Thomas Jane no longer in Punisher 2..?!!

[BIGFANBOY]

Sadly, yes, it is true. This is not the result of any one thing, but rather lots of false starts, script issues, and problems behind the scenes. After a while, Tom had to make a decision from a professional point of view. It's hard to pull something together when there are so many different ideas being tossed around. I can tell you he's not happy about leaving... really not happy. But in the end he felt it was the right thing to do.


To comment on a few of the things he mentioned to Quint:

"I can’t tell you how completely broken up I am about it." - I know for a fact this is true. I spoke to Tom tonight, and he is genuinely upset things didn't work out. All that prep he mentioned doing it absolutely true.

"Punisher fans are already fighting an uphill battle as it is. And I’ve always felt a responsibility to fight that fight for them and with them so that Frank Castle gets the treatment he deserves." - Again, very true. Tom really wanted fans to get what they wanted, and make up for the shortcomings of the first film. He was sincerely hoping this second film would be the Punisher film everyone always wanted to see.

"Meanwhile, I’ll continue to search for a film that one day might stand with all those films that the fans have asked me to watch." - If you've seen STANDER, you know what Tom is capable of as an actor. One of these days he'll be a household name - an action star for the next generation. Is has to happen. He's that good. But he needs that one film to make it happen. THE PUNISHER 2 could've been it, but he wouldn't have walked away if it was.


You have to understand something about Tom. He has a lot of opportunities coming his way, and he can't sit around forever waiting for the perfect formula to work itself out for THE PUNISHER 2. This year alone he has three films out or coming out, including THE TRIPPER, KILLSHOT, and THE MIST. Couple that with a little girl at home, and you've got a guy that already has a lot on his plate.

Best,

[Arsh]

I'm really depressed over the fact that Tom left the project... in my mind, he is the perfect Frank Castle, and I know that he did his absolute best with the project. If I were in his shoes, I would do the same thing. Tom Jane is my favourite actor, and while I'm sad to see him leave my favourite character, it's understandable.

With that said, I'm so very pissed off at Lionsgate. So much so, that I want to ram a car into their boardroom.

I just can't understand at all how... they can mess something up so badly. Punisher 2 could have been a great film...

[DakotaH]

This is horrible and sad news.. Thomas Jane is the Punisher and there is NO actor that I feel can really portray and sell that character like Tom did. I wish him the best in future scripts and the best in his career.

-Dakota

[Superbeasto]

Absolutely gutted. Despite any shortcomings the first movie may have had I loved it and watch it pretty regularly, and it's mainly because Jane's performance transcends any of the flaws, he was fantastic as Frank Castle and I really don't think a Punisher movie would work with anyone else. As a movie fan it's pretty upsetting as I was really looking forward to a great sequel but it sounds like Mr Jane has done the right thing, and I'm sure his career will move onto the bigger and better things that he deserves. Still gutted though!

[ilnodon]

Worst friggin news I've gotten in a loooonnngg time. I haven't looked forward to a sequel in years. I'm no kid, I'm 51 and I have been a fan for some time. I really wanted Castle to be the Garth Ennis type of hard Corps/veins in your teeth kind of ass kicker but I guess Marvel wants a punk in tights type of Spidy clone. Screw it. Very disappointing.

[Patti]

I am French, thus I 'm not going to write long, just to say that I am very very sad to have learnt this piece of news I so hoped this film;
In France Thomas isn't known a lot and I thought that Punisher 2 would make him know much more.
I saw almost all the Thomas's films, and I really liked Punisher1, Stander, Suspicion...

Patti

[SWAT]

A dark day for Punisher fans worldwide.
Tom has got the respect of the fans for his commitment to the film and character. Thomas is Frank Castle, and I have a hard time picturing someone else in the role now.
Hire someone to write a kickass script give Marvel, makes a deal with a company who let's someone have creative control and not that afraid of the R rating... Universal? Offer the role to Jane again, and pursue him to the end of the world till' he accepts!

[texasdiver]

Lions gate is gonna screw everything up, that could be a great movie. Marvel Studios needs to buy back rights to the character and do the movie right. Hopefully Jane will still be interested.

[shadow5040]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooo damn it........ DAMN IT U DESTROYED IT YOU DESTROYED IT ALL!!!!!! *cough*...... damn I think I have a cold...

[Jarmo]

Damnest thing... How can I go to work now?!?!? WTF!? I'm so upset... could I get a sick day 4 today... f**k!

[nicp]

This news is particularily dissapointing....It's a shame that we wont get a truly gritty punisher film.

[BIGFANBOY]

Jesus, you're a moderator here. If you see those annoying BOT posts, delete them! You have the power. You are Jesus.

Kisses,