Tom Holland is reportedly set to begin filming his fourth Spider-Man movie next summer. While details remain scarce, it’s confirmed that Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi) will replace Jon Watts as director. Recently, rumors have emerged that Sacha Baron Cohen might play Mephisto in the film. Alongside this, it’s speculated that Charlie Cox will reprise his role as Daredevil and bring along another fan-favorite character. Meanwhile, Zendaya’s MJ could take a backseat, and symbiotes might move to the forefront.
These insider claims come from Jeff Sneider, who also noted that the Baron Cohen rumor isn’t 100% confirmed. The English actor-comedian has been linked to Mephisto for some time, with speculation that he will debut as the devilish antagonist in Ironheart, set to premiere on Disney+ in June 2025. Mephisto has already been teased in WandaVision’s spinoff Agatha: Coven of Chaos.
Spider-Man 4 is currently slated for a July 2026 release. Sneider believes the rumor about Baron Cohen might hold weight, as Marvel likely wouldn’t relegate such a pivotal character—and a star of Baron Cohen’s stature—to a “secondary Disney+ series.”
It’s also possible that Baron Cohen’s busy schedule could create challenges for Marvel. Next year, the actor is reportedly working on a “secret Universal project,” which could complicate his involvement in Spider-Man 4. Fans last saw him in a dramatic role in Alfonso Cuarón’s miniseries Disclaimer.
Symbiotes Take Center Stage
Sneider considers the symbiote storyline a more reliable rumor for Spider-Man 4. After the post-credits scene in No Way Home, where Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock briefly visited the MCU and left behind a piece of Venom, it’s plausible that symbiotes will play a significant role. The film will reportedly introduce Peter Parker to new classmates, reflecting how his old friends, like MJ and Ned, have forgotten him.
Zendaya’s reduced role may also stem from the actress’s packed schedule, limiting her availability for filming.
Daredevil and Punisher Rumored to Appear
Charlie Cox’s Daredevil briefly appeared in No Way Home as Matt Murdock, Peter’s lawyer. Cox is set to star in Daredevil: Born Again, debuting on Disney+ in March 2025, alongside returning characters from Netflix’s Marvel series, including Jon Bernthal’s Punisher. Sneider speculates that Bernthal could join Cox in Spider-Man 4.
Sony and Marvel’s Creative Divide
Reports suggest that Sony’s Tom Rothman and Marvel’s Kevin Feige are at odds over the direction of the next Spider-Man movie. Feige reportedly prefers a smaller-scale adventure to ground Holland’s Spider-Man after the multiverse-spanning events of No Way Home. Rothman, however, is eager to replicate No Way Home’s success by once again bringing back Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s iterations of the web-slinger.
(Sources: The Direct, CBM)
