While chatting with Destin Daniel Cretton on The Movie Dweeb, the director couldn’t hide his excitement when the conversation turned to Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Given permission to be as cryptic as an Avengers: Doomsday trailer, Cretton side‑stepped specifics but made one thing crystal clear: fans should be ready for a new side of Tom Holland.

I asked which moment he was most excited for audiences to see, and Cretton didn’t point to a stunt, a villain reveal, or a multiverse shock. Instead, he focused entirely on Holland’s performance, praising the actor for going “to places” he hasn’t before. According to the director, Holland “killed it,” delivering something emotionally rich that goes beyond spectacle.

There was a noticeable emphasis on connection; not just for die‑hard Marvel fans, but for anyone watching. Cretton teased that Brand New Day explores emotions that feel deeply human, suggesting a more grounded, mature chapter for Peter Parker following the events of No Way Home.

Still, lest anyone worry things have become too serious, Cretton reassured fans that the film is also “very fun,” striking a balance between heartfelt character work and the joy that defines Spider‑Man at his best.

What We Know About Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to swing into cinemas on July 31, 2026, marking Tom Holland’s return to the MCU in a story that picks up after the seismic ending of No Way Home. With the world forgetting Peter Parker exists, the film follows him into a more isolated, grown‑up phase of his life.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film promises a tonal shift (still playful, but more reflective) as Peter navigates adulthood without the safety net of friends, mentors, or public recognition. It’s a natural evolution for the character, and one that leans heavily into emotional consequence.

The supporting cast includes the returning Zendaya as MJ and Jacob Batalon as Ned, alongside confirmed MCU appearances from Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner and Michael Mando reprising his role as Mac Gargan, aka Scorpion, a villain fans have been waiting years to see fully unleashed.

Filming took place across London and Scotland, giving the movie a slightly different visual texture from previous Spider‑Man outings, and reinforcing the sense that Brand New Day is about new beginnings… Even when they’re uncomfortable.

Inside Marvel’s Wonder Man, the Show That Stole the Interview

Cretton was also promoting Wonder Man, a Marvel series he co‑created with Andrew Guest, and it’s clear this project holds a very different, but equally special, place in his heart. Set within Hollywood itself, the show offers a rare peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.

The story follows Simon Williams, an aspiring actor struggling to break through, whose life collides with Trevor Slattery, a washed‑up performer clinging to past glory. Both men find themselves orbiting a remake of the in‑universe superhero film Wonder Man, directed by the legendary Von Kovak.

One of the show’s biggest delights is its approach to Easter eggs. As Cretton explained, Wonder Man isn’t just packed with Marvel callbacks; it’s littered with nods to classic cinema, industry in‑jokes, and film history. Blink and you might miss references to everything from old Hollywood to unexpected titles like Midnight Cowboy.

With Yahya Abdul‑Mateen II stepping into the role of Simon Williams, the series promises powerhouse performances alongside sharp satire, heartfelt character work, and a love letter to filmmaking itself, all wrapped in Marvel’s signature style.