Marvel fans have a lot to look forward to as ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ gears up to launch Peter Parker into a brand-new era of storytelling in the MCU. After the multiverse-shattering events of ‘No Way Home’, Tom Holland’s Peter is stepping into unfamiliar yet thrilling territory, and he won’t be alone this time.
The upcoming film promises to bring back familiar faces and possibly ignite one of the most iconic arcs in Spider-Man’s comic book history: the symbiote saga. Two surprising Marvel characters will play key roles: Jon Bernthal’s Punisher and Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk. Now, a new theory suggests their inclusion isn’t random at all. It’s tied directly to one of Spider-Man’s most dangerous challenges yet.
Hulk And Punisher Are Perfect For Peter’s Journey In ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
If there’s one thing that defined Peter’s journey at the end of ‘No Way Home’, it was sacrifice. In choosing to erase himself from the memories of MJ, Ned, and the entire world, Peter fully embraced the mantle of Spider-Man while leaving behind his personal life. It was a gut-wrenching decision. However, it also set him on a darker, lonelier path. That’s where the Punisher and the Hulk come in.
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Frank Castle’s story is one of tragedy and vengeance. After losing his family, he surrendered completely to a life of violence and justice through rage, with no chance at normalcy. Peter now finds himself in a similar headspace, isolated, grieving Aunt May, and channeling his entire being into his role as Spider-Man. Frank acts as a grim mirror for Peter. On the other hand, Hulk offers a counterpoint.
Bruce Banner spent years wrestling with uncontrollable anger, hunted and feared for the destruction it caused. Yet by the time of ‘Avengers: Endgame’, he found a balance as Smart Hulk, merging both sides of himself. His presence in ‘Brand New Day’ could provide Peter with hope. This dynamic sets up a powerful thematic triangle. Punisher shows Peter the cost of surrendering to grief. Hulk shows him the possibility of mastering it.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Also Sets Up The Symbiote’s Return
At the end of ‘No Way Home’, a piece of the symbiote was left behind in the MCU after Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock was yanked back to Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. Marvel doesn’t leave loose ends like that lying around, which means it’s only a matter of time before the black goo finds its next host. The theory suggests that the symbiote’s return is directly tied to the inclusion of Hulk, Punisher, and even Scorpion.
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Each of these characters has a violent, rage-driven history. The symbiote, known to amplify aggression and feed off its host’s darker impulses, could be drawn to them like a magnet. Imagine the chaos if it latches onto Frank Castle, amplifying his thirst for vengeance, or even worse, if it pushes Bruce Banner into a regression. This could eventually trigger the return of the uncontrollable Savage Hulk after years of peace.
This sets the stage for Spider-Man himself to step in. If the symbiote begins wreaking havoc, Peter may see no choice but to bond with it in order to contain its power. In doing so, he would not only inherit the enhanced strength and abilities that make the black suit iconic but also face the temptation of losing himself to its darker influence. And let’s be honest, seeing Tom Holland don the black suit on screen would be a monumental moment for fans.
It ties perfectly into Spider-Man’s comic book history, where the symbiote suit first appeared during ‘Secret Wars’. Moreover, placing the storyline here, before the next Avengers films, allows Peter to explore this iconic arc. It all clicks together in a way that feels almost too perfect to be a coincidence.
