Thomas Jane, star of 2004's film adaptation of "The Punisher" comic, told Sci-Fi Wire that he's been working out to prepare for the sequel, which begins filming sometime before the end of the year.

Jane will again play outlaw vigilante Frank Castle and said "I've been in the gym for seven weeks now. I've already put on 12 pounds of muscle. They want to start going before the end of the year. Ideally I'd like to see the film come out in the fall of 2006, but I don't have any control over that."

Jane couldn't say who will be writing and directing the sequel, but believes the franchise still has some life - "There's so much new ground to be broken. I would love to see The Punisher go more in the direction of a film like Taxi Driver. I'd like the audience to be able to visit the mind of this guy."

Thanks to 'Pattie'.