Marvel and Netflix announced that they will be delaying the highly awaited new web television series, “The Punisher.” The decision was announced shortly after the shooting tragedy on the Las Vegas Strip took place.
“The Punisher,” which is one of the most anticipated television series this year, has just been postponed. The show's official release date was planned to be revealed this month but after the recent tragic shooting in Las Vegas, Netflix and Marvel have opted to postpone the series to respect the victims and their families.
Marvel pulls out from NYCC
Aside from getting postponed, the panel set for “The Punisher” at the upcoming New York Comic Con has also been canceled. Actor Jon Bernthal, who will be portraying the role of the main character, Marvel’s Jeph Loeb, and other actors from the series were set to appear for the panel, which was initially scheduled to take place this Saturday.
Marvel and Netflix have released an official joint statement regarding their decision to pull out from the big event. They've expressed their sadness over the senseless violent act that recently happened in Las Vegas and decided after careful consideration to withdraw the new show's panel from the said Comic-Con because they didn't think it was proper for the show to participate during this time of mourning.
The show has also obscured the original release date on its promotional materials. The upcoming series is still set to be released within this year but Netflix has yet to announce the new premiere date.
New York Comic Con also released an official statement, revealing their support for Marvel and Netflix’s decision. The event is currently trying to fill up the vacated panel and they have urged fans to regularly check their social channels for updates and further announcements.
‘The Punisher’ mirrors Las Vegas shooting
The new Marvel web television series revolves around a crime-fighting soldier-turned-vigilante named Frank Castle. The violent anti-hero takes justice into his own hands and he has no qualms in using lethal methods. In light of the recent shooting at the Las Vegas Strip, the people behind “The Punisher” deemed it inappropriate to air the new series about a gun-wielding man who goes on a path of vengeance after his family was murdered.
On October 1, 64-year old Stephen Paddock went on a shooting rampage from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel, aiming at the crowd attending the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival. The event was being held right on the Las Vegas Strip.
Paddock killed 58 people and injured 489 others. Shortly after the massacre, Paddock was found dead with a gunshot wound. His motive remains unclear and the tragic incident has been marked as the deadliest shooting by one man in the history of the United States.
