Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
The buzz around Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Marvel’s next big web-slinging adventure, is growing louder, and it’s bringing some fresh faces and familiar names into the spotlight. Slated for release on 31 July 2026, the film might see new villains step into the fray and introduce a potential future hero from an alternate timeline.
At a recent Disney consumer products event, fans got more than they bargained for. An Instagram post from someone who reportedly attended the presentation briefly revealed potential details about Brand New Day before being deleted. Still, it didn’t go unnoticed. Several outlets quickly shared what they found: a possible villain trio consisting of Scorpion, Boomerang, and Tombstone. While these characters have shown up before mainly in animated versions like Into the Spider-Verse, this would be their first appearance in the current live-action storyline.
Sadie Sink’s role may link to Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man timelineGetty Images
But it’s not just the bad guys who are stirring excitement.
A major shift in fan theories came after entertainment insider John Rocha spoke on The Hot Mic podcast. According to him, Sadie Sink, best known for her breakout role in Stranger Things, is being considered for the role of Mayday Parker, better known in the comics as Spider-Girl. She’s the daughter of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson, and depending on the timeline, that might link her not to Tom Holland’s Peter, but to Tobey Maguire’s version of the character.
This theory aligns with Tobey’s lines in No Way Home, where he hints at his ongoing relationship with MJ, suggesting a longer-term future together. Mayday, as a character, first appeared in Marvel’s What If...? comics and later developed her own identity as a web-slinging hero. While she had a baby cameo in Across the Spider-Verse, this would be her first live-action appearance, if confirmed.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton is leading the project, which is expected to begin filming once Tom Holland wraps up his current commitments. Until Marvel officially opens up about the plot or cast, fans are holding on to every leak and insider hint, piecing together what could be the next evolution in the Spider-Man legacy with new enemies, a grown-up Peter, and maybe even the rise of his daughter.
R Madhavan shares his experience portraying a father’s role for the first time alongside Ajay Devgn.
Actor addresses rumours about de-ageing technology, confirming he relied on diet and fitness instead.
Madhavan reflects on sequels and preparation for previous physically demanding roles like Saala Khadoos.
Nervous about a father’s role
At the trailer launch of De De Pyaar De 2, R Madhavan admitted he was initially nervous about playing Ajay Devgn’s on-screen father-in-law.
“I have never done a father’s role before, and competing with Ajay, I was very nervous,” Madhavan said. “I have seen other actors who are so busy when they come to the set, but Ajay sir is always present and dedicated. We have always felt connected.”
The actor also commented on the appeal of sequels. Devgn, who stars alongside Madhavan, stated, “I don’t mind sequels as long as there is a good script. I hope the film is liked by audiences. We all believe we have made a good film.”
Madhavan addressed recent rumours about de-ageing technology in his films, stating, “They’ve all been accusing me of de-ageing, but I don’t think I have the budget for that. It hasn’t happened.”
Instead, the actor relies on traditional methods of preparation, including fitness and diet adjustments, to meet the physical demands of roles.
Reflections on past roles
Madhavan reflected on the preparation for his earlier role in Saala Khadoos, a physically demanding sports drama. “When I went to train for Saala Khadoos, I consulted numerous dieticians and several people who advised me on how to lose weight and get fit, what diet to follow, what time to eat, and so on, but I couldn’t find anyone I truly resonated with,” he said.
The actor’s candid reflections reveal a focus on dedication and personal preparation rather than technological shortcuts, highlighting his commitment to authentic performances.
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