The anticipation continues to build as Michael Mando, known for his role as Mac Gargan, prepares to step into the role of Spider-Man’s nemesis, the Scorpion, in the upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This latest installment, set for release on July 31, 2026, marks the culmination of an eight-year journey that began with the character’s introduction in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, where Gargan was established amid an array of villains.
Mando has confirmed plans to showcase his transformation into the Scorpion through a heartfelt post on Instagram, revealing a selfie that highlighted Gargan’s signature scorpion neck tattoo. Recently, he further teased fans by sharing a glimpse of his makeup process, showcasing the intricate prosthetics that will recreate Gargan’s disfigured appearance following a notorious encounter with the Staten Island Ferry:
Additionally, Mando ignited speculation concerning a potential symbiotic evolution, sharing a striking cover by artist Kevin Maguire from Amazing Spider-Man #573, where Gargan’s Scorpion is shown overtaken by the Venom symbiote.
This story arc is part of the six-part “New Ways to Die” storyline that unfolded during the Brand New Day era of comics, wherein Norman Osborn—the Green Goblin—transformed Gargan into the brand-new Scorpion. In this narrative, Gargan, now a Venomized Scorpion, confronts Spider-Man and Eddie Brock, who has transitioned into Anti-Venom thanks to his connection to the dark entity known as Mr. Negative.
This is not the first indication from Mando regarding the possibility of Gargan acquiring the Venom symbiote, following precedents set in Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #10 from 2005. In previous posts, Mando has shared artwork depicting Gargan’s dual identities of both Scorpion and Venom, hinting that he may take on the role of the symbiote’s host within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
It is crucial to recall that a mid-credits sequence in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home disclosed Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy) leaving a fragment of the Venom symbiote behind in the MCU, as he was transported back to his original reality due to a spell cast by Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). With Hardy’s Venom trilogy concluding with the upcoming The Last Dance, there may be new opportunities for the symbiote’s role within the Marvel landscape.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day features a stellar cast including Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/the Punisher, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, Zendaya as MJ, Jacob Batalon as Ned, Michael Mando as Mac Gargan/Scorpion, along with Sadie Sink and Liza Colón-Zayas in undisclosed roles, making it one of the most anticipated releases in Marvel’s lineup.
Based on reporting by Cameron Bonomolo. Read the full story at https://comicbook.com/movies/news/spider-man-brand-new-day-villain-mcu-venom-michael-mando-scorpion/