Spider-Man: Brand New Day director Destin Daniel Cretton has given fans their best look yet at more of the film’s villains, including two whose roles in the story remain particularly mysterious.
In a post on Instagram celebrating the work of costume designer Sanja Milkovic Hays, Cretton shared images of both Boomerang and a member of ninja monk clan The Hand, in order to showcase their attire.
Both have been the subject of intense speculation among fans, as the film’s enormous roster of villains have been left largely unexplained. Who is the film’s “secret” main enemy? How many foes will only be glimpsed briefly in an opening montage? What is going on with Sadie Sink? With just weeks to go until launch, Sony and Marvel have managed to keep plenty of secrets.
Fans have been particularly interested in Boomerang, who has barely been showcased in trailers so far. Indeed, there’s a theory that this is by design — as some believe it will turn out that he’s actually MJ’s new boyfriend, played by Star Wars: Ahsoka’s Eman Esfandi. There are several good reasons why this could be fun — MJ being drawn to yet another character with a secret alter ego, and the opportunity for a low-key Spidey/Boomerang rivalry similar to the comics — though Cretton’s image appears to show someone who is not Esfandi in the costume.
Theory debunked? Not so quickly. Fans think Cretton is being particularly clever here with the photo showcasing Boomerang’s suit, and potentially showing a stunt double wearing it. Remember, this is a post meant to highlight the character’s costume, not the character itself. And, of course, any misdirection would only add to the mystery.
Next, is a look at the female ninja who appears to be leading The Hand in trailers so far. The person tagged in this photo appears to be Fan Xiaoshuang, a stunt double and martial artist who previously appeared in other Marvel films such as The Marvels and Cretton’s own Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Is she the lead for this character, or another stunt double? Time will tell.
“As we get closer to the release of @spidermanmovie, I’d love to introduce you all to some of the many talented artists & storytellers who poured over every detail of every frame to get this movie ready for you,” Cretton wrote. “It’s always good to remember that this movie was made by thousands of passionate artists, who have their human fingerprints across everything you will see.
“First up is our costume designer Sanja Milkovic Hays. Sanja has created the costumes for some incredible movies like: Thunderbolts, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Star Trek Beyond, Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, & Blade.
“Sanja and her team were a joy to work with,” Cretton concluded, “and I can’t wait for you all to see their beautiful art on the big screen.”
We’ve not got long to wait now until Spider-Man: Brand New Day finally arrives on July 31. In the meantime, the movie’s press tour has already begun, with the ever-chatty Tom Holland revealing that “one person” still remembers Peter Parker is Spider-Man, and discussing his potential involvement in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars — which he has suggested he will feature in.
Images credit: Instagram/Destin Daniel Cretton.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
