Washington DC [US], June 21: Marvel fans have something big to look forward to—Jon Bernthal, best known for playing Frank Castle/The Punisher, will join Tom Holland in the upcoming Spider-Man movie titled “Spider-Man: Brand New Day”, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film is scheduled to begin production this summer in England and is set for a theatrical release on July 31, 2026. While plot specifics remain tightly guarded, Bernthal’s inclusion as the gritty, gun-wielding vigilante Punisher hints at a darker, more intense storyline within the Spider-Man universe.
Bernthal previously portrayed the Punisher in Netflix’s Daredevil and later led his own series. Unlike traditional superheroes, his character is known for using brute force, firearms, and close-combat tactics rather than superpowers or mystical abilities—potentially indicating a more grounded, violent tone in this next Spider-Man chapter.
Tom Holland will reprise his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, with Zendaya (MJ) and Jacob Batalon (Ned) also expected to return. Another exciting addition to the cast is Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, though the size and nature of her role remain under wraps.
Rumors suggest that the film may feature multiple villains and even alternate versions of the Hulk, although Marvel Studios has yet to confirm these developments.
Interestingly, Bernthal and Holland share a bit of Marvel history: during the filming of Pilgrimage in 2017, the two actors were preparing for their Marvel auditions and reportedly helped each other tape audition reels—a full-circle reunion now realized on the big screen.
As Marvel gears up for another major entry in its cinematic universe, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be a film that blends familiar faces with bold new directions.