Credit: Sony Pictures/Marvel StudiosDisney has been making some pretty bold and controversial choices lately. From shake-ups in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to unexpected creative pivots, it feels like every few weeks, there’s another decision leaving fans divided. The latest shocker involves one of Marvel’s most popular figures being officially left out of the next Spider-Man movie.
This particular character’s absence isn’t just disappointing for fans — it’s surprising, especially after how significant their MCU role has been. Many believed this character was setting the stage for something much bigger in the franchise’s future. Instead, it seems Marvel and Disney are steering the ship in a different direction.
Marvel Gears Up for Doomsday
To understand the weight of this decision, it is helpful to consider the broader Marvel picture. The studio is preparing for a massive crossover event with Avengers: Doomsday, and much of the current storytelling is strategically laying the groundwork for that moment. Every choice — from which heroes get screen time to which storylines get developed — plays into that grand plan.
In this environment, more minor supporting appearances can easily get pushed aside to make room for the larger arc. It’s becoming clearer that Marvel is making carefully calculated moves about which characters to spotlight leading up to that high-stakes Avengers showdown.
Where We Last Saw Spider-Man
Of course, Spider-Man 4 isn’t just any Marvel project. The last installment left fans with one of the most emotional endings in the franchise’s history. At the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Peter Parker found himself completely alone. His friends didn’t remember him, Aunt May was gone, and he was left to start fresh in a small New York apartment, donning a new homemade suit and continuing his fight against crime on his own terms.
That somber ending was a significant tonal shift for the character. It stripped away the high-tech suits and Avengers support, leaving Peter back where Spider-Man stories often thrive best — grounded, vulnerable, and facing the city alone.
A Brand New Day for Spider-Man
The next film, officially titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is expected to pick up not long after where we left off. Early reports suggest Peter Parker will still be in that gritty New York setting, taking on threats without any backup from his old superhero allies.
Several reports claim that classic villains, such as Scorpion and Tombstone, are expected to play significant roles in this story. If true, this could be a much more street-level, character-driven film, which aligns perfectly with the kind of Spider-Man stories many longtime fans love.
But there’s another element that often spices up these solo outings — cameos.
A History of Marvel Cameos
Part of the fun of Spider-Man’s previous films has been those surprise appearances from other heroes. No Way Home brought Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Men into the mix, creating some of the most crowd-cheering moments in the entire MCU. And let’s not forget that quick but unforgettable appearance by Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock — better known as Daredevil — as Peter’s lawyer.
That cameo wasn’t just a fan-pleasing surprise. It felt like a door opening. A wink to the audience that Daredevil’s role in the larger MCU was about to grow. Fans started speculating about a bigger crossover in Spider-Man 4, perhaps with Peter and Matt teaming up in a gritty New York storyline.
An Official Cut
Unfortunately, those hopes have officially been dashed. Charlie Cox confirmed in an interview that he will not be appearing in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The actor addressed the swirling rumors head-on, making it clear that his current filming schedule doesn’t allow for any involvement with the Spidey sequel.
“I know they all think I’m in Spider-Man because I’m filming something in London,” he said, clarifying that the rumors aren’t true. “I’m not in Spider-Man.”
Cox has a packed schedule for the coming months, which lines up with Marvel and Sony’s filming timeline for the fourth Spider-Man movie. In other words, it’s not just speculation anymore — Daredevil won’t be swinging into this chapter of Peter Parker’s story.
What This Means for the Future
This news hits especially hard because Cox’s recent return to the MCU has been a massive hit with fans. Daredevil: Born Again premiered back in March, sparking tremendous excitement for where the character could go next. His presence in No Way Home was one of those quiet but powerful moments that made the world of Spider-Man feel richer and more connected.
That’s why so many fans expected Daredevil and Spider-Man to cross paths again on the big screen. Their street-level heroism complements each other well, and both characters operate in the same corner of the Marvel universe. Losing that opportunity in Brand New Day feels like a missed moment — at least for now.
Potential Hero Crossovers Still Ahead
Even though Daredevil won’t appear in Spider-Man 4, this doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of a potential team-up. Tom Holland is reportedly expected to lead a brand-new Spider-Man trilogy after Brand New Day, meaning there are still plenty of opportunities down the road.
Both Peter Parker and Matt Murdock have strong futures in the MCU. Cox is fully back in action as Daredevil, and Holland has expressed enthusiasm about continuing his role. Sony and Marvel have worked together for years to build out Spider-Man’s world, so another crossover — whether in a solo film or a larger Avengers project — seems far from impossible.
A Shift in Strategy, Not the End
Disney and Marvel’s decision to exclude Daredevil from Spider-Man 4 may sting right now, but it doesn’t necessarily close the door on the character’s future with Spider-Man. Marvel’s storytelling often plays the long game. What isn’t happening in one movie can easily be set up for something bigger later on.
For now, Brand New Day seems set to bring Spider-Man back to his roots — gritty, personal storytelling with dangerous villains and no safety net. That alone is enough to make fans eager for what comes next.
So while we won’t see Peter Parker and Matt Murdock fighting side by side just yet, it’s probably just a matter of time before these two New York heroes cross paths again. Marvel loves a good surprise, after all.