Spider-Man: Brand New Day concludes a significant chapter of Peter Parker's journey and his conflict with Jean Grey, but the film concludes with numerous unresolved plot points and end-credits scenes that raise more questions than they answer. Several dangling narrative threads suggest future MCU storylines, particularly concerning the integration of mutants.
Jean Grey's Path Forward
Following her confrontation at the Damage Control facility, Jean Grey is not apprehended but is shown departing New York City. While her immediate destination is implied to be Battleworld for Avengers: Secret Wars, her journey out of the city strongly suggests a connection to Westchester, the traditional home of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. This direction indicates Jean is headed towards a future with the X-Men in the MCU, regardless of when or where that narrative unfolds.
The Genesis of Mutant Inhibitors
A significant plot development involves Peter Parker's creation of inhibitor technology to suppress his own arachnid DNA, a concept he also applies to Jean Grey's telepathic abilities. Bruce Banner and MJ express concerns about the dangerous potential of this technology, particularly in a world already wary of super-powered individuals. Given that this technology ends up in the hands of Damage Control, it is highly probable that Peter's invention will become a bane to mutant-kind, evolving into forms akin to the inhibitor collars seen in Marvel Comics.
William Metzger's Continued Threat
The film's primary antagonist, William Metzger, remains at large by the movie's end. His philosophy of pre-emptive damage control by apprehending super-powered beings could easily extend to targeting mutants in future X-Men related narratives. Metzger aligns with a lineage of mutant-hating characters in Marvel lore, suggesting he could reappear as a significant threat in future installments.
Spider-Man's Post-Credits Enigma
The post-credits scene, featuring Ned's Spidey-Tracker app unable to locate Spider-Man and eventually finding him floating in space, suggests an off-world setting for the hero. This could be a prelude to Spider-Man's involvement in Secret Wars on Battleworld, a drastically altered planet formed from the remnants of destroyed multiverses. The scene raises questions about the tracker's functionality if Earth is destroyed, or perhaps implies Spider-Man is utilizing a 'Life Raft' vehicle to survive the multiversal collapse, a concept from the Secret Wars comic.
The Punisher's Unaccounted Freedom
Frank Castle, The Punisher, operates as a notorious vigilante responsible for numerous deaths. His ability to move freely within hospitals and public spaces without arrest, despite his violent actions and having shot Spider-Man, remains unexplained. While his mobile base might offer concealment, his apparent lack of repercussions strains credulity.
Ned's Memory vs. MJ's Amnesia
At the film's conclusion, a secret handshake between Peter and Ned suggests Ned may have regained his memories of Peter. This contrasts with MJ, who does not appear to recall him. The disparity is explained by the idea that MJ has grown and evolved, while Ned remains largely unchanged since their shared past. This suggests MJ's memories might return through different means or at a later time.
MJ's Romantic Future
MJ's romantic life remains unresolved. Separated from Peter due to his erased identity, her current relationship is also presented as unsatisfying. The film offers no clear indication of whether she will reunite with Peter, leaving this aspect for future storytelling.
Peter Parker's Financial Strain
Peter Parker's existence is erased, leaving him without records or identification. This raises questions about how he funds his life, including rent, food, and equipment for his Spider-Man activities. While scavenging for materials and receiving occasional gifts might cover some expenses, his ability to maintain a basic livelihood and afford necessities like flowers for Aunt May's grave, without a traceable income, is a significant logistical hurdle.
Culinary Choices and Brand Integration
Peter's choice to purchase Little Caesars pizza is questioned, with the assertion that a true New Yorker would opt for local pizzerias. However, the presence of Tom Holland's non-alcoholic beer brand, Bero, in a bodega is noted as a more plausible product placement.
Bruce Banner's Confinement
Bruce Banner's placement in a mental hospital after the events of Damage Control's destruction is puzzling, especially since Jean Grey's actions, not his, were the primary cause. While he is understandably distraught by losing control of the Hulk, the implication is that he committed himself, possibly to recover and manage his powers, which might explain his absence from future Avengers endeavors.
Damage Control's Inconsistent Enforcement
In a flashback, Damage Control arrests Jean Grey's sister, Sara, but leaves Jean unchecked despite her apparent threat. The explanation is that Sara possessed body-jumping abilities and Jean's mutant powers were not yet fully realized or recognized by Damage Control. However, this inconsistency serves the narrative purpose of allowing Jean to escape apprehension.
The Appearance of Ursula Ditkovich
A blonde girl residing in Peter's apartment building, who shows curiosity towards him and interacts with him over misplaced clothing, is suggested to be an MCU version of Ursula Ditkovich. This character was a landlady figure in previous Spider-Man iterations.