Spider-Man and Punisher might finally bring one of Marvel’s most iconic comic panels to the big screen. Tom Holland addressed whether Spider-Man: Brand New Day recreates the memorable Civil War moment between the two characters.
Tom Holland on Spider-Man and Punisher’s iconic Civil War panel in new movie
Speaking with ScreenRant at the film’s red carpet premiere, Holland responded to questions about the famous Civil War scene. That panel shows Punisher carrying a wounded Spider-Man through the battlefield. Holland offered a typically coy reply, saying, “You’ll have to wait and see.”
The memorable image first appeared in 2006’s Civil War #5 by writer Mark Millar and artist Steve McNiven. In that arc, Peter Parker sides with Iron Man and supports the Superhuman Registration Act. He goes so far as to unmask himself publicly during the conflict. The MCU already adapted that storyline in a significantly different way, though. Therefore, the new film could recreate the visual without revisiting any Registration Act plot.
Audiences have speculated about this moment ever since Jon Bernthal joined the cast as Frank Castle. Holland choosing not to deny it will certainly intensify that ongoing speculation among fans. His response nevertheless falls far short of actually confirming the scene exists in the movie.
Brand New Day serves as Holland’s fourth standalone Spider-Man film after No Way Home. That previous installment isolated Peter entirely when Doctor Strange wiped him from the world’s memory. This sequel additionally introduces Bernthal’s Frank Castle to the big screen for the first time. The two actors share a strong real-life friendship that naturally informed their on-screen dynamic. Holland reportedly encouraged Bernthal to pursue the MCU role after Bernthal helped him rehearse lines.
The film could also explore other elements from the characters’ shared comic history. Punisher originally debuted as a Spider-Man villain in 1974’s The Amazing Spider-Man #129. Frank was tricked into targeting the hero before he ultimately discovered his error.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in theaters July 31, 2026.
