Tom Holland Reveals "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" Embraces On-Location Filming, Returning to "Old School Filmmaking"

Spider-Man is swinging back to basics. Tom Holland, star of the upcoming "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," has revealed that the film will significantly depart from the stage-bound production of its predecessor, "Spider-Man: No Way Home," and embrace extensive on-location filming. This shift, driven by a desire to recapture the essence of classic Spider-Man movies, promises a visually dynamic and authentic experience for audiences.

Pandemic Restrictions Prompted Stage-Heavy Production on "No Way Home"

During an interview, Holland explained that pandemic-related restrictions heavily influenced the production of "Spider-Man: No Way Home," forcing the entire film to be shot on sound stages. "We were really restricted with what we could do in the last movie because of COVID. We shot the entire film on stages," Holland stated. This limitation, while necessary at the time, resulted in a less grounded and immersive visual landscape.

"Brand New Day" to Feature Extensive Location Shoots, Starting in Glasgow

For "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," the production team is committed to a different approach. "And now, we're really gonna lean into that old school filmmaking and shoot in real locations. Which is why we're starting in Glasgow. We're gonna use the streets of Glasgow for this massive set piece that we're putting together," Holland revealed. The decision to film in real-world environments is expected to enhance the film's realism and provide a tangible sense of place, reminiscent of earlier Spider-Man installments.

Return to Form: Echoes of Spider-Man's Origins

Beyond the technical aspects of filmmaking, the return to form extends to the narrative itself. Holland suggested that "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" will capture the spirit of the early Spider-Man films. "It's gonna feel like making Spider-Man 1 again," Holland said. "It's been such a long time since I've done it that it's gonna feel like a breath of fresh air, and I think the fans are gonna be over the moon with what we're putting together." This sentiment aligns with the film's title, hinting at a fresh start and a renewed focus on the core elements that made Spider-Man a beloved character.

Expert Analysis: The Importance of Location in Superhero Cinema

Dr. Emily Carter, a film studies professor specializing in superhero narratives, emphasizes the significance of location in grounding superhero stories. "Superhero films, while often fantastical, benefit greatly from being rooted in recognizable environments," Dr. Carter explains. "Shooting on location provides a level of authenticity that is difficult to replicate on a sound stage. It allows the audience to connect with the character and the story on a more visceral level. The use of Glasgow, for example, will lend a unique visual identity to 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' differentiating it from the New York-centric settings of previous films."

"Spider-Man: Brand New Day": Setting the Stage

The title of the fourth installment, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day", was revealed at CinemaCon in April 2025. Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," is directing the film, which is slated for a July 31, 2026, release. The returning cast includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, and Jon Bernthal, with Sadie Sink and Liza Colon-Zayas joining as new additions.

Impact of "Avengers: Doomsday" Delay Remains Unclear

While the release date for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" remains firm, the recent delay of "Avengers: Doomsday" has raised questions about potential ripple effects within the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline. It is currently unclear how, if at all, the "Avengers" delay will impact the narrative or production of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."

Historical Context: The Evolution of Spider-Man's Cinematic Landscape

The "Spider-Man" film franchise has undergone significant evolution since its inception. Sam Raimi's early 2000s trilogy established a foundational visual style and storytelling approach. The subsequent "Amazing Spider-Man" films explored different interpretations of the character, while the current MCU iteration has integrated Spider-Man into a larger interconnected universe. The decision to prioritize on-location filming in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" represents a conscious effort to balance the fantastical elements of the superhero genre with a sense of realism and grounding.

Looking Ahead: Expectations for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"

With its commitment to on-location filming and a renewed focus on the character's core values, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is generating considerable anticipation among fans. The film's success will likely depend on its ability to seamlessly blend the familiar elements of the Spider-Man mythos with a fresh and visually compelling cinematic experience.