In February 2004, two months prior to 
The Punisher 's theatrical debut, 
Lions Gate Entertainment announced the studio's intent to produce a sequel. 
Avi Arad, chairman and CEO of
 Marvel Studios, expressed his interest in developing the franchise, saying that the second film would "become the fifth Marvel property to become a sequel.
In March 2005, 
Marvel Studios announced a 2006 theatrical release date for 
The Punisher 2.
[8] In April, Lions Gate Entertainment's CEO, Jon Feltheimer, confirmed at LGF's 2005 fiscal third quarter analyst call that the studio had completed its deal to develop 
The Punisher 2.
[9] Prior to July, Arad revealed that the script was being rewritten and that the sequel would start filming within the year.
In August, 
Marvel Entertainment revealed a new film slate that included 
The Punisher 2 on its partial list with production still to be determined.
[14] Thomas Jane said that the writer was halfway through a draft and that he believed filming would begin by February 2007.