Advertisement
Tom Holland is officially set to return as Spider-Man in the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the upcoming film titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day. After much anticipation and speculation, Marvel has confirmed both the title and the theatrical release date, locking in July 31, 2026, for the web-slinger’s return. The title, drawn directly from the comics, hints at a narrative reset or significant shift in Peter Parker’s journey—one that might delve into darker, more complex territory.
New reports suggest that Brand New Day will introduce an array of fresh villains, including Silver Samurai and Viper, who were previously featured in 2013’s The Wolverine, now potentially folded into the broader MCU. These characters, originally tied to the X-Men universe, may be integrated through the evolving multiverse concept. There’s also growing buzz around a team-up between Holland’s Spider-Man and Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi, with rumors placing both characters at the center of the story. Though Marvel hasn’t confirmed Liu’s involvement yet, fan speculation is mounting that his presence could expand the mystical and martial arts elements of the storyline.
Adding to the intrigue is the possibility of Venom’s appearance, alongside the dark cosmic entity Knull, known in Marvel Comics as the god of the symbiotes. Alex Perez of Comic Circus has suggested that Venom is more likely than ever to interact directly with Holland’s Spider-Man, especially following the hints dropped in Venom: Let There Be Carnage and No Way Home. If Knull is indeed part of the villain lineup, it could mark a dramatic tonal shift, steering the Spider-Man series into more mythological and horror-inspired territory.
An even more surprising development could be the inclusion of Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk. According to insider claims, Brand New Day may explore a long-standing connection between Peter Parker and Banner that traces back to the early days of the MCU. This subplot might uncover previously unseen intersections between their histories, potentially paving the way for Hulk’s deeper involvement in Avengers: Doomsday, which releases just months later on December 17, 2026.
However, Spider-Man himself is reportedly sitting Doomsday out due to overlapping timelines between the two films, signaling Marvel’s intention to give Peter Parker his own arc, distinct from the core Avengers plot. With a blend of new allies, unexpected enemies, and multiversal threats, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious standalone films in the MCU’s next phase.