Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Release Date: July 31, 2026
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Writers: Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers
Cast:
• Tom Holland – Spider-Man/Peter Parker
• Zendaya – MJ
• Michael Mando – Scorpion/Mac Gargan
• Jon Bernthal – Punisher/Frank Castle
• Mark Ruffalo – Hulk/Bruce Banner
• Marvin Jones III – Tombstone/Lonnie Lincoln
• Jacob Batalon – Ned
• Sadie Sink
• Liza Colon-Zayas
• Tramell Tillman
The last time we saw Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not only did no one know he was Spider-Man, everyone’s memory of Peter had been erased entirely. The Spider-Man: No Way Home climax culminated in Doctor Strange casting this spell as a way to end the multiversal mayhem. This leaves Peter all on his own to navigate whatever trouble awaits in Brand New Day.
However, casting does suggest that Spider-Man will again have a mentor in the fourth MCU Spider-Man. Following in the footsteps of Iron Man, Nick Fury/Talos, and Doctor Strange for the first three Spidey flicks, Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk will make his first MCU appearance since She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Plus, it will be his only post-Endgame cinematic portrayal of the big green hero, save for a cameo at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings. An even deeper connection between that movie and Brand New Day is that both are directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.
Aside from the addition of Hulk in a solo Spidey flick, other exciting inclusions are the villain Scorpion and the anti-hero Punisher. Michael Mando’s Scorpion had a quick run in with Peter in Homecoming, landing the criminal behind bars. After he started planning revenge against Spider-Man, Scorpion has not been seen since that 2017 summer blockbuster. Jon Bernthal’s Punisher featured in the Marvel-Netflix universe in the late 2010’s and reprised the role for the MCU’s Daredevil: Born Again series. Next year he will star in his own Disney Plus special, while also making his first theatrical appearance as Frank Castle in Brand New Day.
Clayface
Release Date: September 11, 2026
Director: James Watkins
Writers: Hossein Amini and Mike Flanagan
Cast:
• Tom Rhys Harries – Clayface
• Naomi Ackie
• Max Minghella
• Eddie Marsan
Clayface is the most unsuspecting piece in James Gunn’s DCU puzzle. Although the shapeshifter is a distinguished Batman villain, he will not be a part of Matt Reeves’ Batman catalog and will not fall under the DC Elseworlds brand, like the Joker movies. Clayface will live in the collective DC Universe, however, given the differences in disposition, the amount of cross over with heroes like Superman or Green Lantern may be extremely limited.
DC has options when it comes to the direction they want to take with this villain/anti-hero. Clayface could resemble the Venom trilogy, which has an inherent comic relief element built into its tone (some would say it is too light for the quintessential Spider-Man antagonist). Alternatively, it can follow in the footsteps of a fellow DC headliner, Joker; bleak from beginning to end. Given the writer and directors’ proclivity for heavier horror, Clayface may lean toward the latter.
The cast and filmmakers are looking to breakout with a hit on this modestly budgeted project. British actor Tom Rhys Harries has been gaining in popularity in recent years and will now take center stage in Clayface. His co-star, Naomi Ackie, is known for embodying Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and gave standout performances in Blink Twice, Mickey 17, and Sorry Baby. Director James Watkins can advance his career with a well-received horror movie that is not a remake. And screenwriter Mike Flanagan has achieved critical acclaim adapting Stephen King works Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, and The Life of Chuck, but has yet to find success at the box office.