Thanks to a recent revelation, it looks likely that Tom Holland’sSpider-Manmight appear in one of theMCU’s most anticipated TV shows in 2026. If so, it would be a big year for Spider-Man, who is gearing up for his nextstarring role inSpider-Man: Brand New Dayon July 31.
Spidey’s next MCU movie will be a long time coming, with more than a year separating it and the previous movie inthe MCU’s release slate,The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Should it follow the same trajectory as previousSpider-Man movies in the MCU, it should deliver a much-needed windfall for the franchise.
Although little is known aboutSpider-Man: Brand New Day’s plot, Marvel Studios and those directly involved with the movie have been drip-feeding tidbits throughout recent months. One of the biggest recent bombshells was the revelation that Jon Bernthal’s Punisher would be joining the wall-crawler on the big screen.
Not only will this make for an interesting dynamic as the typically nonlethal Spider-Man encounters one of Marvel’s most bloodthirsty vigilantes, but the news has been largely well-received thanks to the popularity of the MCU’s Punisher. Now, Tom Holland has even stoked suspicions that the two might meet ahead of time.
Tom Holland Recently Posted About A “Secret Shoot”
Spider-Man: Brand New Daybegan filming today on August 1, with various set photos already leaking to the public via social media. This has already sparked a firestorm of speculation about what audiences can expect from the upcoming MCU movie, with the prevailing prediction currently pointing at Mister Negative being the primary antagonist.
Despite filming only just getting underway, however,Tom Hollandposted a conspicuous image to social media on Tuesday, July 29.The image shows him undergoing makeup for what he has labeled a “Secret shoot,“with very little else to clue viewers into what this shoot might be.
This suggests thatSpider-Man will appear in another MCU production outside ofSpider-Man: Brand New Day. Whether this production will precede or follow his next big movie is unclear, but it is unlikely that he would labelBrand New Dayas a secret given how highly publicized the movie is.
The Punisher Spinoff Is Currently Filming In New York City
Compared to what little is known aboutSpider-Man: Brand New Day, arguably less is known about the upcoming, as-yet-untitled, Punisher Special Presentation. This feature is due to arrive on Disney+ in early 2026, around the same time asDaredevil: Born Againseason 2, and is set to spotlight Jon Bernthal’s Punisher.
The Punisher spinoff will be the MCU’s third Special Presentation, followingWerewolf by NightandThe Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. With that in mind, this latest Special Presentation will likely comprise a single, under-one-hour-long episode.
Punisher was last seen atthe end ofDaredevil: Born Againseason 1, escaping Kingpin’s makeshift prison by deceiving and killing (or, at least, severely maiming) a hapless guard.The Punisher Special Presentation, therefore, will likely pick up soon afterthis event as Frank Castle gets to work retaliating against Wilson Fisk’s corrupt, vigilante-hunting task force.
It appears that the Punisher will embark on a rampageaccording to some recent set photos and videos. In one, Punisher can be seen shooting into a car in broad daylight while sporting his iconic comics-accurate trench coat and skull-emblazoned shirt. In another, Punisher can be seen falling through some scaffolding during what is presumably a violent brawl.
So far,Jon Bernthal is the only noteworthy MCU actor who has appeared in these images. It is unclear, for instance, if Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock will join the Punisher in the streets of New York or if his next appearance is being conserved for his own series. Tom Holland’s social media post, however, makes another appearance more likely.
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man Appearing In The Punisher Connects To Brand New Day
Given Tom Holland posted about a secret shoot at the same time as the Punisher Special Feature was being filmed, the timing feels particularly conspicuous. It would significantly enhance Punisher’s Special Feature if an MCU character as huge as Spider-Man appeared, andit is not a cameo that will likely be revealed ahead of time.
Not only would this help to recapitalize on the shared universe of the MCU, something which has felt lacking in recentNew York-based MCU storieslikeThunderbolts*, butit would make a lot of sense given the news that Punisher will appear inSpider-Man: Brand New Day.
In fact, if Tom Holland is indeed filming for a cameo, thenit is likely that the Punisher Special Presentation will directly set up the events ofSpider-Man: Brand New Day. Punisher’s involvement in the movie further suggests thatSpider-Man: Brand New Daywill be street-level, with Spider-Man and Punisher both tackling New York City crime.
The extent of Punisher’s involvement inSpider-Man: Brand New Dayremains to be seen. However, with Tom Holland possibly filming for the Punisher Special Presentation just days before filming forSpider-Man: Brand New Daygot underway, it is likely he’ll play a small, if consequential, role in Punisher’s show.
