‘The Punisher: One Last Kill’ Has No Post-Credits Scene But Marvel’s Choice Is Intriguing

Jon Bernthal’s highly anticipated return as Frank Castle has finally come to fruition, and ‘The Punisher: One Last Kill‘ is sparking significant discussion among the Marvel fanbase. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and co-written by Green and Bernthal, this Disney+ Special Presentation serves as both a brutal standalone narrative and a bridge to the character’s future within the broader MCU. This dual purpose makes the creative decisions surrounding its conclusion particularly worth examining.

In contrast to many MCU films and series, ‘Punisher: One Last Kill’ does not feature an after-credits scene. Instead, Marvel utilizes the credits to convey an important message about seeking support for those facing mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts, aligning thematically with the special itself. Viewers are still encouraged to watch the credits, as the special includes a truly remarkable soundtrack playing alongside them.

The lack of a stinger is not the creative void it may initially seem. In a way, the very conclusion of ‘One Last Kill’ functions like a post-credits stinger. The emotional finale finds Frank at his daughter’s grave, expressing that he feels her presence and affirming his resolve to continue. This moment transitions into Frank donning his full Punisher costume, as he confronts the criminal responsible for a dog’s death earlier in the special. The scene resonates with enough finality and catharsis that adding anything after the credits would only detract from it.

There’s also a practical reason for Marvel’s choice. Frank Castle is already confirmed to appear in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ which has been hinted at in the film’s trailer. Marvel likely aims to avoid revealing too much of that storyline, making it logical that none of it is included at the end of ‘One Last Kill.’ Audiences are already aware of where this is headed, which diminishes the need for a tease.

Since its release, the special has been well-received by both critics and fans. Bernthal’s ‘One Last Kill’ boasts a strong approval rating from critics and an impressive audience score on the Popcornmeter, marking a significant improvement over the 2017 Netflix series ‘The Punisher,’ which concluded with a notably lower Tomatometer. Critics have particularly highlighted Bernthal’s performance as a standout in his career.

Bernthal’s co-writer credit feels authentic rather than superficial. It is evident in the material, with the special consistently emphasizing that violence does not equate to empowerment for Frank Castle, but rather represents trauma transformed into routine. This psychological depth is precisely what has made this iteration of the character resonate across various Marvel properties, and it is what renders the quiet, unembellished ending more impactful than any mid-credits cameo could ever achieve.

If you have already seen ‘One Last Kill,’ we would love to know if you believe the choice to forgo a post-credits scene was the right one for Frank Castle’s narrative, or if you felt a sense of longing for more.