Spider-Man: Brand New Day director hints at significant “tonal shift” in the upcoming film, assuring fans it remains the beloved Spider-Man they know.

Destin Daniel Cretton, the director of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, has hinted at an exciting “tonal shift” for the upcoming Spidey film, aiming to set it apart from previous entries featuring Tom Holland.

“Everyone involved wanted to create something that felt fresh,” he shared. “It’s still the Spider-Man fans adore, but this marks a new chapter in his journey, and that tonal shift was incredibly thrilling for me. It felt distinct, and the experience was immensely rewarding.”

Cretton, who co-created the new MCU series Wonder Man and directed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, described directing Spider-Man as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “I approach every project by asking if it excites me for the next two years, and Spider-Man definitely fits that bill,” he noted.

Brand New Day is the fourth standalone film featuring Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker, following Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Echoing Cretton’s sentiments, Holland referred to the upcoming film as a “rebirth” for the character. “It feels like we aren’t making the fourth movie; we’re launching the first film in the next chapter… This is Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This is a rebirth. This is something entirely new.”

In addition to Holland, Mark Ruffalo will reprise his role as The Hulk, marking his first MCU appearance since She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Jon Bernthal is also returning as The Punisher. Zendaya and Jacob Batalon will return as MJ and Ned, respectively, while Stranger Things star Sadie Sink has joined the cast in a still undisclosed role, sparking plenty of fan theories.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to hit theaters on July 31.