John Travolta has signed to play the lead villain in The Punisher, due for release in the summer of 2004 (see 'Marvel Releases 2004 Movie Schedule').  He'll play Howard Saint, an underworld figure that's hidden his criminal background until his son is murdered and his darker, vengeful side emerges.  Travolta has had an illustrious career that includes two Oscar nominations (for Pulp Fiction and Saturday Night Fever) and a Golden Globe for Get Shorty.  Marvel is flogging The Punisher hard, including trailering it with The Hulk this summer, a year before its planned release (see 'Punisher Trailer To Accompany Hulk Screenings').