 Lundgren then starred as Marvel Comics character Frank Castle ( a.k.a. The Punisher ) in the 1989 film The Punisher . The film was directed by Mark Goldblatt , with a screenplay by Boaz Yakin . Although it is based on the Marvel Comics character , the film changes many details of the original comic book origin and the main character does not wear the trademark " skull " . The Punisher was filmed in Sydney , Australia and also featured Louis Gossett , Jr . , Jeroen Krabbé , Kim Miyori , Nancy Everhard and Barry Otto . The film received mainly negative reviews , currently holds a 24 % " rotten " rating at Rotten Tomatoes . Christopher Null gave the film 1 out of 5 , stating the film was " marred by cheeseball sets and special effects , lame fight sequences , and some of the worst acting ever to disgrace the screen . " Whilst criticizing the film 's storyline and acting , Time Out magazine concluded the film was " destructive , reprehensible , and marvelous fun " . 
