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Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)


Spider-Man: Brand New Day is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the filmmaker behind Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and he brings a welcome sense of energy and confidence to the latest chapter in Spider-Man's story. Cretton keeps the pacing brisk and knows exactly when to indulge in fan service without letting it completely overshadow the story. There are enough crowd-pleasing moments that longtime fans will likely leave satisfied, even if the film falls just short of true greatness.

Tom Holland, known for The Impossible and Spider-Man: No Way Home, gives what I consider to be his strongest performance as Peter Parker. I'm usually critical of his acting, but here he shows far more emotional range and confidence than in his previous appearances. Zendaya, known for Dune and Challengers, also delivers one of her best performances to date. Which if you know me, that is a considerable statement. The chemistry between the two feels more natural than ever, and both actors elevate material that might not have worked as well in earlier films.

Sadie Sink, known for Stranger Things and The Whale, is another standout, delivering a performance that surpasses her work in Stranger Things. Jon Bernthal, known for The Punisher and The Odyssey, steals nearly every scene he's in with impeccable comedic timing and undeniable charisma, proving once again how versatile he can be. Mark Ruffalo, known for Spotlight and the Avengers films, has a serviceable role but never leaves much of an impression. The weakest performances belong to Liza Colón-Zayas, known for The Bear, and Tramell Tillman, known for Severance. Since discussing one of those roles would venture into spoiler territory, I'll simply say that both performances felt unusually subdued and lacked the presence needed to make their characters memorable.

Overall, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is one of the stronger entries in Tom Holland's run as the web-slinger. While it doesn't quite achieve greatness, Destin Daniel Cretton delivers an enjoyable superhero film filled with exciting moments, improved performances from its leads, and enough fan service to keep audiences invested. It may not redefine the character, but it's an easy recommendation for both Spider-Man fans and general moviegoers. Result: A-

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