Why I’m Excited For Spider-Man: Brand New Day

What Spider-Man Means To Me: An Introduction

Spider-Man has resonated with me since childhood because of his responsibility, courage, and determination. I grew up watching Tobey Maguire’s original trilogy and later explored The Amazing Spider-Man films in high school. I have also watched Tom Holland’s Home trilogy and the animated Spider-Verse movies, each of which brought something unique to the character of Peter Parker. Recently, I have become more interested in Spider-Man comics and learning more about his history. That said, I’m excited for Spider-Man: Brand New Day because of its character-driven approach to Peter’s arc, Destin Daniel Cretton’s direction, and the spectacular fight scenes.

A New Chapter for Peter Parker

One of the most intriguing aspects of Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the fact that this will be a character-driven story. Since the movie takes place four years after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, I think this creates a fascinating opportunity to explore Peter’s life on his own. It will be interesting to see how Peter navigates a world that’s largely forgotten about him and learns from the choices he made in the previous movie.

Tom Holland said that the movie will serve as a cautionary tale about isolation - choosing to face life’s challenges without a support system. It’s a great angle to explore because it relates to one of the most important aspects of Peter Parker: he’s a hero who constantly struggles to balance his responsibilities as Spider-Man with his personal life.

I also think this theme feels especially timely. Generation Z, which I am part of, has grown up in a world with constant access to social media and technology, yet loneliness and isolation are still major issues many people experience. That’s why seeing how Peter finds the support system he needs and learning that he doesn’t have to carry every burden alone will be the major highlight.

The Wall-Crawler Is Now A Force To Be Reckoned With: His Upgraded Combat Arsenal

With Jackie Chan’s stunt team behind the fight choreography (and Jackie Chan himself visiting the production to check on the team) and Destin Daniel Cretton, the director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, at the helm, the action is going to be next-level insane. On top of that, Tom Holland has recently learned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), as revealed by Colton Hill on The Sidney Gordon Podcast.

Now, regarding Tom’s newly acquired Jiu-Jitsu skills, I think Peter’s hand-to-hand combat is going to evolve beyond typical punching, kicking, and acrobatics. Instead, I believe Spider-Man could incorporate more close-quarters combat techniques such as takedowns, throws, and holds into his existing abilities. This would show how Peter has grown from the inexperienced teenager he once was into a more confident and capable crime-fighter.

However, just because Tom is now a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner doesn’t mean I want Spider-Man to suddenly become a full-blown MMA fighter. His fighting style should evolve in a way that makes sense for his character. Having Spidey go full ground-and-pound on an ordinary thug, apply a joint lock with his super strength, break their bones, or using a chokehold to cut off their air supply would completely violate Peter Parker’s moral values, and in-universe, it would not look heroic at all.

Nevertheless, I can accept Peter using more advanced and dangerous techniques if the situation truly calls for it. For example, if Peter is in a life-or-death fight against someone like Tombstone, he may have to rely on every skill he has learned to survive while still protecting innocent people.

I also theorize that the reason why we have not seen Peter utilizing Jiu-Jitsu techniques in many TV spots is because Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures may be saving that reveal as a surprise. Imagine audiences watching Peter using some finishing moves on a baddie and suddenly realizing “Oh damn, Spidey is a menace now. The villains better watch out because this isn’t the same kid who relied on Stark tech anymore.”

I hope Marvel and Sony keep this upgraded fighting style consistent throughout the new trilogy instead of forgetting about it after one movie, because it would be a shame for Spider-Man’s combat evolution to disappear after being introduced.

Destin Daniel Cretton’s Vision: Bringing The Comic Book Vibe To Life

Destin Daniel Cretton being brought on to direct this new era of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker was the right call because his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings showed that he can balance heartfelt storytelling with excellent action scenes. That is exactly what I’m hoping to see in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Spider-Man has always been more than just action. At his core, Peter Parker is a relatable character whose personal struggles are just as essential as the battles he fights, and I think Cretton understands that.

The fight scenes I’m most looking forward to seeing involve Peter Parker going toe-to-toe with the Hand, the infamous ninja clan from Marvel Comics that has not only faced Spider-Man but also heroes like Daredevil. I am also excited to see Peter take on the Hulk because it would be awesome to witness how his brand-new fighting style is utilized against opponents with different strengths.

Against the Hand, Peter could utilize his agility, web-slinging, and enhanced martial arts skills. By contrast, he would have to rely on his speed, intelligence, and the ability to use the environment to his advantage to find a way to neutralize the Hulk.

Another reason I’m excited is that the film adapts several elements from iconic comic storylines, including Amazing Fantasy #15, the comic where Spidey made his debut. This shows that the production genuinely respects Peter Parker’s legacy while still telling a fresh story for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Not only that, but the cinematography looks visually stunning. It feels unmistakably like Spider-Man while also giving the movie a more mature and darker atmosphere. To me, this is an excellent sign that Marvel and Sony are moving away from the lighter tone of Spider-Man:Homecoming and embracing the next stage of Peter Parker’s story.

Swinging Into Anticipation

While Spider-Man: Brand New Day is my most anticipated this summer, I also understand that I need to keep my expectations balanced. There may be certain elements of the film that do not completely meet my expectations, and that’s something every fan has to accept. Going into the movie, I want to view it with fresh eyes, like any other first-time viewer. I will do my best to avoid spoilers online so I can fully enjoy it when it arrives.