Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be a thrilling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With filming underway in Glasgow, Scotland, new set photos and videos are giving fans an exciting glimpse into what could be one of the most action-packed and grounded Spider-Man films yet. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), the movie is leaning heavily into practical effects, delivering a visceral experience that promises to elevate Tom Holland’s Spider-Man to new heights. Here’s everything we know so far about this highly anticipated sequel, including its star-studded cast, intense plot details, and jaw-dropping action sequences.
A Grounded Spider-Man With Real Practical Effects
After the multiversal chaos of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Brand New Day is bringing Peter Parker back to his roots as a friendly neighborhood hero. The film picks up with Peter (Tom Holland) navigating a world where no one remembers his identity, focusing on street-level crime in New York City. However, the inclusion of heavy-hitters like the Hulk and the Punisher, alongside a roster of villains, will make this a massive level film of action.
- Practical Effects Take Center Stage: Filming in Glasgow has revealed stunning set pieces, including a chase sequence featuring Spider-Man swinging from a rig with real explosions in the background. Unlike the CGI-heavy sequences of past MCU films, Brand New Day is prioritizing practical effects, with Tom Holland and his stunt double performing many of the web-slinging stunts themselves. This approach, under Cretton’s direction, aims to deliver a raw, immersive experience that could rival the grounded feel of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy.
- The Punisher vs. Scorpion vs. Spider-Man: A major action sequence involves Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle, aka the Punisher, chasing Michael Mando’s Scorpion (Mac Gargan) in an armored vehicle, with Spider-Man hot on their trail. According to leaks, Spider-Man is trying to stop the Punisher from killing Scorpion, showcasing a moral clash between Peter’s heroism and Frank’s lethal vigilantism. Set photos show Spider-Man perched on the vehicle, with police in pursuit, hinting at a high-octane chase through the streets of New York (filmed in Glasgow).
- Hulk’s Explosive Role: Mark Ruffalo is confirmed to return as Bruce Banner/Hulk via THR, but don’t expect a friendly team-up right away. Reports indicate that the Hulk is on a destructive rampage, prompting the Punisher to target him for elimination. Spider-Man, empathizing with Bruce as a victim of his condition, aims to save him rather than let the Punisher take him down. This sets up a thrilling 1v1v1 showdown between Spider-Man, the Punisher, and the Hulk before they potentially unite against a larger threat.
- A Rogues’ Gallery of Villains: Industry insider Daniel Richtman(RPK) has reported that Brand New Day will feature a slew of villains, including Scorpion, Tombstone, Tarantula, Boomerang, and Ramrod, a half-cyborg criminal. While Scorpion is confirmed, the main antagonist remains a mystery. Set photos showing the Inner Demons’ logo have fueled speculation about Mister Negative’s involvement, though some sources, like Alex Perez from The Cosmic Circus, claim he may not appear. A potential gang war between Tombstone and another crime lord could be central to the plot, giving Spider-Man plenty of foes to tackle.
- The Punisher’s High-Tech Upgrade: To stand a chance against Spider-Man and the Hulk, the Punisher is reportedly getting a tech-heavy suit, possibly inspired by the “Iron Punisher” or War Machine armor from the comics. This upgrade addresses the challenge of Frank Castle, a human vigilante, facing off against superpowered opponents. Rumors suggest this advanced tech could tie into Stark Industries, potentially exploring themes from the shelved Armor Wars project about Stark Tech falling into the wrong hands.
- Mystery Surrounding Sadie Sink’s Role: Stranger Things star Sadie Sink is confirmed for the film, but her character remains undisclosed. Speculation ranges from her playing Mayday Parker (Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man’s daughter from another universe), a true Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacy, or Black Cat. Her role is expected to be significant but limited in screen time, adding intrigue to the film’s narrative.
Final Thoughts
Sony is looking like they are doing everything right(so far), for getting Spider-Man 4 to be one of the best Spider-Man films of all time. It will be really hard to beat No Way Home but with the practical sets, and even little details like showing Tom in his suit before shooting because they know leaks will happen, they are approaching this film with one of the best ways possible. We can all see how it all turns out on the big screen with the Hulk, Punisher, and Spider-Man when Brand New Day releases on july 31, 2026.
