Michael Mando, best known in the MCU as Mac Gargan (Scorpion), just stirred up the fanbase by confirming his return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Even more intriguing, however, is that he shared a cryptic comic panel on Instagram, sparking serious speculation about the future of Venom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As a result, fans are now wondering whether Marvel plans to introduce its first official version of Venom in Earth-616—with Scorpion at the center of it all.
Comic Panel Sparks Venom Rumors
On Instagram, Mando notably posted an image from Marvel Comics showing Scorpion standing alongside Venom. Specifically, the panel comes from Absolute Carnage: Miles Morales (2019), a storyline in which both characters prominently appear. Mando posted a new image on his Instagram Story featuring a Marvel Comics artwork of Scorpion in his full villain attire, with Venom in front of him, looking menacing and sticking out his tongue.
Although Mando didn’t provide any additional context, the image choice is deliberate. As a result, it didn’t take long for fans to connect the dots and consider the comic backstory.
Scorpion’s History With the Symbiote in Comics
Mac Gargan Becomes Venom
In the comics, Mac Gargan initially bonded with the Venom symbiote in Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #10 (2005). This transformation, in turn, marked a major turning point for the character. Subsequently, he joined Norman Osborn’s Thunderbolts and later posed as a black-suited Spider-Man in the Dark Avengers.
Unlike the antihero portrayal we’ve seen in Sony’s live-action films, this version of Venom was far more violent, unstable, and unpredictable. Therefore, Gargan’s history with the symbiote makes him a prime candidate for a more villainous and intense Venom in the MCU.
Scorpion’s MCU History So Far
Mac Gargan’s only MCU appearance came in Spider-Man: Homecoming. He appeared in a jail scene with Adrian Toomes, aka Vulture, and hinted at knowing Peter Parker’s identity. Since then, the character has been missing from the narrative for nearly a decade.
MCU’s Path to Venom in Spider-Man: Brand New Day
No Way Home’s Post-Credit Symbiote
The post-credits scene of Spider-Man: No Way Home left behind a small but powerful clue. A drop of the Venom symbiote was left on Earth-616. This tease, though subtle, opened the door for the MCU to introduce its version of Venom—separate from Sony’s Eddie Brock.
Now, with Mando returning and teasing a connection to Venom, it seems Marvel Studios could be merging the symbiote’s arc with Scorpion’s MCU journey.
A New Venom Threat in Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Spider-Man: Brand New Day features a strong cast, including Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Mark Ruffalo, and Jon Bernthal. While the film may draw from comic storylines, it could also reimagine Venom’s origin by bypassing Eddie Brock and allowing Scorpion to bond with the symbiote instead.
This approach would offer a fresh take on the Spider-Man vs. Venom conflict, aligning with the grounded tone of Earth-616. Mac Gargan, last seen in Homecoming, could return as a major threat—especially with the leftover symbiote now in play.
What Spider-Man: Brand New Day Means for the MCU
Scheduled for release on July 31, 2026, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is Tom Holland’s fourth solo Spider-Man film. It is officially part of Marvel’s Phase 6 and will likely continue the street-level narrative teased at the end of No Way Home.
The title may share its name with a controversial comic arc, but it seems the film is carving its path. With fan-favorite characters, a darker tone, and possible twists like Scorpion becoming Venom, Spider-Man: Brand New Day might redefine the next era of Spider-Man stories in the MCU.
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