by After Spider-Man 4’s New Title Confirmation, I’m So Worried The MCU Will Adapt One Of The Most Controversial Parts Of Marvel’s Comics
Spider-Man 4‘s new title was confirmed recently, but now I’m worried that Marvel is about to adapt a particularly controversial moment from Marvel Comics. Considering that Tom Holland’s Spider-Man has enjoyed such a successful run so far, with his trilogy comprising one of the MCU’s most successful franchises both critically and financially, there is a lot of pressure on his latest outing to keep that momentum going. This is compounded by the Multiverse Saga’s divisiveness, leaving it up to such dependable superheroes as Loki, Deadpool, and Spider-Man to keep the MCU’s critical fortunes afloat.
In fact, Spider-Man: No Way Home remains the Multiverse Saga’s highest-grossing movie. Whether Marvel intends to replicate this success by inviting Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield back to the franchise remains to be seen – though the possibility of Marvel doubling down on the stunning cameos of Spider-Man: No Way Home has been met with some reticence from fans. Nevertheless, Marvel may be about to run even further risk by adapting one of Spider-Man’s most controversial stories from Marvel Comics.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s Title Confirmation Has Sparked Fear & Hope In Comic Fans’ Hearts
“Brand New Day” Is A Controversial Run To Adapt
Spider-Man 4 has officially been titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The “Brand New Day” run of comics, after which the Spider-Man sequel is named, follows Peter Parker in the aftermath of the “One More Day” storyline. This story depicts the end of Peter Parker and MJ’s marriage in a deal struck with Mephisto, which is followed by the “Brand New Day” run. The move was designed to reset Spider-Man’s established lore after his secret identity was revealed in the “Civil War” run. This narrative was loosely adapted in Spider-Man: No Way Home, as Doctor Strange removed all memory of Peter Parker.
Then again, the adaptation of the comic book run is likely in good hands with Marvel Studios.
“One More Day” and “Brand New Day” were particularly controversial comics as they essentially retconned decades’ worth of established Spider-Man lore. The attempt to return Spider-Man to his roots as a single superhero undermined his life with Mary Jane, leading to backlash among fans of this development. Unsurprisingly, then, those aware of the “Brand New Day” storyline are concerned about its adaptation to the big screen being met with a similar backlash.
Then again, the adaptation of the comic book run is likely in good hands with Marvel Studios. Spider-Man: No Way Home is already proof of how well Marvel handled the first part of the storyline. It stands to reason that Spider-Man: Brand New Day would continue this positive trend – at least, that is the hope.
Why Marvel’s Brand New Day Story Was So Controversial
It Undermined Peter And MJ’s Relationship
“Brand New Day” was expressly designed to reboot Spider-Man’s story, bringing him back to his roots. To do this, Marvel Comics had to undermine many years of development with Peter Parker and MJ – two characters who boast one of the most iconic romances in comics. With their longstanding romance culminating in their marriage, granting them a life of happiness while Spider-Man continued with his superheroics, it felt like a satisfying arc that took place over many years, with plenty of new directions still open to them.
“Brand New Day” also reintroduced Harry Osborn to Marel Comics after he was believed dead.
Still, instead of opting to have their relationship break down naturally in a way that could have enriched their arc, Marvel decided to retcon the whole thing through Mephisto’s magic. While this was a suitable enough tool to reinstate Spider-Man’s anonymity, it reset everything and removed the weight of everything that came before. I’ll admit that audiences were far from united on the issue, with some fans asserting that this was a satisfying way to bring Spider-Man back to his roots – but it was a risky move that still lingers.
How The MCU Can Avoid Repeating What Made the Comic Brand New Day Story Controversial
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Needs To Treat Spider-Man And MJ’s Relationship With Respect
Marvel Studios needs to ensure that Spider-Man: Brand New Day does not trivialize Peter Parker and MJ’s MCU relationship. Ensuring that there is still a narrative significance in their history despite MJ now being oblivious to Peter Parker entirely helps make their relationship meaningful. MJ forgetting Peter Parker was one of the most heartbreaking moments in the MCU, and the weight of Peter Parker’s decision to keep MJ in the dark should still be at the forefront of the narrative.
Thankfully, Spider-Man: No Way Home has already set this up. Unlike Marvel Comics’ “Brand New Day,” the MCU’s Peter Parker is fully aware of his past relationship with MJ (and friendship with Ned, of course). This knowledge already heralds even more heartbreaking moments as he is able to reflect on the love he has lost – something which may be even harder to watch if another love interest like Gwen Stacy makes her MCU debut in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
