The Punisher (1989) [released in the United States: April 25, 1991]
A solo film taking place in a separate universe from any of the other films – set in 1989. The character is seemingly referenced in “Deadpool & Wolverine” (2024).
The Punisher is a 1989 vigilante action film directed by Mark Goldblatt from a screenplay by Boaz Yakin, based on the Marvel Comics character of same name. It stars Dolph Lundgren in the title role, a vigilante who wages war on the Mafia and Yakuza. Louis Gossett, Jr., Jeroen Krabbé, Kim Miyori and Barry Otto co-star.
The film was issued worldwide theatrically, except in the United States, Sweden, and South Africa. It was originally slated for US distribution in August 1989, and trailers were created by New World. It premiered in Germany and France in October 1989 and was shown months later at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Sci-fi Convention in July 1990. However, the film never received a wide theatrical release in the United States due to New World’s financial difficulties and its new owners not having an interest in theatrical distribution. The film’s US distribution rights were sold to Live Home Video, which released it direct-to-video on VHS and Laserdisc in April 1991. It finally premiered at the 2008 Escapism Film Festival in Durham, North Carolina where director Mark Goldblatt screened his own personal 35mm print. He showed that again in April 2009 at the Dolph Lundgren Film Fest hosted by the New Beverly theater. Despite these fumbles and a tepid response to the movie at the time, the film’s international theatrical run grossed $30 million on a $9 million budget and It has since gained a cult following.
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