True Hardcore: One of Marvel's Darkest Characters Will Appear in the New Spider-Man

What iconic comic book character will join the "friendly neighborhood" universe? And what else is known about the development of the new installment?

Peter Parker is gearing up for a new encounter — and this time, things are about to get way darker. According to Deadline, the fourth Spider-Man film starring Tom Holland, titled "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," will feature one of comics' most brutal and controversial heroes — The Punisher, played by Jon Bernthal.

That's right, Frank Castle — the veteran, vigilante, and man every criminal fears — is making his big-screen debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Remember, Bernthal already returned to the role this year in the series "Daredevil: Born Again." Now he's ready to go face-to-face with the web-slinger — and it's anyone's guess whether he'll be friend or foe.

Actor Tom Holland in Spider-Man costume looks menacingly to the side against a dark background — Frames from the film "Spider-Man: No Way Home"

The cast is pretty impressive too: joining Tom Holland are Sadie Sink from "Stranger Things," Liza Colón-Zayas from "The Bear," plus Zendaya and Jacob Batalon — despite their characters forgetting who Peter Parker is at the end of "No Way Home" (the third Spider-Man film).

In the comics, The Punisher and Spider-Man have clashed plenty of times: first in 1974, when Frank Castle debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man #129. Since then, they've both teamed up and fought each other — because while they both want to protect New York, their methods are, let's say, dramatically different.

Actor Jon Bernthal in clothing with skull print stands in yellow light — Frames from the series "The Punisher"

By the way, if you haven't seen "The Punisher" series (2017–2019) with Bernthal, here's the quick version: after his family dies in gang crossfire, former Marine Frank Castle wages a brutal war on crime. He doesn't believe in compromise, works alone, and calls himself The Punisher. Bernthal's take on this character was a real standout — dark, ruthless, but still human.

So "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," which could hit theaters July 31, 2026, promises to be more than just another chapter in Peter Parker's story — it's shaping up to be a real game-changer for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com reported that the creators of "Cobra Kai" are making a new installment of the cult comedy "Harold & Kumar."