The reveal that the title of Spidey’s next MCU outing will beSpider-Man: Brand New Dayhints at a story that specific villains would be perfect for. Spider-Man’s previous appearances in theMCU’s movie timelinehave helped him to become one of the franchise’s most popular heroes. His most recent solo movie,Spider-Man: No Way Home, set up an intriguing future for the character, finally establishing him as a street-level hero within the context of his MCU story.
The announcement of the next movie’s title asSpider-Man: Brand New Dayreveals potential detailsabout the upcoming movie. The comic book story thatBrand New Dayborrows its name from seems to be the logical inspiration for the movie, suggesting the narrative direction that Spidey’s fourth MCU solo movie will take. What’s more, it also offers an indication of which villains may appear in the movie, including several potential MCU debutantes. With that in mind, here are 8 villains that would be perfect for the MCU’sSpider-Man: Brand New Day.
8Mephisto
Mephisto’s Connection To Spider-Man Stories Makes Him An Obvious Contender
Though there have been manyMCU fan theoriesthat have attempted to explain Mephisto’s appearance in the franchise, none have ever turned out to be true. One theory in particular suggested that he would appear inSpider-Man: No Way Home, due to it being inspired by theOne More Daycomic book story. Though Mephisto’s connection to the Spider-Man story in the comics did not translate to the MCU adaptation, he could be a perfect addition for the hero’s next solo outing.
AsBrand New Day’s story in the comics begins by dealing with the fallout from theOne More Daystoryline,the MCU’s adaptation could provide an opportunity to finally introduce Mephisto.He could serve as a major adversary lurking behind the scenes, or in direct conflict with the MCU’s Spider-Man as he deals with his life after the events ofSpider-Man: No Way Home. Mephisto is a villain that MCU fans have been desperate to see, and so using him forBrand New Daycould be the perfect choice.
7Green Goblin (Harry Osborn)
Harry Osborn’s Inclusion Would Be Cleverly Subversive
Though Harry Osborn isn’t the best-known iteration of the Green Goblin, his time as the villain has seen him play a role in several great Spider-Man stories. His role in the comic book storyBrand New Dayis limited, though one plot point involves Peter Parker suspecting Harry has resumed his life as the Green Goblin. Though it turned out not to be the case in the comics, the MCU could use this as an opportunity to be subversive.
After Norman Osborn’s major role in the events ofNo Way Home, havingHarry Osborn turn out to beBrand New Day’s villain could provide significant emotional dramain the sequel. It also offers an opportunity for the MCU movie to depart from the expectations of those familiar with the comics by taking creative license with the source material. Though it would require liberal rewriting of the comic book story to facilitate Harry Osborn’s introduction into the MCU, it would be a clever way to employ the character in the aftermath ofSpider-Man: No Way Home’s ending.
6Menace
In Terms Of Pure Comic-Accuracy, Menace Is The Logical Choice
Menace might not be considered one of Spider-Man’s most famous foes, but her inclusion in the upcomingSpider-Man: Brand New Daywould be the most logical. Also known as Lily Hollister, Menace first appeared in the comics as part of theBrand New Daystory arc. Introduced as Harry Osborn’s girlfriend, it was later revealed that Hollister was Menace, a villain powered by the Goblin formula.Menace served as the most prominent antagonist in the originalBrand New Daystory.
This makes Menace the most obvious choice for the upcoming MCU movie, should the franchise opt to make it a faithful adaptation of the comic book arc. Considering theMCU’s Spider-Man timelinehas not yet introduced Harry Osborn – or even the franchise’s native Norman Osborn – there would be some narrative challenges to introducing Lily Hollister, but her villain role is certainly plausible. Though it’s unclear how likely Menace’s imminent appearance in the MCU actually is, her potential role inBrand New Daycertainly makes sense.
5Mister Negative
Mister Negative’s Role In Brand New Day Could Capitalize On His Recent Popularity
Another villain involved in the comic bookBrand New Daystory is Mister Negative, albeit in a supporting capacity. In the comic book arc, Martin Li plays a role in the mayoral campaign of Menace’s father, Bill Hollister, who he endorses to become Mayor of New York. This entangles him with the villain, involving him inBrand New Day’s story. However, his role in the upcoming MCU adaptation could potentially be much larger, should he be included.
Mister Negative’s popularity increased massively after he was introduced as a major antagonist in Insomniac’sSpider-Manvideo game, and he has continued to play a role in Spider-Man stories in the comics throughout recent years. His set of abilities makes him an interesting and appropriately powerful villain, and also comes with considerable cinematic potential.Mister Negative’s role in theBrand New Daystory arc could be rewritten to be much greater for the MCU adaptation, capitalizing on his current popularity while still leaning on the source material.
4Freak
Freak Features Heavily In The Brand New Day Comic
Over the years, there have been multiple characters who make use of the “Freak” moniker in Marvel Comics stories. The third to take on that mantle appeared as part of Spider-Man’sBrand New Daystory arc, playing a role as one of the story’s supporting antagonists. In the comics, the third Freak is an unnamed person with a drug addiction who inadvertently injects themselves with some animal gene fluids found in one of Curt Connors’ laboratories. This gives the Freak the ability to metamorphose into various forms.
In many ways, the Freak would be a perfect villain for the MCU’sSpider-Man: Brand New Day, as he provides something of a blank slate for the franchise to work with.As the villain was a part of the original comic book arc but has only a loosely defined backstory, the MCU could make significant changes to better fit within the context of the franchise.Considering the Lizard only recently crossed over into the MCU, the Freak’s origins could easily be worked intoBrand New Day’s story.
3Scorpion
Scorpion’s Appearance Would Pay Off An Unanswered MCU Tease
Even after just three solo movies, there have already been a surprising number of Spider-Man villains introduced in the MCU. Due to Multiverse crossovers and various minor villain teases, many of the hero’s most famous antagonists have either already appeared or been set up in some way. One of the most blatant unanswered MCU teases was that of the Scorpion, withSpider-Man: Homecomingintroducing Mac Gargan and hinting at his future as a more substantial villain.
Considering that a decade will have passed by the timeSpider-Man: Brand New Dayis released, it would seem that the sequel would be a perfect time to capitalize on that earlier tease.Scorpion is a villain who already exists in the MCU who has not yet been given a chance to face off properly against Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, so his inclusion inBrand New Daycould be perfect. Scorpion could be used as a main antagonist or in a more supporting role, making him a versatile and logical addition toBrand New Day’s potential cast.
2Prowler
Aaron Davis’s Reappearance Would Be A Fun Callback & Future Set-Up
Aaron Davis is best known as the villain Prowler, and has played a significant role in stories involving his nephew, Miles Morales. However, as the MCU has already established that Davis exists within the franchise, he could be an interesting and somewhat unexpected member of Brand New Day’s cast. Donald Glover appeared as Aaron Davis in a cameo inSpider-Man: Homecoming, and though he had yet to become the Prowler, seeing him appear again could better set up his villainous future.
The best way forSpider-Man: Brand New Dayto include Aaron Davis is not as a major villain, but rather in another small role that establishes his continued presence in the MCU’s timeline.Having Davis appear as a low-level crook or rising name within New York’s criminal underworld would be a great callback to his previous cameo, and would also set up his future as a major Spider-Man villain. Though he’s unlikely to play a major role inBrand New Day’s story, including Aaron Davis in its cast would be an excellent choice for the MCU as a whole.
1Shocker
Shocker’s MCU Story Could Continue As A Supporting Villain
The Shocker may not be the most iconic Spider-Man villain, but the character has played a consistent role in Spider-Man stories since his introduction. The MCU already established its own take on the character inSpider-Man: Homecoming, where Herman Schultz was a part of the Vulture’s gang. A supporting villain in Spider-Man’s first solo MCU movie, Shocker could make an unexpected comeback as part ofBrand New Day’s cast.
Having a previously established villain return would be a good way to call back to Spider-Man’s MCU past, while also helpingBrand New Dayflesh out his rogues’ gallery. Having Shocker return in a more comic-accurate costume as a full-fledged villain in his own right would be rewarding, and a great way to utilize the talents of Bokeem Woodbine. As such, Shocker could be a perfect villain to include should he return as part of the cast ofSpider-Man: Brand New Day.
