Next summer, Sony Pictures will release Spider-Man 4, officially titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day, in U.S. theaters. Meanwhile, Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) directs the film, and Tom Holland will return as Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
Already, fans are speculating about new villains and storylines, and as a result, the latest rumors have caused quite a stir online. Consequently, Spider-Man 4 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated entries in the MCU’s Phase 6.
Spider-Man 4 Villain Rumors and Chameleon Speculation
According to scooper Daniel Richtman, a major Spider-Man villain could finally debut in the MCU. Richtman claims,
“Concept art for the character was reportedly seen on set.”
The character rumored to appear is Chameleon, one of Spider-Man’s classic comic book villains.
Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed this information, so fans should treat it strictly as a rumor for now.
If true, Chameleon’s appearance could open the door for a host of classic Spider-Man enemies to join the MCU in future films. Fans are particularly excited because the character has a long history in comics as a master of disguise.
Spider-Man 4 MCU Connections
Chameleon technically already has a loose MCU connection:
Notably, a character named Dmitri Smerdyakov, credited as “Dimitri,” appeared in Spider-Man: Far From Home. Additionally, Numan Acar played him, and many believe the character was inspired by Chameleon, whose real name in the comics is Dmitri Smerdyakov.
However, in the film, he only appears briefly as a bus driver and never fully becomes Chameleon.
Richtman also says,
“If the rumor is true, it remains unclear whether:
Numan Acar will return and officially portray Chameleon, or
A completely new actor will be cast for the villain’s full MCU debut.”
As a result, this uncertainty has led to a lot of speculation about how Marvel Studios will introduce Chameleon. For instance, will he be tied to Peter Parker’s personal life, or will he appear as part of a larger villain team-up? Consequently, fans are eagerly waiting for more concrete details.
Chameleon in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe
It’s also worth noting that Chameleon appeared in 2024’s Kraven the Hunter, played by Fred Hechinger. That version exists in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, which is separate from the MCU, meaning it does not affect Marvel Studios’ plans.
This distinction is important for fans who follow both universes. While Sony’s Spider-Man Universe focuses on its own set of characters, the MCU is now free to explore Chameleon’s story independently.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Release Date
Marvel Studios will release Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31, 2026, as part of Phase 6 of the MCU.
The film promises to continue Peter Parker’s story while introducing new characters and expanding the MCU multiverse. With the potential debut of Chameleon, the movie could explore new storylines that set up future Spider-Man films and even wider Phase 6 connections.
Fans have started discussing potential plot points and appearances online. Many speculate that Spider-Man 4 could feature:
- High-stakes multiverse adventures involving Peter Parker and other MCU characters.
- Cameos from past Spider-Man films to tie together MCU Spider-Man history.
- Introduction of new villains like Chameleon, potentially leading to a larger villain arc in future Phase 6 films.
With Tom Holland confirmed to return, expectations are high for a mix of action, emotion, and character growth. Marvel Studios is likely to carefully balance fan service with new storytelling to keep the MCU engaging.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on MCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to Marvel Updates’ YouTube channel.
