It’s been nearly five years since the release of Spiderman: No Way Home, and Marvel has finally announced the release date for their next installment in the franchise, alongside a first look at its trailer.
Spiderman: Brand New Day is set to hit theaters July 31st, 2026. Set four years after the events of Spiderman: No Way Home, the story follows adult Peter Parker navigating a new reality: one where everyone he loves has forgotten him. He no longer has access to Stark Technology, and his body is beginning to undergo potentially dangerous biological changes.
A new movie means new characters, new character arcs, and new fan theories to explore.
Does MJ have a new boyfriend?
One of the first heartbreaks from the trailer comes from a quick glance of MJ. In the less than 3-second clip, she appears to be standing with a new beau, getting caressed on the cheek, and potentially moving on. While a small detail, many fans, including myself, noticed the moment in the trailer and are terrified to learn what it means for the fate of Peter and MJ’s relationship. It is especially devastating when you consider the fact that after the events of No Way Home, MJ doesn’t remember Peter at all. While the clip of her talking to Spiderman indicates that she might have some recollection/relationship with Spiderman, it’s definitely a reminder of Peter’s new reality.
Does Peter loop Ned into his secret? Again?
One of the questions I have after watching the trailer is whether or not Peter has cracked and told Ned his secret…again? While the whole premise of No Way Home established that none of his friends are supposed to remember who he is and that he’s having to adjust to doing things alone, it’s Peter Parker we’re talking about here. He’s not exactly known for keeping his distance or keeping his identity much of a secret. That being said, the interactions between Peter, Ned, and MJ in the trailer are suspicious, take the look Ned gives Peter when he’s being introduced as one of the neighbors to MJ. It definitely screams ‘I know your identity, and you’re doing great in this super not awkward conversation with your not girlfriend because she’s completely forgotten your relationship kind of way.’ While I might be speculating here, I think it’s entirely possible for Ned to be one of the first people Peter tells his identity to in the new movie, especially considering he’s his best friend and a certified guy in the chair.
Punisher x Spiderman?
A shocking new character that made an appearance in the new trailer was none other than the Punisher himself, Frank Castle. While the specific reason for his involvement is unknown, some speculate that he might be involved with Sadie Sink’s character in the movie as some type of pseudo-bodyguard. Others believe that his appearance might suggest a Punisher, Daredevil, and Spiderman crossover event, however I’m not too convinced, as there weren’t many hints in the trailer that would suggest such a scenario. Beyond speculating about the reason for his appearance, I think the trailer suggests an interesting dynamic between the two. While Frank is known for his punch first, pessimistic world view, Peter is stereotypically portrayed as the pull the punches, the everyday hero. Spiderman: Brand New Day could be setting up for a clash of viewpoints scene here (Similar to the fight seen between Daredevil and Punisher in Daredevil Season 2). No matter what happens I’m excited to see how Frank’s storyline plays in the new movie and how he might or might not influence Peter.
Could Sadie Sink’s New Character be Jean Grey?
There are a lot of theories circulating on the internet right now about Sadie Sink’s new character in Spiderman: Brand New Day. Some think she might be playing Mary Jane Watson (though I think MJ is our certified version of this character), Gwen Stacey, another one of Peter’s love interests in the comics/movies, or even Shathra, another Spiderman Comic Villain, among others. One of the popular main theories is that she might be playing X-Men icon, Jean Gray. Many fans cite her red hair, outfit, and suspected telepathic abilities as main indicators of her potential identity. Others think a Jean Grey appearance could be a great way for Marvel to get the ball rolling on introductions to the X-Men in the MCU. There are a lot of theories out there, but so far Sink’s character appears to be heavily under wraps, so whether any of us is correct remains to be seen.
What do potential mutations mean for Spiderman?
Amidst other crazy developments, the Brand New Day trailer hints that Peter might be dealing with more than just a fresh start; he might be evolving. Some potentially dangerous mutations might mean slightly concerning/weird developments: organic webs, mysterious black eyes? (though some think this is either a hint towards a potential symbiote situation, or a play on the comic character Man Spider), cocoons, and heightened senses. While it’s unclear how daring Marvel will be with their storytelling, we can assume that any storyline will mean big changes for the character or the franchise as a whole.
Final Thoughts
The Spiderman: Brand New Day trailer has definitely raised lots of questions from comic and Marvel fans alike, and it’s really no surprise, as it was full of easter eggs, hints, and cameos. While Peter’s fate is a mystery, I know one thing: this movie is definitely one of my most anticipated releases of the year. I’m intrigued to find out how close (or not) other fans and I are to the truth.