:
on May 18 2007 10:02 AM

Gerald Butler?.. Kurt Russel?... Nothing against either of them. But we're still talking about Frank Castle, right?

(Reply to this)

renodc writes:
on May 18 2007 10:34 AM

It's odd this comes so soon after Jane's departure, which either means Jane was slowing the process or the producers are trying to lure Jane back by showing some commitment to finally making Punisher 2 happen.

(Reply to this)

PlanBFromOuterSpace writes:
on May 18 2007 10:43 AM

I remember thinking way back when that Henry Rollins could be good in that role. He's in good shape, a little older, and he could say things that are funny without sounding like he's trying to tell a joke, like some of the really cold, darkly comic stuff that Castle says in the books all the time

(Reply to this)

nerdninja writes:
on May 18 2007 10:44 AM

My guess is on the studio trying to show Jane they are ready to go on it.

(Reply to this)

bribios writes:
on May 18 2007 11:01 AM

Hopefully it really is just a studio ploy to get Jane back. It really is hard to imagine anyone else at this moment to play the Punisher. My friend recommended Patrick Warburton. I can halfway see it because the guy has the right build, but from what I know he really is more of a comedic actor, and I think seeing him on screen might ruin the movie since all I would be able to think about is The Tick/Brock Sampson/Joe.

(Reply to this)

nerdninja writes:
on May 18 2007 11:23 AM

Don't forget Kronk!

(Reply to this)

directr33 writes:
on May 18 2007 11:47 AM

[b]unknown[/b]
They just need to get an unknown to play the Punisher. Jane was too young and the first one sucked anyway. I agree with the other guy they might as well just do it over. The Punisher would never use a popsicle nor would he "make the villian kill everyone in his circle." Frank would do that all by himself. Get rid of the the stupid love story thing which wasn't in welcome back frank and just flesh the story out for what it is. A man with a vendetta.

(Reply to this)

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