Is Claire Temple In Netflix’s The Punisher? Here’s What Rosario Dawson Says

While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is most closely related to its profitable and critically acclaimed box office events, there is a world outside of the silver screen. The MCU has included quite a few TV shows, the best of which are produced over at Netflix. And Rosario Dawson's Claire Temple is the thread that ties all four of the Defenders together- appearing in each of the streaming service's four shows. But things changed when Jon Bernthal's Frank Castle/Punisher got his own spinoff after stealing the show during Daredevil's second season. So will Claire show up during the events of The Punisher?

Unfortunately, it looks like it ain't happening. Rosario Dawson recently spoke to Collider to promote her new movie Unforgettable, and obviously her role in the MCU came up. When asked if Claire was apart of The Punisher, Dawson said:

Well, this sucks. Can The Punisher even be considered a Marvel Netflix series without Claire Temple? Yes, but it just won't be the same.

Much like Nick Fury functioned in the early stages of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Claire Temple is the one figure who has been consistently present throughout each heroes' journey. The character was first introduced in Daredevil, after finding the beginner hero and stitching him up after he nearly died. The two also shared a brief romantic fling, although Elektra and Karen quickly edged her out of that competition in Season 2.

Since then, Claire just can't help but interact with the super powered residents of the MCU's New York City.

But it was Luke Cage where Claire really became a regular character. Claire was invested in Luke's story from the jump, and was his companion through his misadventures in Harlem- once again saving his life (and falling in love) in the process. She also got very involved in Danny Rand's war against The Hand in Iron Fist, while being trained by Colleen Wing to kick ass in combat.

Alas, it looks like Clare won't be apart of The Punisher. But perhaps the events of The Defenders will create a reasonable excuse for her absence. Considering her life in constant danger, and she's always patching up heroes on the DL, maybe she'll take a much needed vacation after helping the heroes battle Sigourney Weaver's mysterious villain and saving New York. I can't say I'd blame her.

You can currently catch Claire Temple in all four of Netflix's Marvel shows. The Defenders will be released in it entirety on August 18, 2017. Check out our full summer premiere list to plan your next binge watch.