Marvel Revives Hated MCU Character in ‘Spider-Man 4’ as New Leak Spreads
Marvel fans are no strangers to rumors, but now and then, one pops up that instantly makes the entire internet lose its mind.
That’s exactly what’s happening with Spider-Man 4.
A new report from a well-known MCU scooper claims a recognizable Star Wars actor could join the next Spider-Man film. And based on how fans are reacting, this isn’t the kind of casting news people want to celebrate. Instead, many believe it could signal the MCU bringing in one of the most disliked characters from recent Spider-Man comics.
If that ends up being true, Marvel may be setting itself up for one of the most controversial relationship twists the franchise has seen in years.
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man Still Carries the MCU
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man isn’t just another superhero in the lineup anymore. He has become one of Marvel’s most prominent anchors.
Fans have watched Holland’s Peter Parker grow up on screen, from an eager kid trying to impress Tony Stark to someone who has faced real loss and severe consequences. His Spider-Man movies have always felt more emotional than most MCU projects, and that’s part of why audiences stay so invested.
That emotional weight also makes every casting rumor feel like it matters more than usual. Spider-Man doesn’t just fight villains—his world constantly changes.
No Way Home Left Spider-Man With Nothing
The ending of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) didn’t feel like a win. It felt like Peter Parker’s life was ripped apart.
Peter lost Aunt May, and the grief from that alone would have been enough to break him. But the bigger twist came when Doctor Strange’s spell erased Peter from everyone’s memory.
MJ and Ned no longer knew him. The people who mattered most simply forgot he existed.
Peter didn’t just lose his girlfriend and best friend. He lost his entire support system. And still, he stayed Spider-Man, continuing to fight crime in a world where nobody even knew his name.
Brand New Day Will Move the Story Forward
Marvel’s next Spider-Man film is expected to be titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and it’s currently scheduled for release on July 31, 2026.
The film is rumored to jump four years ahead after No Way Home (2021), showing a Peter Parker who has spent years living quietly and anonymously. Instead of having friends to lean on, he’ll reportedly be navigating a criminal mystery while dealing with everything he sacrificed.
Several villains have already been tied to the project, including Scorpion, played by Michael Mando, and Tombstone, reportedly played by Marvin “Krondon” Jones III. Boomerang has also been rumored, with speculation that Tom Holland’s brother, Harry Holland, could potentially portray him.
Other names, such as Chameleon, Tarantula, Viper, and Harry Osborn, continue to circulate online, though nothing has been confirmed.
Star Wars Actor Rumor Sparks the Backlash
The biggest controversy is coming from a rumor tied to scooper Daniel Richtman. According to the report, Ahsoka (2023) actor Eman Esfandi has been cast in Spider-Man: Brand New Day as a new boyfriend for Zendaya’s MJ.
That rumor immediately led fans to one conclusion: Paul Rabin.
Comic readers know Paul as one of the most disliked characters introduced in modern Spider-Man stories. He was introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man during Zeb Wells’ run, beginning in April 2022, as MJ’s boyfriend while she and Peter were separated.
Many fans viewed him as a boring plot device meant to keep Peter and MJ apart, and he quickly became infamous for his unpopularity.
Why Fans Think Paul Could Fit the MCU
The theory has gained traction because Paul’s comic background involves scientific study, which could connect easily to the MCU timeline. MJ and Ned were headed to MIT at the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).
Because of that, it makes sense MJ could meet someone new there. Some fans have pointed out Esfandi resembles Paul from the comics. However, Richtman reportedly claimed Esfandi will not have a beard in the movie.
For now, it’s still speculation. Esfandi could be Paul, another Marvel character, or an original character.
What’s Next for Spidey?
If MJ really has a new boyfriend, it adds another painful layer to Peter’s already lonely life. MJ and Ned don’t remember him, so the question becomes what could pull them back into Peter’s world.
Some fans think Peter may keep tabs on them from a distance, while others believe the criminal mystery could drag them into danger again.
Either way, if Marvel truly introduces Paul Rabin, Spider-Man fans may be in for another emotional gut punch.
