Amazing that this character first appeared in a novel from 1969, but never made it to the big screen. One can definitely see this being the inspiration for Marvel's Punisher. Having said that, the comparisons between the two might hurt this production. Let's face it, the Punisher is far more widely known and has more public presence (that's good AND bad) to the point where he overshadows the Executioner.
The theme of "former military expert's family is slain by the Mob,he turns his abilities into wiping them out", and variations thereof, is almost cliche now. Remo Williams the Destroyer, the Penetrator, Sable (Mike Grell), Reacher, etc. So the film is gonna need something to distinguish itself from all of that. Be interesting to see how Hawkins pulls it off.