Marvel Director Describes 'Spider-Man' as "The Last" Film Amid Rumors of Divisive Ending

Marvel has kept the film’s specifics close to its chest in general, but that hasn’t stopped fans from sharing theories. The trailer hints at Peter undergoing a dangerous mutation, with Bruce Banner warning that his DNA is changing. That has led many to speculate that Marvel is adapting the comics’ Man-Spider storyline, which sees Peter transform into a more monstrous version of himself.

The theory has gained traction online, particularly as Marvel has yet to explain exactly what is happening to Peter. Some fans have pointed to brief shots in the trailer as evidence that the mutation could spiral out of control, creating one of the darkest storylines ever seen in a Spider-Man film.

Some fans have even theorized that the surprising physical evolution could culminate in Peter’s apparent death and eventual rebirth, drawing inspiration from the comic arc The Other. In that storyline, Peter dies before emerging with enhanced abilities, making it one of the character’s most dramatic transformations.

Early reports from test screenings have suggested that while the film is generating extremely positive responses, the ending is slightly more divisive. That has only added fuel to speculation that Marvel may be taking bigger risks with Peter Parker than audiences are expecting.

Cretton did not elaborate on what he meant by the comment, but it has quickly caught the attention of fans. Many have interpreted it as a sign that Spider-Man: Brand New Day could fundamentally change Peter Parker’s future within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Considering the fact he’s slated to appear in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) after skipping December’s Avengers: Doomsday – presumably for reasons we’ll understand in the film – we’d say the odds of Peter meeting his end in Brand New Day are slim.

Holland also recently expressed a desire to serve as a mentor figure for whoever replaces his Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, similar to how Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark/Iron Man guided Peter Parker in Captain America: Civil War (2016) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017).

“For whoever’s next, whether that is a Miles Morales or a Spider-Gwen or a Spider-Woman or something like that, I would love to be a part of setting up the next chapter,” the actor told Empire. “Whatever that looks like, I don’t know. But if I could do what Downey did for me, then I would be so content swinging off into the sunset.”

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More likely, Cretton – who also confirmed that a sequel to his previous Marvel entry, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is still in the works – was simply encouraging audiences to appreciate the film on its own terms.

Either way, the remark has only intensified speculation that Marvel has a major surprise waiting in the final act.