‘Spider-Man 4’ Set Photo Confirms Fan-Favorite Character Is Returning
A new behind-the-scenes photo from the set of Spider-Man: Brand New Day hints that a fan-favorite character from the original trilogy is returning. The image was shared on X by the account Culture Crave and shows Tom Holland in his new Spider-Man suit alongside Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, who play MJ and Ned in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Batalon can be seen wearing an MIT t-shirt, suggesting that his character is still a student there.
Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon on the set of 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' 🕸️ pic.twitter.com/4mCj96JqN1
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) September 11, 2025
Given how central MJ and Ned were in the first three Spider-Man films, it makes sense that they would appear in Brand New Day.
However, fans are wondering how their roles will be handled, as the ending of No Way Home was a major turning point for Peter Parker. Reuniting the trio in a way that ignores the emotional impact of that finale could undermine Peter’s story arc.
Batalon has also addressed rumors about his character possibly becoming the Hobgoblin. He told fans, “Honestly, I’m not sure. Again, we may have talked about things, for sure, but I don’t know if it would’ve really led to anything serious about being a villain, or anything like that.” He later clarified that he does not know if he will appear in the film at all.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the next installment in the MCU Spider-Man series and will be the 38th film in the shared universe.
The film is co-produced by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. It is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, with a screenplay by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. Alongside Holland, Zendaya, and Batalon, the cast includes Sadie Sink, Liza Colón-Zayas, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Mando, and Tramell Tillman.
Development on the fourth MCU Spider-Man film began as early as August 2019. Producer Amy Pascal revealed in November 2021 that it would launch a new trilogy for Holland’s Spider-Man.
By February 2023, McKenna and Sommers were confirmed to return as writers, and Cretton was announced as director in October 2024. The film’s title was officially revealed in March, with filming beginning in August in Glasgow, Scotland, and soundstage work at Pinewood Studios in England.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to hit theaters in the United States on July 31, 2026, as part of Phase Six of the MCU.
In my opinion, seeing MJ and Ned back could be a nostalgic treat for longtime fans, but it will be interesting to see how the story respects the events of No Way Home. How do you feel about their possible return? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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