Netflix Cancels The Punisher and Jessica Jones

In news that will come as no surprise to fans, Netflix has formally canceled The Punisher and Jessica Jones. The streaming service made headlines late last year when it canceled three other Marvel shows, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and Daredevil, in rapid succession. The cancelation of The Punisher and Jessica Jones completely severs ties between Netflix and Marvel. Punisher star Jon Bernthal took to Instagram soon after news of the cancelation broke to thanks all those who supported the series. In addition to thanking fans of Marvel Comics, Bernthal also addressed the law enforcement and military communities. In his short statement, Bernthal expressed his humility at how his character has inspired members of both communities.

Others who worked on both shows also took to social media to express their reactions at news of the cancelations. Scott Reynolds, a writer for Jessica Jones, said that he was sorry to hear that Netflix had decided to discontinue its relationship with Marvel. Krysten Ritter, who plays Jessica Jones herself, also posted on Instagram, thanking fans of the series and the show’s crew. Ritter ended her message by promising that viewers hadn’t seen the last of Jessica Jones. Ritter’s comments are in sync with comments from Jeph Loeb, the lead producer of Marvel TV. In his own statement addressing the cancelations of both shows, Loeb promised that fans of the series hadn’t seen the last of Jessica Jones and Frank Castle. Loeb further promised that characters from Daredevil, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage would also return in the future.

Fans and industry insiders alike speculate that characters from Marvel’s Netflix shows could make an appearance on other networks, notably the soon to be launched Disney+ or Hulu. Marvel recently announced a new partnership with Hulu, which includes four adult animation series featuring the likes of iconic characters such as Howard the Duck and M.O.D.O.K. Hulu is also home to Marvel’s Runaways, which has been airing on the service for two seasons. Nevertheless, fans of the characters may have to wait awhile before they can appear elsewhere. In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, actor Royce Johnson, who played Detective Brett Mahoney on Daredevil and The Punisher, said that Marvel’s contract with Netflix prevents characters from all five series from appearing on other services for up to two years.