Spider-Man: Brand New Day brings Peter Parker home in a way that the Tom Holland movies have never done before while also not shying away from the real strength it takes to be this hero. This movie also grounds the superhero in a way that none of his previous appearances in the MCU have done before. And it just makes me love Peter Parker, his legacy, and every version that has come before this one even more.
As they did in Thunderbolts, I’m really happy that Spider-Man: Brand New Day took the time to explore what it means to be Peter Parker and Spider-Man, together and separately. Because yes, he is the hero that is saving the day over and over again. But at the same time, he’s just a kid. A kid who is alone and carrying the weight of the world by his lonesome. That would break any regular person. Imagine what it’s doing to Peter now that no one remembers him? And exploring Peter’s mental health makes him more real and relatable, someone you want to see thrive and survive.
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Keeping on with that mental health aspect, Spider-Man: Brand New Day does unexpected things one after the other. I anticipated things between Peter and his friends to go one way, and Marvel went another. Even with the Sadie Sink of it all. I expected it to go one way, and it went another. And they did this in a way that feels in line with who Spider-Man is while creating something that feels new for fans who love this hero.
Then there’s the city of New York, aka the secret sauce that Holland’s Spider-Man has been missing.
When it comes to Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man, I know where New York City stands. The same thing with Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man. They both had moments where they thought they were at their lowest, and the city that they protected had their back. Holland’s Spider-Man has been missing this pivotal connection. Because yes, MJ and Ned don’t remember him. No one does. But they know Spider-Man. The entire city does. So he’ll never be truly alone.
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But you know what the extra kick that made Spider-Man: Brand New Day the best Holland movie when it comes to his take on Peter Parker? The humor. Because I loved seeing Holland’s, Maguire’s, and Garfield’s Peter Parkers all together in Spider-Man: No Way Home. There was comedy in that. But I have always had trouble with Holland himself when it comes to how quick Peter is with a joke or quip. But this is a movie about growing up. And this Peter has found a way through the pain and a whole lot of humor that reminds me of Garfield’s run as Spider-Man.
Outside of Peter Parker himself, Spider-Man: Brand New Day did a great job of giving us unexpected dynamics. We have already seen small previews of Spider-Man and Frank Castle aka The Punisher, interacting. But what I saw on that screen, it just makes me want this pairing fighting crime all the time. Because the chemistry is just so smooth between these two. You know what it is? It feels like watching brothers arguing one second and then the next having each other’s back no matter what. That’s what it is!
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You could see this great chemistry between Peter and Liza Colón-Zayas’ Detective Jean DeWolff. Dare I say I loved Colón-Zayas’ performance so much that I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever seen her in. (Yes, even better than what I saw on The Bear. Sorry, not sorry.) I’m almost kind of mad that the trailers never gave us anything about her. But maybe that’s the point. The way that I experienced her is the way that others should. And yes, you will fall in love with her.
Because I can’t talk about the Sink of it all, I’m pivoting to talk about the romantic beats of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
I know that Holland is married to Zendaya, aka MJ. But the chemistry that I was seeing with these two was giving rom-com vibes in the sweetest way possible. And it’s like nothing we’ve seen before in their previous movies, which goes back to how this isn’t the Peter Parker or MJ we knew back when they were in high school. Now they’re all grown up and interacting in different ways. But that spark is still there.
MORE: Want more Zendaya? Read our review for Challengers.
Overall, I love that Marvel is exploring the real pain, heartache, and loss that comes with being a hero like Peter. Because no matter how friendly he looks or how much he takes care of your neighborhood, that’s someone’s son, nephew, boyfriend, or friend underneath that mask. And Peter needs somebody to take care of him with the same love and determination that he has for the people that he saves day in and day out. Basically, just bring tissues. You’ll thank me later.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters July 31, 2026.
