(Photo Credit: Sony Pictures)
Is Harry Osborn finally going to make his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Spider-Man: Brand New Day? Well, that’s what some fans believe after watching the first trailer for the upcoming superhero movie.
After being played by James Franco in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy and Dane DeHaan in Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Marvel Studios and Sony opted not to include Harry Osborn in Tom Holland’s first Spider-Man trilogy, with Jacob Batalon’s Ned Leeds instead filling the role of Peter Parker’s best friend. However, with Brand New Day kicking off a new Spider-Man trilogy, there have been rumors claiming that the sequel will introduce classic characters like Harry Osborn and Gwen Stacy into the MCU.
Who do MCU fans think is playing Harry Osborn in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
Two months after scooper Daniel Richtman reported that Eman Esfandi had been cast in Brand New Day, the actor was briefly glimpsed in the trailer for the Spider-Man movie, where he was shown flirting with Zendaya’s MJ. Given that MJ and Harry dated both in the comics and in Raimi’s first Spider-Man movie, some fans latched onto the idea that Esfandi is playing the character.
The other possible option is Paul Rabin. A newer addition to the Spider-Man mythos, he was part of a controversial storyline that saw him married to Mary Jane Watson and raising two kids with her. However, fans have made it clear on X that they do not want Paul anywhere near Brand New Day.
Holy shit, it IS Ezra’s actor! Please be Harry Osborn. Do NOT be Paul. I swear to God, if he’s playing Paul. ? https://t.co/FSKfVj5QDH— Key’Shawn Watkins (@KeyWatkins51299) March 18, 2026
Eman Esfandi from Ahsoka is joining the Spiderverse. I am curious could be Harry Osborn or Jason Macendale or Roderick Kingsley or Ben Urich.— Raghu Seetharaman (@rags751) March 18, 2026
Last month, a leaked cast list for Spider-Man: Brand New Day included Esfandi on it, with it stating that he was portraying either Harry Osborn or Paul. It also claimed that Kiernan Shipka would be playing Gwen Stacy, with the movie reportedly set to include a scene with her and Holland’s Peter at a laundromat.
With the Brand New Day trailer hinting that Peter will reincorporate himself into MJ and Ned’s lives, after Doctor Strange’s spell in No Way Home erased their memories of him, it’s beginning to look more and more likely that Marvel and Sony want to give the character his friend group from the comics, which typically includes Harry, MJ, and Gwen.
Of course, as always with scoops, theories, and leaks, readers should take them with a grain of salt until officially confirmed or denied by Marvel. All will ultimately be revealed when Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in theaters on July 31, 2026, as part of Phase 6 of the MCU.
