Spider-Man: Brand New Day May Introduce Marvel’s Most Hated Character

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Tom Holland’s next Spider-Man movie could upset some Marvel fans, according to recent rumors. The fourth film in the series arrives in theaters on July 31st and will kick off a new chapter for the character following the big changes in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home. Marvel hasn’t shared much about the sequel yet, but new reports suggest we might soon learn important details about the story and who will be joining the cast.

Recent buzz suggests the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day might feature a particularly notorious and divisive character from Marvel Comics. Paul Rabin, a newer addition to Spider-Man’s supporting cast, could be appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If the rumors are accurate, Paul’s introduction might upset some fans, but it’s happening anyway.

Who is Paul in Marvel Comics (and Why Do Fans Hate Him So Much)?

Rumors are circulating, originating from industry insider Daniel RPK’s Patreon, that a new love interest will appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, leading some fans to speculate that Paul Rabin will be revealed as Spider-Man’s secret identity. Although these rumors haven’t been confirmed, comic book fans are already discussing the possibility and expressing concern that Marvel might be introducing a particularly unpopular character into the Spider-Man universe.

In a recent storyline for The Amazing Spider-Man, Mary Jane Watson began a relationship with Paul Rabin after separating from Peter Parker. Their connection formed when MJ was transported to a ruined alternate Earth (Earth-23321) ravaged by a villain called the Emissary. For years, she and Paul survived together in this desolate world, evading the Emissary and eventually becoming a couple and raising two adopted children. It’s later revealed that Paul is actually the Emissary’s son, and he’s spent his life trying to defeat his father, even creating a device with shifting powers to help him do so. Ultimately, Spider-Man helps them return to their original Earth (Earth-616), but he’s unhappy to discover their relationship.

As a longtime Marvel reader, I have to tell you, the fan reaction to Paul in the recent Spider-Man comics has been… intense. It’s become clear that fans are fiercely protective of Peter and MJ’s relationship, and Paul just landed as this completely unwanted obstacle. Honestly, he felt shoehorned into Zeb Wells’ run, just appearing out of nowhere with no real setup. And the backlash was immediate! It quickly became a huge meme, with fans expressing more outrage towards this new character than they do towards some of Spidey’s classic villains. It’s a testament to how much readers wanted Peter and MJ to have their moment, and Paul just seemed determined to stand in the way.

The criticism Paul and MJ faced created significant problems in their relationship, ultimately leading to their split. During their final confrontation with the Emissary, they discovered their adopted children weren’t real, but illusions created by his magic, and tragically disappeared. This devastated both of them, though they tried to remain resilient. A further complication arose, straining her relationship with Paul. Despite his efforts to reconcile, MJ ultimately ended things, a decision many Marvel fans celebrated.

Who Could Play Paul in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?

Daniel RPK mentioned that an actor from Star Wars would be playing Mary Jane’s new boyfriend in the Spider-Man: Brand New Day storyline. This quickly led many to believe that Eman Esfandi, known for his role as Ezra Bridger in the Disney+ series Ahsoka and originally from Star Wars: Rebels, had been cast. Esfandi is set to return as Ezra Bridger in a new series coming out this year.

While there are exciting rumors circulating, it’s important to remember that Marvel Studios hasn’t confirmed anything officially. Reports about Paul Rudd’s appearance and Eman Esfandi potentially being cast are still just speculation until Marvel confirms them. However, Daniel RPK has a good track record with Marvel news, which makes the rumors about Esfandi playing Paul in Spider-Man: Brand New Day seem more likely.

It’s curious that Eman Esfandi doesn’t have any future projects listed on IMDb. This has led fans to believe he’s been secretly filming a part for Marvel. Many think he could be in the new Spider-Man movie, which would explain why his schedule appears empty. Esfandi himself hasn’t said anything about potentially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Though still early in his career, Eman Esfandi has already appeared in notable projects like the Oscar-winning film King Richard and the acclaimed drama The Inspection. He’s also directed two short films, Pepito and 120. Landing a role in a Spider-Man movie would be a major breakthrough for the actor, even if it means playing a controversial Marvel character.

How Paul Could Affect Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s Story

As a huge Spider-Man fan, I’m really excited about the potential of Paul’s character showing up in the next movie, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. After the incredibly emotional ending of No Way Home – where Peter basically had to wipe everyone’s memories of him, including MJ – I was a little worried. Zendaya is coming back as MJ, which is awesome, but it also had fans like me wondering if the sequel would just instantly erase the impact of that huge sacrifice. It would be great to see Peter rebuild things, and Paul’s inclusion could really help with that story.

Bringing Paul into the story wouldn’t diminish the impact of Peter Parker’s sacrifice in No Way Home. Instead, it would logically follow from his choices. Peter would have to cope with MJ not remembering him, and then witness her building a life with someone else. This would be a heartbreaking but important lesson for Tom Holland’s Peter as he starts a new chapter in his life.

It’s unlikely the Marvel Cinematic Universe will use all the details of Paul’s backstory from the comics. Specifically, the complex elements involving alternate realities and his father’s alien origins probably won’t appear in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Instead, the MCU’s version of Paul will likely be introduced as simply MJ’s new boyfriend, without any of the alternate universe or ‘Emissary’ details. This storyline is too complicated and potentially divisive to fit into Brand New Day, which already has a full plate.

Marvel Studios will likely use the existing dislike for the character Paul to their advantage. If MJ’s new boyfriend is indeed Paul Rabin, they’ll probably portray him as someone very unpleasant. This is sure to frustrate fans who are still upset about his relationship with MJ in the comics. However, it would make Peter and MJ eventually reuniting even more rewarding for viewers.

The new Spider-Man story arc, Brand New Day, might be taking a chance by featuring a character who has caused controversy in Marvel Comics recently. While not confirmed, reports suggest Eman Esfandi could be playing Paul Rabin, hinting at how the next Spider-Man movie starring Tom Holland will develop the complex relationship between Peter Parker and MJ within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day will open in theaters on July 31, 2026.

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2026-01-09 18:11