‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ is the MCU at its absolute best: Movie Review

“Brand New Day” is packed with amazing action sequences, including recreations of some of the most iconic Spider-Man covers and panels from the comics. As a huge Marvel fan, I was beyond excited to see so many familiar faces in action; not only from Spider-Man, but also some other prominent Marvel groups, such as the Avengers, and all interacting and each integral in their own way to the storyline, many not just cameos. 

I’ve said this before, but this film truly brings the feeling of reading a Marvel comic book series to the big screen. If the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is as intertwined as Brand New Day, we’ve got so much to look forward to.

The performances

Actor John Bernthal’s Frank Castle AKA The Punisher returns as a strong ally for Peter in this film, and we get to see Spider-Man and the Punisher’s relationship.

Actress Sadie Sink delivered an extremely powerful performance and I can’t wait to see what she does in the MCU’s future. I’d love to say more about her character, but you’ll have to find out her identity for yourself.

For the Hulk fans out there, actor Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner features prominently as well, and of course you can’t have the man without the monster. 

Peter Parker’s story has never felt more perfectly aligned with the values Spider-Man represents in the comics, and he quips! Actor Tom Holland gives an emotional performance. 

Things to know

Peter’s life in this film is perfectly aligned with everything I wanted to see for him. I cried tears of anxiety, sadness, happiness, and of just pure nerding-out. I already have my ticket to see it again.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is in theaters starting this Thursday, July 30, 2026 and is rated PG-13. There’s a bit of violence of course, but nothing too intense for younger audiences. One character does get a bloody face and mouth. 

It runs two and a half hours long. There is one very small teaser at the end of the credits. I wouldn’t even call it a “scene”, but just a tease for something to come.

In The Parks

If you’re on the East Coast of the U.S. and want to experience more Spider-Man in person, head to Universal’s Islands of Adventure to meet the web slinger in person and ride The Many Adventures of Spider-Man. 

For those on the West Coast, you can also meet him and ride Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure in Avenger’s Campus at Disney California Adventure. 

At Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris, the ride is called Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure in their Avengers Campus.