Spider-Man: Brand New Day Expected Darkest MCU Film Yet

Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the fourth Tom Holland-led Spider-Man film in the MCU, is shaping up to be the darkest installment yet, with a tone compared to Marvel Comics' Kraven's Last Hunt and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and currently filming in Glasgow, the movie features a more street-level, mature storyline where Peter Parker lives anonymously after the events of No Way Home. Key characters include Jon Bernthal as the Punisher, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk, Michael Mando reprising his role as Scorpion, and new cast members Sadie Sink and Liza Colón-Zayas, while Zendaya returns as MJ with limited screen time. The film will showcase intense conflicts, including a Punisher versus Hulk showdown in the first act, and a villainous ensemble led by Mister Negative, with Scorpion playing a significant but not primary villain role. Set photos have revealed MCU Easter eggs referencing Franklin Richards and Wolverine, adding intrigue for fans, though these do not confirm appearances beyond the established cast. Producer Amy Pascal emphasized the film’s focus on Peter Parker’s decision to give up his personal life to fully embrace being Spider-Man, signaling a darker, more complex narrative ahead of its July 31, 2026 release.