One of Spider-Man’s most intimidating comic book enemies is about to make a major leap into live-action. And its sooner than fans expected.
Before the character’s introduction in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, the crime boss Tombstone will be introduced in the next Marvel series ‘Spider-Noir’.
Tombstone Is Getting Two Live-Action Versions in 2026
The unveiling was made by comic artist Jorge Molina. Molina confirmed that the unidentified purple-clad character in advertisement artworks supporting the show is none other than Tombstone. Lonnie Lincoln, aka Tombstone, has been one of the most physically imposing villains in the history of Spider-Man.
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The time of the year makes 2026 a surprisingly massive year for the villain. In the course of a few months, viewers will witness two distinct live-action adaptations of Tombstone, a phenomenon that is hardly common with Spider-Man villains.
‘Spider-Noir’ will feature the villain before he appears on the big screen. The eight-part drama is set in a rough 1930s environment. The show’s setting is a very different tone from the current Spider-Man narratives.
Nicolas Cage plays the role of Spider-Man in the series, but this version will not be Peter Parker. Rather, the series will have Ben Reilly, a character with a long history in the Spider-Man comics.
It is also speculated that Abraham Popoola might be playing the role of Tombstone in the show. However, that has not been officially confirmed yet. No matter who ends up playing him, the noir setting opens the door for a new take on the villain, likely leaning into the character’s mobster roots and brutal reputation.
The Villain Will Also Face Tom Holland’s Spider-Man
The concept of Tombstone wandering the dark streets of a city in the 1930s already feels like a better fit for the darker theme of the series.
Moreover, after his television debut, Tombstone will reappear in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, this time against Holland’s Spider-Man from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvin Jones III will reportedly be playing the character in the film.
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It implies that viewers will see two versions of the same villain virtually, right after another, one in a gritty period setting and the other in the modern MCU. It is a unique chance to watch how various creative teams perceive the same character.
Interestingly, Tombstone is also picking up in animation. The character is now featured in ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’, which demonstrates the extent to which Marvel is paying attention to the villain at the moment.
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