Spider-Man Fans Are Convinced Brand New Day is Adding The Worst Marvel Character Possible

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Everyone is excited for the new Spider-Man movie, Brand New Day, especially because Tom Holland is returning as Peter Parker. Like other Spider-Man films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this one will include popular characters like Hulk, Punisher, Scorpion, and Tombstone. Fans are already guessing who else might appear, with talk about various villains and even Mayday Parker. The latest buzz suggests a new actor has joined the cast, and it’s a character many fans won’t be thrilled to see.

According to industry reporter Daniel Richtman, Eman Esfandi, known for his role in Star Wars: Ahsoka, is joining the cast of the upcoming Brand New Day film. While details are scarce, Richtman says Esfandi will play MJ’s new boyfriend. This has led Marvel fans to believe the movie will introduce the controversial character Paul Rabin. Many fans have expressed their negative reactions to this possibility, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), as highlighted by user @mcuspider616.

Paul is coming

— Parker (@mcuspider616) January 3, 2026

Who Is Paul Rabin, and Will He Be in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?

Paul Rabin debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 6) #1 in 2022. Originating from another reality (Earth-23321) as the son of the Emissary, the character has frustrated many fans due to his romantic relationship with Mary Jane Watson. Many comic readers see Paul as simply an obstacle keeping Peter Parker and MJ apart. Critics also point out that Paul’s generally kind and supportive portrayal makes it hard to see him as a true antagonist. Beyond his involvement with MJ, there isn’t much reason to dislike him, which adds to the frustration. Fans are eager to see Peter and MJ together, but Paul consistently stands in the way.

Fans are buzzing about the possibility of Paul appearing in the upcoming Brand New Day movie. Rumors suggest MJ has a new boyfriend, which follows the emotional events of Spider-Man: No Way Home and pushes Peter into a difficult situation. Given this, actor Xolo Maridueña seems like a great fit for the role of Paul. He not only resembles the character, but he also has a naturally charming personality that would allow him to portray Paul as a genuinely kind and likable person.

It feels natural to see Esfandi as a potential love interest for MJ, but whether his character is actually named Paul remains to be seen. It doesn’t seem like MJ will have a major part in Brand New Day; she’s likely there to show how Peter is feeling at the beginning of the movie. Apparently, Peter is really struggling to get over everything that happened in No Way Home and has been quietly watching MJ and Ned, even though they’re no longer close. If MJ only appears briefly at the start to set up Peter’s story, Esfandi’s character might not even have a name – he could simply be listed in the credits as “MJ’s New Boyfriend”.

It’s probably a good idea that Esfandi’s character doesn’t have the name ‘Paul.’ The name carries a lot of history and controversy, and the upcoming Brand New Day story already has a lot to handle. Given that Marvel is counting on Brand New Day to revitalize the franchise in 2026, introducing such a complicated character could be risky. It will already be challenging for audiences to accept MJ having a new love interest in Brand New Day, so making him the MCU version of Paul would likely cause even more backlash. Esfandi simply needs to play a new boyfriend – with a different name – to show that MJ has moved on.

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2026-01-03 20:45