May 9, 2025 – Hollywood, CA – It’s official: Sydney Sweeney is stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Gwen Stacy in the highly anticipated Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to hit theaters on July 31, 2026. Best known for her roles in Euphoria and Madame Web, Sweeney’s casting has ignited a wave of excitement—and debate—among fans across social media platforms.
The film, which continues the story of Peter Parker (Tom Holland) after the universe-shifting events of Avengers: Doomsday, will introduce a new version of Gwen Stacy, alongside a yet-to-be-cast Mary Jane Watson. Set in a reality altered by the multiverse, Brand New Day follows Peter as he navigates a world where the past is forgotten, and familiar faces emerge with unfamiliar origins. This narrative reset provides Marvel the chance to reintroduce classic characters like Gwen and MJ in fresh, compelling ways.
Sydney Sweeney is no stranger to the Spider-Verse. She previously portrayed Julia Cornwall (aka Spider-Woman) in Sony’s Madame Web (2024), a film that underwhelmed at the box office but showcased her potential in the superhero genre. Rumors of her joining the MCU gained traction earlier this year when insider reports suggested she was being considered for either Gwen Stacy or Black Cat. Now, with her role confirmed, fans are eager to see her interpretation of one of Spider-Man’s most iconic love interests.
Gwen Stacy has a deep-rooted legacy in Spider-Man lore. Originally Peter Parker’s first love in the comics, her tragic death left an emotional scar that shaped his journey. On screen, she was previously portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard in Spider-Man 3 (2007) and Emma Stone in The Amazing Spider-Man films (2012–2014), the latter of whom received widespread acclaim for her performance. Sweeney’s casting brings a new energy to the character, and early reactions on social media highlight her charisma and versatility as promising assets.
The plot of Brand New Day hints at an ambitious and emotionally complex story. With the multiverse continuing to influence Marvel’s Phase 6 lineup, Gwen and Mary Jane’s simultaneous arrival opens the door for rich relationship dynamics and alternate universe arcs. The multiverse also explains their previous absence in the MCU, framing their introduction as part of a unified, post-Doomsday reality.
Directed by Shang-Chi’s Destin Daniel Cretton, the film is shaping up to be a major entry in Marvel’s ongoing Multiverse Saga. While Sweeney’s casting is confirmed, speculation continues around the film’s villain. Fans suspect Steven Yeun may be playing Hobgoblin, based on subtle hints and comic book parallels. The film is also expected to link to other upcoming MCU titles, including Fantastic Four and X-Men properties, reinforcing Spider-Man’s pivotal role in the broader universe.
Sweeney’s involvement could extend beyond Brand New Day. In past interviews, she’s expressed interest in reprising her Marvel role—and even collaborating with Zendaya, who plays MJ in the mainline MCU. With the multiverse offering room for multiple iterations of characters, Sweeney could eventually evolve into Spider-Gwen, continuing Marvel’s trend of expanding fan-favorite characters across different timelines and universes.
As anticipation builds, Spider-Man: Brand New Day promises to be more than just a reboot—it aims to honor Spider-Man’s comic legacy while pushing Peter Parker’s story into bold, uncharted territory. Whether Sweeney’s Gwen Stacy will soar or stumble remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Marvel and Sony are betting big on this “new day” for the Spider-Verse.
