Marvel fans are in for a major surprise as Tom Holland will be joined by an unexpected lineup of iconic characters in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day film.
According to The Hollywood Reporter on Friday, August 1, Mark Ruffalo is set to reprise his legendary role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, returning to the big screen nearly 14 years after first appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with The Avengers.
Joining the cast is Michael Mando, who will once again portray the villain Scorpion, a role he first brought to life in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), the critically acclaimed movie that kickstarted Holland’s Spider-Man franchise.
Holland’s Spider-Man films have consistently paired him with seasoned MCU veterans, from Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man in Homecoming, to Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Far From Home, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange in No Way Home. This tradition continues with Brand New Day, promising another exciting mentor-protégé dynamic while raising anticipation for the action-packed sequel.
Adding to the star-studded lineup, Jon Bernthal will reprise his gritty role as Frank Castle/The Punisher. This marks the character’s first-ever big-screen MCU appearance and his first film role since Punisher: War Zone (2008), in which the late Ray Stevenson portrayed the vigilante anti-hero.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, fans can expect a blend of classic superhero action and darker story elements with the inclusion of characters like The Punisher and Scorpion. The return of The Hulk also teases the possibility of large-scale battles and high-stakes confrontations.
Destin Daniel Cretton, known for directing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, will helm the project. Marvel Studios has officially slated Spider-Man: Brand New Day for release on July 30, 2026, positioning it as one of the MCU’s most anticipated upcoming films.
With a powerful ensemble cast, iconic returning characters, and the promise of fresh storylines, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be a must-watch Marvel event that blends nostalgia with thrilling new adventures.