Scorpion's Long-Awaited MCU Return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day

After an eight-year absence, Michael Mando's Mac Gargan, the Scorpion, is back in the MCU, and new set photos reveal a potential prison escape.

The upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is generating serious buzz, and recent set photos confirm a fan-favorite villain is finally making his long-awaited return. Michael Mando, known for his role as Mac Gargan, also known as Scorpion, was spotted filming, hinting at a thrilling prison break sequence for the 2026 movie.

This appearance marks the first time fans have seen Gargan since his brief but impactful introduction in 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming. The new footage suggests the film will pay off a storyline teased nearly a decade ago, much to the excitement of the web-slinger's faithful followers.

Michael Mando's Scorpion is Finally Fulfilling an Eight-Year MCU Tease

Michael Mando made his MCU debut as Mac Gargan in 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming. After being stopped by the hero, the villain was last seen in prison, where he asked Michael Keaton's Vulture about Spider-Man's secret identity.

Vulture never revealed Peter Parker's identity to Gargan, and Scorpion had not been seen in the MCU since that film. Gargan wanted to know who Spider-Man was so his friends outside could "get to him," a storyline that has been left hanging for eight years.

Thankfully, the character is confirmed to be back in 2026, with new Spider-Man: Brand New Day set photos revealing Scorpion's return. While the images do not show Mac Gargan in his full Scorpion suit, they strongly tease that the movie will finally pay off that long-standing storyline.

New Set Photos Reveal Mac Gargan's Imminent Prison Escape

In the new Spider-Man: Brand New Day set photos, it appears that Michael Mando's Scorpion could be breaking out of prison. In one of the images, he is on a military-like chopper, while in another, Scorpion is handcuffed by only one hand, implying an escape is in progress.

The first look at Scorpion in Spider-Man: Brand New Day connects to older set photos, according to @SpiderMan_Newz on X. One image teased that a tank Tom Holland's Spider-Man has been seen chasing during filming rams through a wall. Based on this and the new Scorpion set photos, it looks like the tank was being used to break Scorpion, and perhaps others, out of prison.

This elaborate prison break sequence sets the stage for a major action set piece. It suggests a more grounded, street-level story, which makes sense with the reported involvement of Jon Bernthal's Punisher.

[Image: Michael Mando as Mac Gargan in white prison attire on a helicopter set for Spider-Man: Brand New Day]

How Michael Mando's Scorpion Could Escape From Prison in the New Film

The combination of a tank ramming through a wall and Scorpion appearing on a helicopter with a single handcuff strongly indicates a coordinated prison break. This escape could be facilitated by other villains reported for the film, such as Marvin Jones III, who is playing Tombstone in the MCU.

In the comics, Tombstone is a New York City crime boss, so he could be breaking out Scorpion to serve as his enforcer. This alliance would provide Peter Parker with a formidable challenge, especially given his isolated status after the events of No Way Home.

The sequence appears to be a high-stakes action scene, with Spider-Man reportedly confronting heavily armed agents from the Department of Damage Control, or DODC, during the prison break. This suggests a significant challenge for Peter, as Gargan will undoubtedly be fueled by his long-held rage and desire for revenge.

[Image: Spider-Man swinging past a damaged tank on a city street set]

Exploring Video Game Inspirations for Spider-Man: Brand New Day's Action

Fans have been drawing key connections between the set photos and the beloved Spider-Man game for the PS4. The large amount of paramilitary vehicles, including a helicopter and bomb squad cars, seen on the set for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, has fueled speculation about adapting elements from the game.

Tom Holland has previously mentioned scouring the internet for fan feedback before starting production, so it would not be surprising for the film to take inspiration from one of the most well-received pieces of Spider-Man media in recent years. The iconic helicopter chase from the PS4 game is a particular scene fans hope to see adapted.

While it is unconfirmed if characters like Mister Negative or Silver Sable, central to the PS4 game's story, will feature, the visual parallels hint at a blend of familiar comic lore and popular video game elements. This approach could offer a fresh yet resonant experience for long-time fans.

Scorpion's Potential Costume and Symbiote Transformation Theories

While Michael Mando is seen in prison scrubs in current set photos, he previously teased a "monstrous turn" for his character after trade reports confirmed his return in August. This has led to theories that Gargan will not only don a comic-accurate Scorpion suit but might also become a host for the Klyntar symbiote.

A piece of the symbiote that bonded with Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock was left behind in Earth-616, as shown in the No Way Home post-credits scene. This lingering plot thread could connect with Mac Gargan, attracted to his intense rage and bloodlust for Spider-Man. Such a development would allow the MCU to introduce Venom in a unique way without immediately rebooting the Eddie Brock character.

The extent of Scorpion's role in Brand New Day remains a point of speculation. Some rumors indicate he might not be a "main villain," potentially appearing in a montage of Peter Parker's recent crime-fighting. However, the elaborate prison break suggests a more substantial part for the character, allowing him to finally fulfill his vendetta against Spider-Man.

The Star-Studded Cast and Direction for this New Spider-Man Chapter

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be a major event, not just for the web-slinger, but for the wider MCU. Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker, navigating a world where everyone has forgotten his true identity following the universe-altering spell in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, with a script from Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. Holland described the film as a "rebirth," feeling like "the first movie in the chapter" rather than a fourth installment, promising a completely new direction.

The cast features several notable returns and new additions. Sadie Sink of Stranger Things is reportedly the female lead, although her role is currently undisclosed. Mark Ruffalo is said to return as the Hulk, and Jon Bernthal will reprise his role as Frank Castle, The Punisher, signaling a more grounded and potentially brutal narrative for Spider-Man. Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are also listed to return as Michelle Jones and Ned Leeds, respectively, though the nature of their interaction with Peter, who they no longer remember, is still a mystery. Marvin Jones III joins as Tombstone, alongside Liza Colón-Zayas and Tramell Tillman in undisclosed roles.

What Happens Next for Spider-Man and the Broader MCU Narrative

Production on Spider-Man: Brand New Day is now fully underway after a brief pause due to a minor concussion suffered by Tom Holland. Filming has taken place in locations like Basingstoke, UK, which was transformed to resemble New York City, creating an authentic backdrop for Peter's adventures.

The film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 31, 2026. This release date places it as the next, and only, Marvel Studios film before the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, which is set for December 2026. This strategic placement strongly suggests that Tom Holland's Spider-Man will play a crucial role in the upcoming Avengers crossover events, further integrating his story into the overarching Multiverse Saga.

With its promise of an eight-year storyline payoff, a thrilling prison break, a stellar returning and new cast, and a fresh direction for the character, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is poised to be an unmissable cinematic event for fans of the MCU and the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Release Timeline

Title	Release Date	Director	Writers
Spider-Man: Brand New Day	July 31, 2026	Destin Daniel Cretton	Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Steve Ditko, Stan Lee
Avengers: Doomsday	December 2026	Russo Brothers (rumored)
Avengers: Secret Wars	December 2027	Russo Brothers (rumored)