Recent revelations surrounding Spider-Man: Brand New Day have provided insight into Tom Holland’s absence from the extensive cast of the much-anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. Following a flurry of updates regarding major upcoming Marvel projects, the title and details for Spider-Man 4 were officially disclosed at CinemaCon 2025. This announcement, featuring both director Destin Daniel Cretton and star Tom Holland, hinted at an exciting new phase for the beloved Web-Slinger within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Just a week prior, Marvel Studios surprised fans with a five-and-a-half-hour livestream to unveil the cast list for Avengers: Doomsday, marking a notable departure in their announcement strategies. Although the extensive cast was revealed, several high-profile actors, including Holland, were notably missing. Now, with the introduction of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the reasons behind this omission are beginning to clarify.
Avengers: Doomsday’s Cast Announcement Showcases a Diverse Ensemble
A Historic Cast Reveal for Avengers: Doomsday
Exploring the remarkable scale of Avengers: Doomsday, it’s fascinating to note the absence of Tom Holland. Marvel Studios meticulously revealed cast members during the livestream, starting with Chris Hemsworth and followed by familiar names such as Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd, Simu Liu, Danny Ramirez, and Tom Hiddleston over a five-hour span. They also showcased performers from the upcoming films Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, including actors like Letitia Wright and Winston Duke, in addition to several notable villains from Marvel lore.
Adding to the surprise, legendary names from the Fox X-Men series—Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Channing Tatum—were included, hinting at an epic showdown with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. Yet amid these thrilling confirmations, Tom Holland’s absence stood out, raising eyebrows among fans who expected Spider-Man to join forces against Doom. Kevin Feige has teased that this upcoming confrontation will bring together a mix of Avengers, classic X-Men, the Thunderbolts, and the Fantastic Four, but Holland is conspicuously missing from this ensemble.
Brand New Day’s Narrative Points to a Unique Spider-Man Tale
A Shift in Narrative Focus for Spider-Man
Custom Image by Milica Djordjevic
While Holland’s absence from the Doomsday line-up shocked many, recent updates suggest that his new solo film could explain this decision. The newly titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day indicates a shift towards a more introspective storyline for Peter Parker. Following the extensive multiverse adventures of Spider-Man: No Way Home and the grand-scale battles of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, this title suggests a return to a more street-level narrative.
This title draws inspiration from a significant comic storyline where Peter makes a fateful pact with Mephisto to resurrect his Aunt May, leading to monumental repercussions and a fresh start for Spider-Man’s character arc. If the film adheres to a similar plot trajectory, it would steer clear of the cosmic stakes, making it a grounded story relevant in the context of everyday challenges, which would be heightened by recent revelations from the broader multiverse.
In this light, Holland’s appearance in the high-stakes world of Avengers: Doomsday would overshadow the more intimate themes of Brand New Day. The continuity between these narratives suggests that having Spider-Man traverse both vast and nuanced storytelling styles could dilute his character’s focus.
Missing Doomsday Could Pave the Way for a Stronger Role in Secret Wars
Strategic Positioning for Secret Wars
Another compelling reason for Holland’s absence from Avengers: Doomsday could stem from the potential for a more impactful appearance in Avengers: Secret Wars. If Spider-Man does not participate in Doomsday, it sets the stage for Brand New Day to stand out as a self-contained narrative, which is a rare feat in the MCU’s expansive offerings. This approach could make his ultimate involvement in Secret Wars even more exhilarating.
The 2027 film is anticipated to mirror comic themes where Doctor Doom orchestrates the multiverse’s battleground, Battleworld, amidst cosmic collapse. Given this premise, integrating Spider-Man into the fabric of Secret Wars—after establishing his own journey—enhances both the narrative stakes and audience excitement, particularly following the smaller, character-driven storylines of Brand New Day.