Recent casting news for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has ignited speculation that Miles Morales might soon appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Deadline has confirmed that Liza Colón-Zayas, recognized for her role in FX’s The Bear, has joined the cast, though her specific role has yet to be disclosed.
Fans are buzzing with theories that Colón-Zayas may portray Rio Morales, Miles Morales’ mother, a character already familiar to audiences from various Spider-Man media, including the comics and animated films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Adding to this speculation, Colón-Zayas is of Puerto Rican descent and raised in New York, paralleling Miles Morales’ background.
While many are hopeful for the MCU introduction of Miles Morales, there are opinions suggesting that Colón-Zayas could serve as a maternal figure for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, possibly taking on a role similar to Marisa Tomei’s Aunt May, who was left out of the series following her character’s demise in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Joining Colón-Zayas is Sadie Sink from Stranger Things, whose casting has also triggered speculation regarding her character’s identity, with some linking her to the X-Men character Jean Grey. Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are expected to reprise their roles as Mary Jane and Ned, respectively.
Brand New Day is anticipated to serve as a new chapter following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter Parker’s identity is wiped from public memory. With exciting updates ongoing in the MCU, including recent releases like Captain America: Brave New World and future projects such as The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday, anticipation for Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to grow, set to premiere on July 31, 2026.
This casting development represents a significant moment for MCU fans longing for fresh characters and storylines. As the franchise evolves, the potential introduction of beloved characters like Miles Morales could offer new opportunities for narrative depth and diversity, maintaining the excitement high among audiences.