What to expect in Spider-Man 4: New threats and returning villains set to shake up the multiverse

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is expanding its multiverse narrative with Spider-Man: Brand New Day, slated to hit theatres on 31 July 2026. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), the fourth instalment in Tom Holland's Spider-Man series is set to feature both familiar foes and surprising new additions, with clear connections to previous Spider-Man timelines.

One of the most intriguing developments is the film’s rumoured link to Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man universe. Industry insider John Rocha, speaking on The Hot Mic podcast, revealed that the upcoming film will introduce Mayday Parker—Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson’s daughter from Marvel Comics continuity. While the role may be played by Stranger Things actor Sadie Sink, the bigger takeaway is the potential return of the Maguire-era storyline.

In Spider-Man: No Way Home, Tobey Maguire’s Peter mentioned he and Mary Jane "made it work", implying a future together. Introducing their daughter Mayday, a character known in comics as Spider-Girl, further develops that timeline and could establish a legacy hero arc. This also strengthens Marvel’s ongoing multiverse narrative by connecting previously separate Spider-Man franchises.

Villains teased at Disney event

Adding to the anticipation, a recent presentation at the Disney Blockbuster Consumer Products event offered fans a glimpse at possible antagonists. According to now-deleted social media posts by attendees, villains being considered for Brand New Day include Scorpion, Boomerang, and Tombstone.

Scorpion (Mac Gargan) has already been teased in the MCU, having appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming as a criminal with a vendetta against Peter Parker. Tombstone and Boomerang, while lesser-known to mainstream audiences, are long-time Spider-Man foes with rich comic backstories. Tombstone, in particular, featured prominently in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse as one of Kingpin’s enforcers.

While Marvel has not officially confirmed the villain lineup, the inclusion of grounded, street-level threats suggests a return to Spider-Man’s urban roots, possibly contrasting the multiversal chaos of previous entries.

A new direction for the franchise

Spider-Man: Brand New Day appears to be balancing two major story arcs—continuing Peter Parker’s journey in the post-No Way Home MCU, while also honouring and possibly expanding on the legacy of earlier Spider-Man universes.

The film’s title shares its name with a controversial 2007 comic book storyline that rebooted Peter Parker’s life by erasing his marriage to Mary Jane. Though it’s unclear if the movie will adapt that arc directly, the thematic nod suggests personal upheaval and reset—a familiar Marvel motif.

With multiverse storylines gaining momentum and legacy characters returning, Brand New Day could serve as both a fresh chapter and a bridge across Spider-Man’s cinematic history. Whether it's new villains or the emergence of a next-generation Spider-hero, the film is poised to reshape the franchise once again.

Further official announcements from Marvel Studios are expected later this year.