Did The Punisher Always Know Daredevil’s Identity? Born Again Finally Answers the Question

For years, fans have speculated about whether Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, ever figured out Matt Murdock’s secret identity as Daredevil. That mystery has finally been resolved in Daredevil: Born Again—and the answer might surprise you.

The Nine-Year-Old Mystery Resurfaces

The last time we saw Jon Bernthal’s Punisher in action was in The Punisher Season 2, which left many questions unanswered. One of the biggest? Whether Frank ever put together that his rooftop adversary—the very man he once chained up—was none other than Matt Murdock.

Back in Daredevil Season 2, Frank seemingly had no interest in who was behind the mask. In Episode 3, when he held Daredevil hostage, he explicitly stated, “I don’t care who you are.” But by the end of the season, he gave Daredevil a knowing farewell: “See you around, Red.” That subtle moment sparked years of debate.

Daredevil: Born Again Confirms It

Fast-forward to Daredevil: Born Again, and Episode 4 finally clears the air. When Matt visits Frank in hiding, dressed in a regular suit and tie, Frank greets him with a cryptic but telling question: “Are you in service, Red?”

It’s the first direct confirmation that Punisher knows Matt is Daredevil. Not only does he still call him Red, but he does so while Matt is out of costume, proving that at some point—whether on-screen or off—he put the pieces together.

When Did Frank Castle Figure It Out?

There are a few possibilities. One theory suggests Frank learned off-screen, sometime after The Punisher Season 2 but before Born Again. This would imply they’ve had unseen interactions that clued him in.

Another possibility? Frank saw Daredevil unmasked in Daredevil Season 2, Episode 13, when Matt fought The Hand without his mask. Though it wasn’t clear at the time if Frank got a good look at his face, his final words—“See you around, Red”—now carry more weight.

Others argue that Matt’s behavior during Frank’s trial in Daredevil Season 2, Episode 8 made it obvious. His passionate speech about vigilantism may have tipped Frank off that the man representing him in court was the same one he fought on the streets.

Why It Took So Long for an Answer

The vague handling of this reveal over the years likely wasn’t intentional—it was more a byproduct of Frank and Matt’s separate journeys. Daredevil Season 3 focused solely on Matt’s personal struggles, and The Punisher series rarely acknowledged their past dynamic. As a result, this major reveal remained in limbo for nearly a decade.

Now, with Daredevil: Born Again bringing them back together, Marvel finally took the opportunity to settle the debate.