The Punisher star Jon Bernthal has landed his next TV role. Earlier this year, Netflix gave the axe to its last-standing Marvel series by cancelling both The Punisher and Jessica Jones. Well, Jon Bernthal is headed back to television for a much different show, and it is not for Netflix. That said, there are no guarantees that his new project will make it to the airwaves. Here's what's happening.
Jon Bernthal has signed on to star in the pilot of a half-hour anthology, entitled Platform, per Deadline. The pilot reportedly began filming July 29. No details about Bernthal’s character were mentioned, so stay tuned. The series is still in the pilot stages, meaning that it may or may not end up making it to air. What is it about?
Platform is said to use today’s boldest issues as a starting point for “singular” stories about the world that are character-driven. Platform comes from The Office’s B.J. Novak. Fans of the series will recall Novak’s role as Ryan on the comedy. Platform will be executive produced, written, and directed by Novak.
While there is not a whole lot known about the project, it will reportedly film two episodes for the first stage. Since it is a half-hour series, that should amount to about an hour-worth of content. One of the installments is said to take on a more dramatic quality as it tackles a "tough subject."
The other half is reportedly more comic in nature with a "small" animated element coming into play. Presumably, Jon Bernthal will be starring in both episodes, but no details are available on that front. FX has yet to green-light the show with a series order. If and when that happens, more details will undoubtedly be released.
Platform sounds like it could mean one of two things. The word brings to mind “social media platform.” Or a person or organization’s platform. Meaning their plan or policy of action. Just theorizing here. However, the title could be a combination of both things.
As his time on The Punisher proved quite succinctly, Jon Bernthal is an incredible actor. That makes it all the more sad that The Punisher will never get a chance to realize its future, in my opinion, especially regarding certain aspects about the Frank/Karen relationship. Platform sounds like a chance for him to further showcase his skills. Bernthal joins an impressive roster of talent.
Lady Bird’s Lucas Hedges and Dead to Me’s Ed Asner will star. As will Straight Outta Compton’s O’Shea Jackson Jr., Narcos’ Boyd Holdbrook, and comedian George Wallace. Following a dramatic turn on the upcoming Netflix series, Unbelievable, Last Man Standing’s Kaitlyn Dever is also on-board for the FX pilot.
Platform has not been picked up yet beyond the pilot stage. However, you can still watch Jon Bernthal in The Punisher on Netflix, among other series. While you wait to see if Platform makes it to TV, check out this summer’s premieres.
