Spider-Man: Brand New Day: Is Michael Mando’s Scorpion Becoming Venom?

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be a game-changer for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and recent buzz suggests Michael Mando’s return as Mac Gargan, aka Scorpion, could bring a venomous twist.

The actor, last seen in Spider-Man: Homecoming, has ignited fan excitement with an Instagram post showcasing a comic cover where Scorpion bonds with the Venom symbiote.

With a piece of the symbiote left behind in Spider-Man: No Way Home, could Mando’s character evolve into the MCU’s next Venom? Let’s dive into the electrifying hints and what they mean for the web-slinger’s next adventure, set to hit theaters on July 31, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• Michael Mando teases his return as Scorpion in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

• Instagram post hints at Scorpion bonding with the Venom symbiote.

• Spider-Man: Brand New Day features Tom Holland, Mark Ruffalo, and Jon Bernthal.

• The Venom symbiote was left in the MCU after Spider-Man: No Way Home.

• Film set for release on July 31, 2026, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.

Is Michael Mando’s Scorpion Getting a Comic-Accurate Upgrade?

Mando’s recent Instagram activity has fans buzzing. He shared a selfie flaunting Gargan’s iconic scorpion neck tattoo, captioned with “st!ng,” and a comic cover from Absolute Carnage: Miles Morales (2019), depicting Scorpion alongside Venom.

This follows his earlier posts, including a Scorpion action figure and a comic panel from Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #10 (2005), where Mac Gargan becomes Venom. These teases suggest Mando’s Scorpion may don the classic green suit with a mechanical tail, a look fans have awaited since his brief appearance in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming.

In Homecoming, Gargan was a criminal associate of Vulture, scarred during a botched weapons deal and later seen in a post-credits scene vowing revenge on Spider-Man. His return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks a long-awaited payoff for this setup, with Mando’s posts hinting at a transformation into the comic-accurate Scorpion, complete with enhanced abilities.

Could Scorpion Become the MCU’s New Venom?

The Venom symbiote’s MCU debut came in Spider-Man: No Way Home’s mid-credits scene, where Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock left a fragment of the symbiote in a Mexican bar before being whisked back to his universe.

With Venom: The Last Dance (2024) concluding Hardy’s trilogy, the stage is set for a new host. Mando’s Instagram post of a comic cover where Scorpion bonds with Venom has sparked speculation that Gargan could become the MCU’s first true Venom.

In the comics, Gargan’s Venom is a brutal, uncontrollable force, driven by bloodlust and enhanced with powers like shape-shifting, web-slinging, and a scorpion-like tail. Unlike Eddie Brock’s more balanced bond, Gargan’s symbiote often dominates, making him a savage foe for Spider-Man.

If Spider-Man: Brand New Day follows this arc, Mando’s Gargan could evolve from a street-level thug to a monstrous threat, setting up an epic clash with Tom Holland’s Peter Parker.

Who Else Is Joining the Fight in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?

Spider-Man: Brand New Day boasts a stacked cast, amplifying the stakes. Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker, navigating a world where his identity as Spider-Man was erased.

Mark Ruffalo reprises his role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, marking his first major MCU film appearance since Avengers: Endgame. Jon Bernthal joins as The Punisher, bringing his gritty intensity to the big screen.

Zendaya and Jacob Batalon return as MJ and Ned, though their roles are expected to be smaller, with Sadie Sink and Liza Colón-Zayas in undisclosed parts.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), the film promises a street-level story set before Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.

Rumors suggest an action sequence where The Punisher tries to take down Scorpion, only for Spider-Man to intervene, hinting at a morally complex narrative.

How Will the Symbiote Shape the Story?

The symbiote’s presence opens thrilling possibilities. In the comics, Gargan’s Venom arc in the “New Ways to Die” storyline saw him clash with Spider-Man and Anti-Venom under Norman Osborn’s command.

While Spider-Man: Brand New Day may not replicate this exactly, the symbiote could tie into Peter’s struggle to rebuild his life post-No Way Home. Mando’s teases suggest Gargan’s transformation could be a central plot point, potentially introducing a darker, more visceral Spider-Man tale.

The film’s street-level focus, combined with heavyweights like Hulk and Punisher, suggests a blend of grounded and explosive action. Whether Scorpion becomes Venom or remains a standalone villain, Mando’s performance, honed in roles like Nacho Varga in Better Call Saul, promises a chilling portrayal.

Why Is This Tease So Exciting for Fans?

Mando’s hints have electrified MCU fans, who have waited eight years for Scorpion’s return. His Instagram posts, blending subtle nods like the scorpion tattoo with bold comic references, fuel anticipation for a villain arc that could rival the intensity of past Spider-Man foes.

The possibility of a Venomized Scorpion adds a fresh twist, especially after the symbiote’s brief MCU tease. With filming underway in Glasgow, Scotland, and set photos emerging, the hype for Spider-Man: Brand New Day is reaching fever pitch.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings closer to its July 31, 2026 release, Mando’s teases keep fans guessing.

Will Scorpion unleash his comic-accurate suit? Could he become the MCU’s Venom? One thing’s certain: this film is poised to deliver a bold new chapter for Spidey, packed with action, heart, and a sting that’ll leave audiences buzzing.

Stay tuned for more updates as production rolls on!