For every passionate Spider-Man enthusiast, there’s an essential MCU series that must be watched before the highly anticipated <em>Spider-Man: Brand New Day</em>. Set to hit theaters in 2026, this fourth Spider-Man film marks the beginning of a thrilling new trilogy featuring Tom Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker, which has just commenced filming. Recent revelations have highlighted the significance of one particular show for the Webslinger’s upcoming adventure, making it a vital watch for fans.
While the complete storyline of Spider-Man: Brand New Day remains under wraps, several key cast members have been confirmed, including Zendaya, Jon Bernthal as Punisher, Mark Ruffalo reprising his role as Hulk, Sadie Sink, and others. Additionally, it’s confirmed that Michael Mando will return as Mac Gargan, also known as Scorpion, in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, thereby emphasizing the importance of a recent MCU show.
Discover the MCU’s Unique Version of Scorpion in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
In the film Spider-Man: Homecoming released in 2017, Michael Mando’s character, Mac Gargan, was captured after engaging in a deal involving weapons crafted from Chitauri and Ultron-based technology developed by Michael Keaton’s Vulture and his crew. Following Spider-Man’s reckless interference and a simultaneous FBI sting operation, Gargan suffered significant injuries to his face before being taken into custody and imprisoned.
While incarcerated, Gargan plotted his revenge against Spider-Man, a scheme that was hinted at in the first post-credits scene of Spider-Man: Homecoming. However, since that moment, Mando’s Gargan has not reappeared in the principal MCU timeline, nor has he been provided with any armor that would transform him into The Scorpion, as depicted in the original comic books.
Nonetheless, the current animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, features a Mac Gargan who evolves into a fully-fledged Scorpion within the MCU, albeit in an alternate timeline.
This alternate reality presents significant deviations, such as Norman Osborn serving as Peter Parker’s mentor instead of Tony Stark. In this iteration, Gargan is enhanced with technology provided by Doctor Octopus, sporting a green armored suit equipped with a lethal prehensile tail, which is powered by unstable gamma energy, ultimately merging the armor with his body.
Although this alternate version of Gargan is not voiced by Michael Mando, the character draws clear inspiration from the live-action portrayal, exhibiting a similarly chaotic demeanor as he engages in a fierce gang conflict with the notorious 110th St. Gang.
With his advanced upgrades, Gargan comes dangerously close to defeating Spider-Man in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. This intense encounter compels this timeline’s Peter Parker to deeply reflect on his readiness and willingness to embrace the responsibilities of a superhero, particularly in light of this significant initial setback.
Ultimately, while Spider-Man manages to triumph over Scorpion with assistance from Tombstone, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’s Scorpion serves as a compelling indication of how formidable and menacing Mando’s Scorpion could be in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
What Changes Can We Expect for Earth-616’s Scorpion in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
It is yet to be revealed how the main MCU timeline’s Mac Gargan will escape from prison, or what his subsequent plans for Spider-Man might entail.
While it seems probable that the Mac Gargan from Earth-616 will finally don his own Scorpion armor, it remains uncertain whether it will be derived from Doc Ock, as presented in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Nevertheless, the gamma technology could potentially play a crucial role, possibly explaining Bruce Banner/Hulk’s involvement in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Regardless, the portrayal of Scorpion in the MCU’s recent animated series serves as a promising indication of the live-action version by Mando, while also providing fans with an engaging experience until the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day next year.
All episodes of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Season 1 are currently available for streaming on Disney+. Mark your calendars for the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31st, 2026.
