A scene in Spider-Man: Brand New Day has introduced a novel, albeit informal, method for assessing the threat levels that individual superheroes within the Marvel Cinematic Universe can handle. This narrative device, presented through a conversation between Peter Parker and Yelena Belova, offers a new perspective on how characters might be positioned for future large-scale events like Avengers: Doomsday.
Within the film, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) confronts a villain with psychic abilities that allow mind control. Outmatched, he seeks counsel from Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), now a member of the New Avengers. Yelena distinguishes the villain's powers from mere psychological manipulation, likening them to demonic possession. She then categorizes the threat as "baby potatoes" in comparison to the "big potatoes" the New Avengers are currently facing.
Historically, Marvel's heroes have been informally divided into two tiers: street-level protectors like Luke Cage, Daredevil, and Iron Fist, who defend specific city neighborhoods, and those who confront world-ending threats, such as alien invasions or genocidal robots. Spider-Man, traditionally operating in Queens, has often been associated with the former, earning him the moniker "friendly neighborhood Spider-Man."
However, the MCU has frequently placed Spider-Man in situations exceeding his usual purview. While his initial encounter with Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming was a quintessential street-level conflict, the advanced technology inherited from Tony Stark elevated his capabilities. This allowed him to participate in larger conflicts, including a European excursion in Spider-Man: Far From Home and even space travel in Avengers: Infinity War. His role in Spider-Man: No Way Home, while involving classic villains, escalated to multiversal stakes due to Doctor Strange's involvement.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day initially appears to ground Peter Parker back at a street-level focus. Equipped with self-made technology and operating without the extensive resources previously afforded by Stark, he aids police and engages gangsters and minor supervillains like Scorpion and Tombstone. The situation, however, evolves. Yelena later revises her assessment, deeming the threat "slightly bigger potatoes" when Jean Grey demonstrates the ability to control the Hulk. Even street-level hero Frank Castle finds himself outmatched.
Ultimately, Peter Parker does not require external rescue. The film chronicles his personal development, including the emergence of organic webbing and enhanced senses. Facing an increasingly powerful Jean Grey, who gains telekinetic and mind-control abilities after being captured by Damage Control, Peter embraces his new powers by removing his inhibitor chip. This allows him to unleash a massive webbing attack and effectively combat ninjas and Damage Control soldiers.
While Spider-Man is not slated for Avengers: Doomsday, his return is anticipated for Secret Wars, a storyline explicitly defined by multiversal risk. The narrative suggests Peter Parker is now prepared for such high-stakes confrontations, potentially paving the way for a successor like Miles Morales.