Watch: Brand New Day teaser drops as Ruffalo returns as Hulk

Marvel Studios has officially kicked off production on Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the highly anticipated next chapter in the MCU’s web-slinging saga.

Filming is now underway in London, and fans were treated to an early teaser that revealed brief yet intriguing glimpses of Peter Parker’s updated Spider-Man suit. Alongside the footage, Marvel confirmed several long-rumored cast additions — including the return of Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk and the introduction of a classic villain from the comics.

Hulk Returns, Scorpion Takes Center Stage

After weeks of speculation, it’s now confirmed that Mark Ruffalo will reprise his role as Bruce Banner. His return hints at a more significant presence for the Hulk in Brand New Day, potentially playing a pivotal role in Peter Parker’s next adventure. Also confirmed is Michael Mando’s portrayal of Mac Gargan, a.k.a. Scorpion — a character last seen briefly in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Mando’s full-fledged return as a main antagonist marks his first major outing in the MCU since that cameo, signaling a deeper dive into Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery.

While Scorpion’s involvement is now official, the status of other rumored villains — namely Boomerang and Tombstone — remains unclear. Marvel has yet to comment on their inclusion, leaving fans to speculate whether this installment will assemble a larger group of adversaries or keep the conflict more grounded and intimate.

A Grounded Street-Level Team-Up: Spider-Man, Hulk, and Punisher

Adding more excitement to the cast, Jon Bernthal is also set to appear as Frank Castle, better known as the Punisher. With Spider-Man, the Hulk, and Punisher all confirmed, the film appears to be setting up a unique street-level alliance. This gritty trio suggests a more urban, grounded tone — a deliberate shift from the high-tech, multiverse chaos seen in the previous three Spider-Man films. Instead of battling galaxy-spanning threats, Brand New Day will bring Peter Parker back to his neighborhood roots, emphasizing crime-fighting and moral complexity over cosmic stakes.

Multiverse Hints and a New Parker Enters the Picture

Adding to the intrigue, rumors continue to swirl that actress Sadie Sink will portray Mayday Parker, the daughter of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson from an alternate universe. While unconfirmed, the introduction of Mayday would mark a bold step into multiverse storytelling — potentially opening emotional and narrative doors that connect this installment to broader MCU arcs.

Given this potential development, it’s likely that Brand New Day will tie into Avengers: Doomsday, slated for a future release. Much like The Fantastic Four: The First Steps, which teased future events in its post-credits scene, Brand New Day may use its final moments to set the stage for larger multiverse showdowns.

Director and Release Date

The film will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for helming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Cretton’s involvement suggests a blend of character-driven storytelling and stylized action, aligning with the film’s more grounded vision.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled for global release on July 31, 2026, marking it as the second entry in Marvel’s Phase Six slate.