The Punisher (1989 film)

The Punisher
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMark Goldblatt
Written byBoaz Yakin
Based on
The Punisher
by
Produced byRobert Mark Kamen
Starring
CinematographyIan Baker
Edited byTim Wellburn
Music byDennis Dreith
Production
company
Distributed by
Release dates
  • October 5, 1989 (1989-10-05) (West Germany)
  • April 25, 1991 (1991-04-25) (United States)
Running time
89 minutes
Countries
  • United States
  • Australia
LanguageEnglish
Budget$9 million
Box office$30 million

The Punisher is a 1989 American vigilante-action-thriller film directed by Mark Goldblatt and written 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, and Kim Miyori appear in supporting roles.

The film had a troubled release due to distributor New World International's financial issues. It was released directly to home media in the United States, but grossed $30 million on a $9 million budget from an international theatrical run. The Punisher has since gained a cult following.