While he's used to playing a Marvel villain as Billy Russo – aka Jigsaw – in The Punisher, Ben Barnes has been in talks to join the other side of the divide.

The actor, who will be starring in new BBC show Gold Digger, has revealed that he had been lined up for an MCU superhero role.

Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy on whether he would work with Marvel again, Barnes said: "Yeah, for sure, for sure.

HBO

"I did talk to them about something this year, but it was a bit too close to doing The Punisher, I think, for them. But, you know, they have proof that you can – particularly if it was on TV, you can go back and do a movie if there's a character that's right.

"I was definitely talking about a couple of superheroes last year."

As for whether something could happen, the actor admitted: "No. It didn't work out for whatever reason, but definitely, there's still room for that in my future. As long as they hurry up. I don't want to be a 50-year-old superhero."

The Punisher Netflix

The Punisher was axed earlier this year in the wake of a number of Netflix Marvel TV show cancellations.

Following the news, star Jon Bernthal wrote: "To all who have served. All who know loss. All who love and understand Frank and his pain. It has been an honor to walk in his boots.

"I'm endlessly grateful to the comic fans and the men and women of the Armed Services and law enforcement community who Frank means so much to. Thank you to the USMC and all the wonderful soldiers who trained me. Go Hard. Be safe."

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