A photo from the set of Spider-Man: Brand New Day has given fans a look at Jacob Batalon, who will return for the movie after playing sidekick Ned Leeds in Tom Holland's first Marvel trilogy.
Also pictured in the photo is Zendaya, who of course plays MJ in the Spider-Man movies and is Holland's real-life partner. While it's not a surprise to see both Zendaya and Batalon now on set — the pair had previously been confirmed to have more minor roles in the film — this is the first time we've seen the series' core trio of friends together.
In addition, fans are wondering if — like Holland in his Spidey suit — the photo also shows Batalon in costume, as he wears a distinctive MIT shirt.
Batalon's character Ned was last seen at the end of 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home. Like MJ, Ned receives an acceptance letter to attend the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology the following year.
With both characters having forgotten Peter Parker (due to Doctor Strange's multiverse-saving spell), it's implied that Ned and MJ will attend MIT together, leaving New York and any possible future reunion with Spider-Man firmly behind.
Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon on the set of #SpiderManBrandNewDay pic.twitter.com/tMkottMAF5
— Spidey’s Source (@SpideysSource) September 11, 2025
Now, this new photo appears to confirm that is indeed what happened next — even if the characters do still end up making an appearance in Brand New Day. To date, filming for the movie has taken place in Glasgow, Scotland, with streets redecorated to look like New York. Perhaps Ned and MJ are back visiting the Big Apple for spring break, leading to some kind of reunion with Peter? Or, perhaps, Holland's character goes to check up on them in Boston.
The next Spidey movie is rumored to pit Tom Holland’s web-slinger against a selection of street-level villains, including the return of Michael Mando’s Scorpion. The film also features Jon Bernthal, who will reprise his role as Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, and is rumored to also include Mark Ruffalo, reprising his role as Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk. Stranger Things star Sadie Sink will also play a major role — which, so far, Marvel is doing a good job of keeping under wraps.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to debut in theaters next summer, on July 31, 2026.
Photo by Maya Dehlin Spach/WireImage.
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
source https://www.ign.com/articles/spider-man-brand-new-day-set-photo-shows-tom-holland-with-jacob-batalon-wearing-a-teasing-t-shirt