Spider-Man 4: Brand New Day

With "Spider-Man: Brand New Day", the Marvel Cinematic Universe dares to make a real new start for Peter Parker. The plot ties in directly with the events of "No Way Home", in which the magic of Doctor Strange caused the world to forget Peter Parker. The film centers on Peter's inner conflict of leaving his human identity behind and fully embracing his role as Spider-Man - a theme that producer Amy Pascal described as the heart of the story.

The cast is correspondingly revamped, as Peter's old friends MJ and Ned no longer play a role in his life due to the memory spell. Instead, new, sometimes darker characters appear on the scene. One of the biggest surprises is the integration of Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle aka The Punisher, who is making his debut in the movie MCU. Mark Ruffalo also returns as the Hulk. New to the cast: "Stranger Things" star Sadie Sink.

There has also been a change behind the scenes: after Jon Watts directed the first trilogy, Destin Daniel Cretton ("Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings") has taken over as director. He focuses more on handmade action and less use of green screen, for which Jackie Chan's stunt team was hired, among others. This focus on physical action takes its toll: lead actor Tom Holland injured himself so badly during a stunt that filming had to be briefly interrupted. The screenplay continues to be written by established authors Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers.

In terms of content, "Brand New Day" grounds the franchise again after the multiversal excursions. Instead of cosmic threats, the focus is on organized crime and street-level action.