POLL: Would A PG-13 Punisher Movie From Marvel Studios And Disney Work?

POLL: Would A PG-13 <i>Punisher</i> Movie From Marvel Studios And Disney Work?

It's been a year since we found out that Marvel Studios had reacquired the rights to The Punisher and there's still been no news on a big screen adaptation. Would a PG-13 version from the family friendly Disney work? Cast your vote here...

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By Josh Wilding - 7/11/2011


Reading about the upcoming comic book relaunch of The Punisher got me thinking. The series by Greg Rucka and Marco Checchetto will be gritty, and it will be violent...it will not however be a MAX series and instead will feature a "Parental Guidance" warning on the cover. Now, this is nothing all that new. There have been plenty of Punisher series' in the past, all of which have been of a similar type to this one. None of them feature bad language or overly bloody and gory violence, but they're still loved by fans. So, would a movie just like that work? Does it have to be R-Rated? Could a PG-13 version work on the big screen?

Personally, I think the answer is maybe. With Marvel Studios and Disney now holding the rights to the character, we're bound to see Frank Castle turn up on either the big or small screen sometime in the near future. If it's the former, then I think it's fair to say Disney have little interest in producing an R-Rated Punisher movie. Which is why I'm asking, would it work as a PG-13? Tone down the language and gore, and it really could. A movie in the same vein as Matt Fraction's 'Punisher: Warzone' series might work, but however you look at it, there's no getting away from the violence which surrounds Frank Castle.

So, would you like to see them make a toned down Punisher movie? Would it even work?! Use the poll and comments section below to share your thoughts and check back in a few days for the results!

PG-13 — Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13. A PG-13 rating is a sterner warning by the Rating Board to parents to determine whether their children under age 13 should view the motion picture, as some material might not be suited for them. A PG-13 motion picture may go beyond the PG rating in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, adult activities or other elements, but does not reach the restricted R category. The theme of the motion picture by itself will not result in a rating greater than PG-13, although depictions of activities related to a mature theme may result in a restricted rating for the motion picture. Any drug use will initially require at least a PG-13 rating. More than brief nudity will require at least a PG-13 rating, but such nudity in a PG-13 rated motion picture generally will not be sexually oriented. There may be depictions of violence in a PG-13 movie, but generally not both realistic and extreme or persistent violence. A motion picture’s single use of one of the harsher sexually-derived words, though only as an expletive, initially requires at least a PG-13 rating. More than one such expletive requires an R rating, as must even one of those words used in a sexual context. The Rating Board nevertheless may rate such a motion picture PG-13 if, based on a special vote by a two-thirds majority, the Raters feel that most American parents would believe that a PG-13 rating is appropriate because of the context or manner in which the words are used or because the use of those words in the motion picture is inconspicuous.






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P862010 - 7/11/2011, 5:21 PM
it can be done look at taken
THEDARKKNIGHT1939 - 7/11/2011, 5:22 PM
Depends, what is the limit of a PG-13 movie besides language and nudity.
StuckInPanels - 7/11/2011, 5:24 PM
they could have it released under one of the other movie companies they own to have an R rating
superpooper - 7/11/2011, 5:25 PM
HELL NO.
LordHuck - 7/11/2011, 5:28 PM
NO! [frick] that character. Two movies neither good. Mediocre comics.

He is just a guy with guns and a shitty attitude, we get enough of that in 5 other movies every damn year.
SageMode - 7/11/2011, 5:30 PM
No, most Anti-Hero characters deserve an R-Rated movie. A PG-13 Punisher movie wont work at all.
EditNinja - 7/11/2011, 5:31 PM
It only needs to be as rough 'n' violent as 24. Jack Bauer did some terrible but effective stuff and it was on TV.

Do you really need to see heads getting blasted open?
Just get it right!
superotherside - 7/11/2011, 5:32 PM
it would work... nuff said!
ultraman516 - 7/11/2011, 5:36 PM
they've already tried to make this movie 2 times.. i think the obvious answer is no. i don't think all comic book character's have stories that would necessarily appeal to the masses.
Theodora - 7/11/2011, 5:36 PM
Get HBO on the phone, and make it a really gritty series, now that would work. I think after 3 movies, they are not getting the hint that is doesn't work as a film.
SHHH - 7/11/2011, 5:40 PM
or Showtime... even A@E Look at Mad Men, Walking Dead..
Theodora - 7/11/2011, 5:42 PM
Yes! Showtime or AMC, it would totally work on either. Just make it a damn tv series.
ChanchoMcGrady - 7/11/2011, 5:53 PM
they can do it...just get David S. Goyer (guy who did the story for Dark Knight), Eric Kripke (the guy who created supernatural, he's used to doing TV-14 gore), and Pierre Morel (the guy who made Taken). they will know how to do a violent superhero movie with a PG-13 rating. and i hope they do.
ironknight - 7/11/2011, 5:53 PM
Yeah, they could easily turn him into a good PG-13 movie. He's had good comic books that are about that level. Look at all that TDK got away with, and tell me a Punisher movie with that kind of violence can't possibly be good. It doesn't ruin the movie to not have him dropping all kinds of F-bombs or showing heads getting blasted apart.

However, Marvel might have a hard time marketing this one...Toys and that kind of thing.
bayouboyz - 7/11/2011, 5:53 PM
I have been thinking about this for awhile. Will the upcoming Marvel films be released directing under Disney, meaning that we will see the actual Disney logo on the movies, or will we see the Marvel logo with small print underneath that reads "a branch of Disney" or something like that? Look at Fright Night. That movie is being produced by Touchstone which is Disney, and that movie is still rated R.
STYGR8dotCOM - 7/11/2011, 5:55 PM
hah just like the pg 13 max payne. remember that movie hahahh
RunDTC - 7/11/2011, 6:00 PM
I could see Disney doing this.
AdamStarr211 - 7/11/2011, 6:07 PM
I feel like it could work, it would probably do well in theaters. then you release the unrated version on dvd. You can get away with a lot in Pg13 now a days!
http://lbp.me/v/2ywsd8
Bodwulf - 7/11/2011, 6:11 PM
Yawn, after 3 attempts no rating can help Punisher he works in comics not in movies.
HULK2099 - 7/11/2011, 6:12 PM
This shouldn't even be a poll -_- lol punisher is dah definition of rated-R
marvel72 - 7/11/2011, 6:22 PM
pg-13 punisher made by marvel would work & it'll take more money if the younger audience can go & see it.

but i'd prefer a punisher r-rated movie or hbo series.
jimoakley666 - 7/11/2011, 6:27 PM
Where is the poll option for "Are you [frick]ing joking?!"
ChanchoMcGrady - 7/11/2011, 6:35 PM
@weneedrevelation
whatever that scene was hilarious!

no need to torture an innocent guy with a real blowtorch. the punisher has got no problem with killing or torturing, but he's not a bad guy.
pucrepeap - 7/11/2011, 6:36 PM
Of course it can be done. Sometimes letting it all out for a rated R movie can backfire. Too much gore, no substance. Like someone already said, focus on making a good movie rather than aiming for a rating, Pg-13 or R. If you have great substance you probably wouldn't need the excessive violence and gore. But definitely don't sell short for the sole purpose get a bigger audience with a PG-13.
drykillogic22 - 7/11/2011, 6:53 PM
Haha...The PUNISHER? PG-13?...Are you people listening to yourselves...lol..Thats the big problem with Wolverine..lol..Certasin characters were meant for R. Let the kiddies have Spiderman for pg-13..GTFO!!
CorndogBurglar - 7/11/2011, 6:54 PM
@ jimoakley

hahahahahahaha.

there are very few comic characters that require an R rating, but the Punisher and Moon Knight are definately on that list.

Wolverine is too. As good as X2 was, when he was cutting new B-Holes in Stryker's soldiers, there should have been geysers of blood and asses flying everywhere. The guy has [frick]ing claws coming out of his hands, how could he not be rated R?
drykillogic22 - 7/11/2011, 6:54 PM
@Weneed..That's a scene straight from the comic..lol
Jane was awesome.
superpooper - 7/11/2011, 7:04 PM
They should try making him one of the villains in a Spiderman or Daredevil flick. I'm losing confidence that anyone could make good with a standalone Punisher movie. Having him go up against Spidey or DD only to redeem himself and either team up with or rescue one of them from a greater "common enemy" by the end of the movie would be an awesome way to use him in a film. That would be the only way I would use the Punisher in a PG-13.
CorndogBurglar - 7/11/2011, 7:10 PM
@ superpooper

good point. In his first appearance he tried to kill Spidey.

too back sony owns Spidey
Luigi - 7/11/2011, 7:12 PM
No. But I'm not even sure a Punisher movie in general could work. HBO or Showtime series please.
JigJRod55 - 7/11/2011, 7:20 PM
Why does everyone think that the whole Disney/Marvel thing means Marvel HAS to be family friendly? Disney owned Miramax which released the likes of Pulp Fiction, No Country for Old Men, Clerks and many other adult oriented movies. As for a PG-13 Punisher it depends, none of the R-Rated movies have worked so far, maybe within the confines of PG-13 they could tone down the gratuitous violence and focus on story, but I doubt it.
sonofsamadams - 7/11/2011, 7:21 PM
Uhhh no..,,?
headlopper - 7/11/2011, 7:29 PM
Headlopper asks: Is this a trick question?
headlopper - 7/11/2011, 7:29 PM
Headlopper asks: Is this a trick question?
chikeizelcav - 7/11/2011, 8:01 PM
A Disney/Marvel Punisher movie can work. I believe they need to get an actor that can really emit a powerful emotional and physicological performance like breaking down in tears and losing his mind with anger
Shadowelfz - 7/11/2011, 8:29 PM
I doubt it. The character murders people for revenge, so it would be hard to 'tone it down' enough to get a PG-13 rating while still respecting the character. Just look at the Thomas Jane Punisher. A good movie I enjoyed, yet it didn't feel gritty like Punisher should be.

Even if it was well done I'd think fans would bitch about it not being R so much it would probably not be as well recieved as it should have been.
Jordacar - 7/11/2011, 9:05 PM
Just let Punisher go. He's had his chances. Three strikes and he's out. It's not in the cards for ol' Frank.
superpooper - 7/11/2011, 9:19 PM
^^ lol. I'm sorry my friend, if you thought that Thomas Jane steamer was a good Punisher film than you deserve a PG-13. Maybe they can run it on PBS right before Sesame Street? Or make a Sat morn cartoon? Guest shot on the Muppet show perhaps? Ray just had a bad script. He was spot on as the Punisher.
superpooper - 7/11/2011, 10:42 PM
@llamaman23 Ah...in that case I apologize for harshing you. I personally grew up with Punisher comics, hence my prejudice towards change. Sorry if I sounded like a dick.
spideyboy - 7/11/2011, 10:48 PM
No, A Punisher movie would have to be R. It really defeats the purpose, but Disney doesn't have to be Family Friendly. But then again I don't think Punisher works as a stand alone film. More like a series or have him in the new Daredevil or Spider-Man series.
superpooper - 7/11/2011, 10:59 PM
@llamaman23 But please, when you get a chance check out some Punisher books and then you can see where my old ass is coming from. I think you'll notice the difference right away :-)
Hellmont - 7/11/2011, 11:30 PM

1. Can a Punisher Film be accomplished in a PG-13 Medium

YES....

But the story and acting have to be amazing. Because you would be replacing the graphic nature of the Punisher with very good story telling, and Actions in the film that would imply the violent act of taking another life for revenge or vigilantism. Who ever plays the Punisher has to be able to give an Oscar performance. A man that can instill fear into the common man and still make you believe that within all that is wrong with him that there is always hope within him.

Or


Make it right, make it rated R. But you still need a great story, good Actors, amazing Dialogue, action sequences that show off the Punishers ability to kill bad guys with guerrilla warfare tactics in an urban environment and in a brutal believable manner.

Those of you who say 3 Punisher movies and three strikes your out are truly a bunch of Morons.


If they can make a Terminator 2? Rambo, 300 and Die Hard they can make a good Punisher Movie. It just about getting all the right people on board and the right script.

But please dont be so F#CKIN STUPID to say thats it for the punisher.

I like the idea of having Punisher as a supporting character and then give him his own spin off like in the comics.

I would really hate to see the Punisher as a TV series unless its done by HBO or someone with a clue on how to bring the character to life?


The funniest thing about CBMs is that 95% of the people involved in bringing them to life lack the ability to go back to the original comics and ask themselves?

"Does this film make me feel that this comic book has come to life?"

LLKoolJayk - 7/12/2011, 12:49 AM
The Punisher should cameo in future Marvel Movies. Shield should be aware of him.
luckylu - 7/12/2011, 12:57 AM
sure it could work but i would rather one thats R
CorndogBurglar - 7/12/2011, 5:27 AM
why are people saying that its not possible to make a good Punisher movie? are you guys crazy? lol

The Punisher should be the easiest character to make a movie about. period. There's nothing fantastical or over the top going on in his world. He's a guy with guns that takes out the mob and street gangs. saying its impossible to make a good Punisher film is like saying its impossible to make good action film.

just look at Kevin Bacon's Death Sentence. That movie was a better Punisher movie than any of the actual Punisher movies. Just slap a skull on his shirt, call him Frank, and you have one hell of Punisher film.
PaulRom - 7/12/2011, 5:36 AM
I'd say make it in the tone of Bourne Identity. That had loads of bloody violence and someone said [frick] once, but it was still PG-13. They should do something like that for Punisher. Or just go ahead with an HBO tv show.
Ichaos - 7/12/2011, 5:58 AM
Can you imagine a Dirty Harry or a Death Wish movie being made now being PG13? Nope. Definitely R. Make it PG13 and he would be downgraded to be thr A Team.

Maybe they should make a Mack Bolan, the Executioner movie. Punisher is a direct clone of then Executioner

Mack Bolan, alias The Executioner, is a fictional character who has been serialized in over six hundred novels with sales of more than 200 million, according to Amazon.com. Created by Don Pendleton, Bolan made his first appearance on the printed page in 1969's War Against the Mafia. Pendleton wrote thirty-seven other novels featuring Bolan, often referred to as the "Mafia Wars".
Shaman - 7/12/2011, 6:15 AM
Give Punisher to Nolan, and he'll blow you away EVEN WITH a PG-13 rating. And Jane's Punisher was awesome even if he didn't punch faces through skulls. Punisher's not supposed to be a cartoon like Stevenson's was. I'd prefer it getting a hard R but it CAN be done brilliantly without it. Hell, after what Norrington did with Blade, he'd rock Frank too! War Zone could have been the best comic book film ever if it wasn't for the [foo foo] that directed it. Lexi doesn't know a movie from a video game. Frank was devoid of personality when he should only be devoid of emotions. There is a huge difference. He was practically a tree trunk in War Zone! And we've seen him act brilliantly in many other films so the failiure's all on Lexi. She let Ray act like a plank and she let West overact to a point where the stink couldn't be washed away. The best part of that entire film was Wayne Knight. Wayne [frick]ing Knight!!! Go shoot yourself, Lexi.
adrianfoley - 7/12/2011, 7:27 AM
I think the initial argument that theres not much of a leap from comic violence to pg rated cinema violence is a flimsy one. If any of the reguar marvel punisher comics since the garth ennis marvel knights reboot were put on screen it would be a definite R rating. The marvel punisher comics are often as brutal as their max counterparts but what separates them are context, tone, viewer angle and no potty mouths. I love the punisher as a character but I would sooner there be no more films than another crap one.
ladder7 - 7/12/2011, 7:44 AM
PUNISHER DID HAVE A PG13 MOVIE, IT WAS THOMAS JANES-HAHAHA SORRY GUYS I HAD TO PUT THAT OUT THERE
I THINK A STRAIGHT TO DVD SERIES WITH RAY STEVENSON WOULD BE A LITTLE BETTER IM NOT DIGGING THE WHOLE HBO THING THOUGH I DID SEE SPARTACUS ON HBO I THOUGHT THAT WAS GOOD. IF A STRAIGHT TO DVD PUNISHER SEQUEL WITH RAY WOULD COME OUT AND IF I SAY IF IT WAS GOOD IT WOULD SPAWN A SEQUEL?
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