Spider-Man: Brand New Day Is Changing a Major Character in a Smart Way

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Spider-Man: Brand New Day, also known as Spider-Man 4, is wisely changing a major MCU character.

This summer, audiences in the United States will be able to see the latest Spider-Man movie, titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day, from Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios. Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spider-Man, in the film, which is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on Wonder Man and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Which MCU character is Spider-Man: Brand New Day changing?

A short scene from the upcoming Spider-Man 4 was shown at CinemaCon yesterday. While the clip isn’t available online, Variety reports that it showed Ned, played by Jacob Batalon, has become fascinated with conspiracy theories.

After the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Michelle Jones-Watson (played by Zendaya) and Ned (played by Jacob Batalon) have no memory of Peter Parker. Despite this, Peter (Tom Holland) still tries to reconnect with them, and a new clip shows him following Ned to a college party after seeing Ned buy beer at a local store.

According to the article, at a party, Peter spots a corkboard covered in Spider-Man headlines belonging to Ned. Ned explains to Peter that Spider-Man saved his and a friend’s lives in high school, and he’s been trying to discover the hero’s identity ever since – not to reveal it publicly, but to express his gratitude. Ned is confident Spider-Man is from Queens and has narrowed his search down to two possibilities: Flash Thompson and Professor Harrington, photos of whom he shares.

I’ve always enjoyed Ned in the Spider-Man movies – he’s a really fun character! But honestly, he’s felt a little one-dimensional at times, mostly just there for laughs or to help Spider-Man. From what I saw at CinemaCon, this new movie seems like it’s finally giving him a chance to really shine. His whole quest to find Spider-Man didn’t quite pan out in the clip, but I have a feeling it’s going to be a huge part of the story. I’m especially curious to see if it gives Peter and Ned a chance to rebuild their friendship, you know, with a fresh start and everything.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 4 arrives on July 31, 2026.

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2026-04-14 19:26