British actor Tom Hardy wants to star as The Punisher.
Although he may have turned his back on DC’s ‘Suicide Squad’ it looks as though Tom Hardy still wants his own comic book movie.
During an interview with Collider, the 37-year-old British actor revealed in no uncertain terms that he wants to portray Frank Castle on the big screen.
“I want The Punisher,” he said. “I want The Punisher, or Splinter Cell, I want something… I don’t know what I want… I’m not big enough to be The Punisher, I’m 5’9” [Laughs]. Frank Castle, I would love it. Is that him, isn’t it?”
If you ask me, his enthusiasm for the character is obvious… and I can’t help thinking that Marvel fans would get behind this 100%. After all, it’s been quite a while since we saw The Punisher take to the big screen.
Last appearing in the 2008 movie Punisher: War Zone, it seems that the more hard-boiled and gritty sides of Marvel’s comic book universe have been mostly left out of their big screen endeavours.
But with the success and popularity of Netflix’s Daredevil, could The Punisher return?
If you ask me, it’s long overdue. And while Thomas Jane’s performance in the 2004 film The Punisher is often considered a bench mark, I can’t help thinking that Tom Hardy might just be able to top that.
Of course, the Mad Max star recently disappointed DC fans when he dropped out of the upcoming Suicide Squad movie… but considering his aspirations to become The Punisher, perhaps that’s a good thing.
Originally taking the role of Rick Flagg Jr, it seems that just wasn’t meant to be… and in a recent interview, Hardy revealed that he was forced to leave the production due to scheduling conflicts. But that hasn’t stopped him from wanting to appear in a comic book movie.
And The Punisher might just be the perfect fit.
Famous for his roles in Bronson and Locke, Tom Hardy has the on screen intensity to accurately portray Frank Castle’s inner demons, as well as the strength and brawn to look decent holding his own in a firefight.
And let’s face it – he already has the look down pat.
But will Tom hardy get the chance to appear as The Punisher?
For now, we’ll have to wait and see… but the classic antihero has been notably absent from Marvel’s movie slate, as well as its recent Netflix TV series announcements. But perhaps this high-profile fan-casting will change Marvel’s mind.
Mad Max: Fury Road heads to cinemas on 14 May 2015.
Do you think Tom Hardy would make a great Punisher? Who else would you like to see in the role? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
