Tom Holland shares how ‘Brand New Day’ is different: ‘A darker theme’

Tom Holland says Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks a deliberate tonal shift for the franchise, describing the fourth instalment as more mature and emotionally grounded than anything he’s done before as Peter Parker.

Speaking to Deadline on the red carpet at Monday’s Los Angeles premiere, Holland explained what sets the new film apart. 

“It’s more mature, and it’s a darker theme,” he said. “And it’s a theme that I think is incredibly relatable to young people.” 

He elaborated on the specific emotional territory the story explores: 

“This idea of moving to a new city and feeling like you’re all alone, and sometimes neglecting the fact that the best thing that ever happened to you is standing right next to you. I think for me, being able to tell a story that’s relatable on a stage as big as this is such an important responsibility for Destin [Daniel Cretton] to carry that theme throughout the movie. I was just really excited at the opportunity.”

The film picks up with a Peter Parker forgotten by the world following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, forcing the character to rebuild his life without the safety net of his old relationships. 

Holland, who has played the character since 2016’s Captain America: Civil War as both actor and character grew up on screen together, has described the shift as a chance to move the story forward rather than resetting to earlier, lighter territory. 

Director Destin Daniel Cretton takes over from Jon Watts for this instalment, working from a script by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers.

Early reactions to the film have largely echoed Holland’s statement, with reviews praising it as the most emotionally driven entry in his run as the character, anchored by a supporting cast that includes Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jon Bernthal and Mark Ruffalo. 

Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens in theatres 31 July.