Marvel Studios is gearing up for its next big Spider-Man adventure, Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), and the latest casting news has fans excited for a long-awaited crossover. Jon Bernthal, best known for his portrayal of Frank Castle/The Punisher in Netflix’s Marvel series, is officially joining the film. His addition signals what could be a tonal shift for the web-slinger, moving from the multiverse-spanning spectacle of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) to a grittier, street-level focus.
Frank Castle’s brutal, take-no-prisoners approach to justice is a stark contrast to Peter Parker’s hopeful and empathetic heroism, with his clash of philosophies already being a focal point in his relationship with Matt Murdock’s Daredevil. This could bring a fresh dynamic to the Spider-Man story and a deeper exploration of the MCU’s darker underbelly.
The last time audiences saw Castle, he was navigating a morally gray world in the season finale of Daredevil: Born Again (2025), and he’s set to appear in The Punisher: Marvel Special Presentation, releasing on Disney+ later this year. This move and the inclusion of Jessica Jones for season 2 of Born Again indicate Marvel’s growing commitment to integrating characters from its Netflix-era lineup into the larger MCU fold.
A Star-Studded Cast
Bernthal isn’t the only high-profile name joining the Brand New Day cast. Sadie Sink, a fan-favorite from Stranger Things, has signed on for a mysterious role. While Marvel has remained tight-lipped about her character, fans speculate she could portray Mayday Parker, Peter Parker’s future daughter from the comics, with her character traveling from Tobey Maguire’s universe into the MCU. Others believe she might be stepping into the shoes of Gwen Stacy or even playing a completely new character created for the MCU.
Mark Ruffalo is also set to reprise his role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, adding an Avengers-level presence to the film. His inclusion has sparked curiosity about whether his scientific expertise or Hulk’s brute strength will play a pivotal role in the story. Meanwhile, the beloved duo of Zendaya and Jacob Batalon will return as MJ and Ned, continuing to anchor Peter Parker’s personal life.
Another intriguing addition is Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear), who may take on a villainous role. Early rumors suggested this character was originally considered for Sarah Snook, but details remain shrouded in mystery. Could she be a reimagined version of Madame Web or a more grounded villain from Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery? Time will tell.
Destin Daniel Cretton: A Perfect Fit for Spidey?
Behind the camera, Brand New Day will be helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). Cretton’s work on Shang-Chi received widespread acclaim, particularly for its innovative action sequences like the now-iconic bus fight and the visually stunning climactic battle. Fans are already expressing high hopes that he’ll bring the same creativity and energy to Spider-Man’s web-slinging exploits.
Online chatter suggests Cretton’s grounded approach to storytelling and ability to balance action with emotional beats make him an excellent fit for this new chapter in Peter Parker’s journey.
A New Direction for Spider-Man
With Spider-Man: Brand New Day shaping up to feature a mix of street-level crime-fighting and larger-than-life heroics, Marvel appears ready to push Peter Parker into fresh territory. Bernthal’s Punisher brings an edge of danger and moral complexity, while the film’s ensemble cast promises a blend of humor, heart, and action.
As the MCU continues to expand, Brand New Day could redefine Spider-Man’s role within this universe. Will this new film lean into the grounded themes, and could we see other street-level heroes like Daredevil or Luke Cage appear? We’ll find out when Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters in 2026.
Until then, share your theories and favorite Spider-Man moments, let the speculation begin!
