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PUMA has unveiled Southeast Asia's first-ever PUMA House on H-Street in Bangkok, marking the return of the brand's H-Street sneakers with an exclusive launch event that brought together PUMA's regional ambassadors and content creators at Siam Square. The event transforms the space into a dynamic hub where sport, fashion, and creativity collide.
Representing Malaysia at the regional launch, actor Aedy Ashraf delivered a standout moment on the runway with a star catwalk appearance, showcasing the H-Street collection and embodying the bold energy of PUMA. Joining the celebration were actor Alvin Chong and content creators Sara Muzam, Bennlqb, and Candy Teoh, who were among those invited to experience the immersive event and preview the latest collection.
Taking the stage alongside Thai actor and brand ambassador Win Metawin, the newly-introduced ambassadors representing H-Street across Southeast Asia include Malaysia's Aedy Ashraf, Kevin from Singapore, Gabriel Prince from Indonesia, and Arthur Nery from the Philippines.
The event delivered a fashion-forward experience featuring curated F&B, interactive touchpoints, an exclusive first look at the H-Street collection, and immersive brand experiences.
A Sneaker Rooted in Track Heritage
The H-Street traces its origins to the Harambee, PUMA's iconic track spike from the early 2000s. Reimagined for the street, it balances performance and style through a low-profile silhouette, lightweight mesh upper, and expressive colourways.
"H-Street has always been about more than a sneaker – it is about a culture, a community, and a way of expressing yourself that resonates deeply with young people across Southeast Asia," said Gabriel Yap, Senior Director Marketing, PUMA Southeast Asia. "Bangkok is the perfect home for Southeast Asia's first PUMA House on H-Street, and we are excited to open its doors to everyone this week."
The PUMA House on H-Street showcases the colourful line-up of the collection that are featured on the feet of PUMA's global brand ambassador Rosé, and are centred around three key colourways: Black, Fizzy Green and Poison Pink. Guests will also get the chance to exclusively preview new colourways and executions dropping in the upcoming months.
The H-Street collection is now available in Malaysia, with prices ranging from RM399 to RM429, at selected PUMA stores nationwide, Solewhat, JD Sports, and online.
One undeniable part of Hari Raya celebrations is the feasting, from savoury dishes to traditional kuih. The month of Syawal is also a great time to flex those generous muscles, so why not take the opportunity to gift delicious treats to your family and friends? The best part? These yummy noms are also great for serving at your open house or Raya gatherings!
Combat the Raya heat with some ice cream from Inside Scoop! The Kek Batik slice cream box, Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate slice cream box and Kektupat are all perfect for sharing, making them a great dessert choice. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try the Raya-inspired flavours?
Ferrero Rocher
When it comes to timeless sweet treats, the first thing that comes to many Malaysians' minds is Ferrero Rocher! Bite-sized and beautifully packed, these premium chocolates are ideal for gifting and sharing during the Raya season. Their exclusive Eid packaging also makes the gift feel more personal and special.
The Laughing Cow
Malaysians love cheese, so why not give out some The Laughing Cow Cheez Dippers? These packed treats make for great on-the-go snacks for adults and kids, perfect for fueling up between those Raya rombongan.
If you really want to bring things up a notch, consider using The Laughing Cow's iconic Cheese Wedges to whip up some cheesy Raya treats. They're a great, creamy addition to both savoury and sweet dishes, so there's no limit to what you can create!
Doughnuts are always a safe bet when it comes to open house dessert options – but if you're tired of the same old plain flavours, why not check out Krispy Kreme's Eid Delights line-up? With flavours like Pandan Gula Melaka, Kunafa Pistachio, Chocolate Dream Cake and Mango Cheesecake, these doughnuts will surely be a hit with the sweet tooths at any Raya gatherings.
Need something to quench your thirst at your Raya celebrations? Look no further than Malaysia's very own tea beverage chain, Tealive! While there are many delicious drinks to choose from, Tealive's top suggestion for Raya is their OG Coco Mousse series, featuring the Coco Mousse Pudding, the Coco Matcha Mousse and the Jasmine Tea Coco Mousse.
AirAsia has issued a public advisory cautioning travellers about a growing number of fraudulent customer service scams targeting airline passengers on social media.
The advisory follows the circulation of online posts displaying a phone number falsely claimed to be an official AirAsia customer service line. The airline warned that the number is not affiliated with AirAsia and is suspected to be part of a scam targeting travellers seeking assistance with their bookings.
The airline strongly advised the public to avoid contacting customer service numbers found on unverified sources, to be cautious of any links received via WhatsApp, or other messaging platforms and to refrain from sharing personal information, booking references, or payment details with parties whose identity cannot be confirmed.
As part of its advisory, AirAsia clarified that it does not operate customer service via phone calls. All official customer support services are available exclusively through AskBo, the airline's digital support platform. Guests can access AskBo via the AirAsia MOVE app or through AirAsia's official digital platforms to receive assistance with flight bookings, schedule changes, travel information, and other services swiftly and securely.
The airline encouraged travellers to always verify information through official AirAsia channels, including its website and verified social media accounts, especially during the peak Hari Raya travel period. The airline will continue to monitor the circulation of misleading information, as well as remind the public to remain vigilant against potential fraud, especially during this season.
For official information and assistance, visit AirAsia's website or access the AirAsia MOVE app.
Looking for something fun to watch this Raya? HBO Max invites you and your loved ones to come together and stream a lineup of favourite Korean programming this festive season. From Korean comedies like "Our Universe" and "The Practical Guide to Love" to thrillers such as "Mad Concrete Dreams" and "Dear X", there's something for everyone! Here are some of our top picks:
Our Universe
SOURCE: TVING/HBO MAX
Two in-laws at odds are forced to set aside their differences after a tragic accident claims the lives of their respective siblings, leaving them to raise their orphaned nephew. As they navigate their newfound responsibilities together, an unexpected romance begins to bloom between them. Our Universe stars Bae In-hyuk, Roh Jeong-eui and Park Seo-ham.
The Practical Guide to Love
SOURCE: TVING/HBO MAX
Highly successful and career-driven Lee Ui-yeong struggles to find love in this day and age. In her pursuit to find her other half efficiently, she begins going on blind dates and finds herself caught in an unexpected love triangle and drawn to two very different individuals. The Practical Guide to Love stars Han Ji-min, Park Sung-hoon and Lee Ki-taek.
Mad Concrete Dreams
SOURCE: HBO MAX
Su-jong, a desperate landlord, seeks alternate revenue streams and turns to a life of crime to protect his family and assets. "Mad Concrete Dreams" stars Ha Jung-woo, Im Soo-jung, Krystal Jung and more.
Dear X
SOURCE: TVING/STUDIO DRAGON/HBO MAX
"Dear X" tells the story of Baek Ah-jin, a successful actress who hides her history of trauma and rises to the top through manipulation and deception, protected at all costs by her love interest, Yoon Jun-seo. The series stars Kim You-jung, Kim Young-dae and Kim Do-hoon.
For more Korean Entertainment, be sure to explore the TVING branded hub which features the latest premieres of dramas, comedies and variety programming, including "The Village Barber", which stars Park Bo-gum who sets up a barbershop in a rural village in South Korea with his closest friends Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon – watch as they uncover heartwarming local stories and build meaningful memories, one haircut at a time.
All these titles, and more, are now streaming on HBO Max.
This Ramadan and Raya season, it's time to say yam… or rather, yum! K Fry Urban Korean is welcoming the festive months with its all-new "Raya Yam!" limited-time menu that blends Korean flavours with comforting festive indulgence, made for meaningful buka puasa moments and joyous Raya reunions.
Inspired by K Fry's cheerful mascot YamYam, the friendly drumstick from Chef K's kitchen, the series celebrates warmth, optimism and the simple happiness of sharing good food. And this season, every bite promises to deliver that unmistakable yam! factor.
Taking centre stage is the indulgent Chilli K'runch Butter Yam, available from RM42.90 for half chicks and RM25.70 for Soonsal (boneless chicken). Think crispy fried chicken generously coated in golden buttermilk, elevated with infused chilli oil, crunchy garlic bits, chilli crisps and fragrant curry leaves. It's creamy, spicy and aromatic all at once, perfect for those who enjoy a little kick with their buka puasa feast.
For those who love something hearty and comforting to share around the table, the Ttokttok Sweet Corn Bulgogi delivers indulgence in every forkful. Golden fries are layered with bulgogi chicken or beef, sweet corn, savoury bulgogi sauce and a drizzle of sour cream, creating a flavour-packed dish that's perfect for sharing during iftar. Ttokttok Sweet Corn Bulgogi is priced from RM23.47 for beef topping and RM20.88 for chicken topping.
No festive feast is complete without dessert, and K Fry is serving up a purple-hued showstopper that's as Instagrammable as it is irresistible. Exclusively for dine-in guests, the Bora Taro Bingsoo, priced from RM24.90, features pillowy shaved taro ice crowned with cream cheese, taro dust and generous taro chunks, plus chewy taro mini balls and sago pearls for added texture. Pair it with the creamy Bora Taro Shake, priced from RM12.90, topped with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of taro, for a sweet finale that cools and comforts after a hearty meal.
For those planning their buka puasa gatherings, K Fry has also curated two value-driven sharing sets designed to turn casual dinners into full-on festive feasts.
YamYam Feast (2–3 Pax) – Priced from RM54.50
1 Chilli K'runch Butter Yam Soonsal
1 Ttokttok Sweet Corn Bulgogi (Chicken or Beef)
2 Plain Rice
2 Fuze Tea Lemon Tea
K'rispy Bersama (3–4 Pax) – Priced from RM89.60
1 Chilli K'runch Butter Yam Half Chicks
1 Ttokttok Sweet Corn Bulgogi (Chicken or Beef)
1 Sausage & Chicken Slice Pajeon
3 Plain Rice
3 Fuze Tea Lemon Tea
For more information and promotions about K Fry Urban Korean, please visit its Website, Facebook or Instagram.
YEN, the Cantonese restaurant, has collaborated with homegrown Malaysian Chinese noodle icon, Fifty Tales, for a limited-time dining experience. Featuring beloved signatures in a curated ala carte and collaboration-exclusive tasting menu, the partnership celebrates Chinese cuisine as both history and playground.
Driven by a shared belief that tradition is strongest when it evolves, YEN x Fifty Tales brings together two culinary voices that honour classic Chinese flavours with a modern twist, offering a fresh take on traditional recipes while preserving the flavours that make them so beloved.
Guided by the vision of Chef Tan Kim Weng, YEN's menu is a carefully composed expression of tradition and innovation. Classic Cantonese flavours are treated with reverence, then subtly refined through modern techniques and precise execution. Each dish is crafted with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, crafted to achieve clarity, balance, and depth.
Chef Weng aims to nurture the next generation of culinary talent. His vision extends beyond the plate, embracing collaboration with young chefs and artisans who are redefining Chinese cuisine through their own contemporary lens. By creating a platform where emerging voices can engage with established traditions, Chef Weng ensures that craftsmanship remains dynamic and relevant through growth and his teachings.
"At YEN, chef and restaurant collaborations are deeply important to us. They allow our culinary team to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and evolve – while staying anchored in the discipline of Cantonese cuisine," shares Volker Burth, General Manager of W Kuala Lumpur. "In today's dining landscape, collaboration is more than a trend; it reflects a new openness among chefs to share, create, and push boundaries together. Our partnership with Fifty Tales embraces this spirit, offering diners something truly distinctive – an experience shaped by dialogue, creativity, and a shared respect for craft."
This limited-time experience offers a curated lunch and dinner menu featuring signature dishes including YEN's two course Golden Duck and Fifty Tale's Signature Kulim Roasted Chicken. Diners will enjoy both ala carte offerings and a collaboration exclusive 6-course tasting menu available for dinner, spotlighting the best of both kitchens.
"Chinese cuisine carries so much memory," adds Chef Aaron Khor, Head Chef at Fifty Tales. "This menu is about honouring tradition while allowing it to evolve respecting the stories behind each dish while creating something new and unexpected. Collaborating with YEN has been deeply meaningful; its bold, modern spirit creates the perfect space for heritage and innovation to meet."
The lunch and dinner collaboration will be available exclusively at YEN, W Kuala Lumpur, from 26th to 27th March 2026.
For reservations or more information, contact +60 3-2786 8888 / +60 12-357 4788, email bf.wkualalumpur@whotels.com or visit here.
As with every Hari Raya, families busily prepare for the family gatherings, the influx of guests and back-to-back feasting. If you're in charge of setting the mood at your celebrations and gatherings this year, you can't never wrong with putting on some festive tracks. Here are some new Raya tracks that you can add to your playlist for all your Eid celebrations:
A small piece of Seoul's soul and essence has arrived in Kuala Lumpur, with the opening of KANTIK by GOYO. Malaysia's first Hanok-inspired Korean wellness sanctuary. The spa is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city, with a space that introduces a new kind of escape for everyone who needs a self-care day. KANTIK by GOYO is that one spa that blends traditional Korean healing with a modern, with a private spa experience.
Specially created as an all-in-one wellness destination for guests, KANTIK brings head spa rituals, Korean facials, and the traditional Seshin body scrub together, offering guests a complete journey focused on balance, rest, and renewal.
A Space Designed for Calm and Privacy
Inspired by traditional Korean Hanok architectures, the interiors in KANTIK is warm, minimal, and calming. With natural textures, soft lightings, and carefully controlled acoustics, the space creates an environment that makes the whole experience feel peaceful.
Every treatment is done in fully private rooms, allowing all the guests to relax without interruption. The space also includes dedicated women-only zones, private access corridors, and intimate couple suites, making it a comfortable and Muslim-friendly environment for everyone.
Malaysia's First-Cave Style Body Scrub Room
One of KANTIK'S most unique feature is its cave-style body scrub room. Which is first in our country. Made and designed with curved walls, earthy tones, and soft lighting, the space feels like a hidden retreat away from the busy world.
This is a place where guests can experience the traditional Korean Seshin body scrub, a deeply cleansing ritual that exfoliates the skin using authentic mitts and warm water. Known for leaving the skin smooth and refreshed, the treatment offers an immediate "glass-skin" effect for the body.
Signature Head Spa: Where Relaxation Meets Scalp Care
KANTIK's head spa treatments are designed to be beyond relaxation. Each session begins with an AI Scalp Analysis, followed by a personalized consultation to help with each individuals needs.
The treatments combined scalp massage techniques, premium Korean products, and the signature Waterfall Rinse, a soothing flow of water inspired by Korean onsen traditions. This helps to improve circulation, relieve tension, and promote healthier scalp and hair.
Korean Facial for the Glow
For those who wants radiant skin, KANTIK's Korean Facial treatments blend advanced skincare technology with a gentle, hands on approach. Each facial is specially made to hydrate, clarify and rejuvenate the skin, with options such as Red Light Therapy and Oxygen Therapy to enhance results. Signature treatments like the Detox Facial focus on deep cleansing, exfoliation, and restoring balance, leaving skin refreshed and glowing.
At KANTIK, the experience goes beyond treatment room. Guests are guided with authentic Korean techniques, complemented by organic herbal eye, and scalp masks that soothe and restore. After each and one session, guests are served Korean wellness teas such as omija, bellflower root, and tangerine peel, which offers a quiet moment to pause and reset before stepping back into your daily routine.
Opened daily from 10AM-10PM, KANTIK by GOTO introduces a thoughtful approach to self-care in KL. With its focus on authentic and holistic wellness, along with privacy. This place offers more than just a spa visit, its a space to truly slow down and get the self-care you deserve.
Located in the heart of SS15 Subang Jaya, XD UNIVERSE has been a popular destination for local K-pop fans since its soft opening on 11th October 2025. As Malaysia's first full-concept K-pop experience space, XD UNIVERSE brings together official album collections, interactive experiences, and fan events, offering a unique offline experience for fans.
The store features a wide selection of official K-pop albums and merchandise, spanning from classic K-pop eras to the latest releases, making it a must-visit destination for K-pop collectors and fans alike. XD UNIVERSE also offers album preorder services whenever idols announce new comebacks, allowing fans to reserve official albums ahead of release and secure their copies conveniently.
Beyond albums and merchandise, XD UNIVERSE introduces interactive elements rarely seen locally, including six draw card machines, a dedicated K-pop photobooth, a lucky draw machine, and a fan-friendly café space designed for fans to relax and enjoy the K-pop atmosphere.
What truly sets XD UNIVERSE apart is its event space designed specifically for fan communities. The venue regularly hosts idol birthday celebrations, fan gatherings, and themed events, providing Malaysian K-pop fans with a dedicated physical space to celebrate their favourite artists together.
"XD UNIVERSE was created to give Malaysian K-pop fans a place where they can not only buy albums but also connect with other fans and celebrate their favourite idols," said Elina Chang, founder of XD UNIVERSE.
As the popularity of K-pop continues to grow worldwide, the store aims to become a central hub for Malaysia's fan community by bringing together albums, fan experiences, and community gatherings in one location. Fans can visit the store today at SS15 Subang Jaya, Selangor.
Rejoice, True Believers! The first trailer for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has finally hit the web. To say we feel stunned, "shooketh," and overjoyed all in the same breath would be an understatement. In a rollout strategy that felt like a brilliant mix of community engagement and psychological torture (we're leaning more to the former), Sony and Marvel bypassed the traditional trailer drop.
Instead, they handed the keys to the kingdom to the fans, releasing literal fragments of the trailer across the globe as the "sun rose" in different regions. Well, at least there was an interactive bit, where it hunt that forced the world to piece Peter Parker's journey, one frame at a time.
Source: Sony Pictures | Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
It has been four agonizing years since the events of "No Way Home". We all remember the moment Doctor Strange cast the spell. It erased Peter Parker from the world's collective memory. Now, the official premise for "Brand New Day" confirms our hero is fully anonymous, living a solitary life in the heart of New York City.
Guiding this new chapter is "Shang-Chi" director Destin Daniel Cretton, whose appointment feels like a masterstroke for a franchise in desperate need of a grounded perspective. Having already proven he can balance massive MCU spectacle with deeply personal stakes, Cretton brings a visceral, tactile energy to Peter's world.
Source: Sony Pictures | Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
There is a lot to unpack with this footage. But don't worry, we've done the heavy lifting for you. It's a "Brand New Day", we've got a brand new attitude, and we're ready to dive deep into the shadows of Peter Parker's next chapter. So, kick back, grab your web-shooters, and let's break it down!
1. The Ghost of Peter Past
For years, a vocal segment of the fanbase has bemoaned the "Iron Boy Jr." era of the MCU. The primary critique was that Peter Parker had become far too reliant on Stark Industries' bottomless resources, often trading his working-class roots for high-tech nanotech and orbital strikes. It raised a fundamental question for the character: Was he truly Spider-Man if Tony Stark was providing all the "toys" to play with?
Source: Sony Pictures | Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
So, we started rejoicing when the events of "No Way Home" basically hit a violent reset button on Peter's entire existence. And this trailer doubles down on that newfound desolation, showing us a Peter who has swapped Avengers-level tech for a sewing machine and a cramped, peeling apartment.
The emotional weight of this "back to basics" approach is felt most in the quietest moments. We see Peter sitting in a haunted silence at a diner, or—in a detail that will break every fan's heart—replaying the message that he once was planning to tell MJ all about. With no Stark tech, no Happy Hogan on speed-dial, and no support system like Aunt May – whose grave we see, we are finally seeing the "suffering Peter Parker" in its purest form. Now, he's just a lonely kid in a handmade red-and-blue suit trying to survive.
2. The Return of the Scorpion
Source: Sony Pictures | Michael Mando in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
For nearly a decade, one of the biggest "what-ifs" in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been the fate of Mac Gargan. After his introduction in 2017's "Spider-Man: Homecoming", where a scarred and vengeful Gargan teased a "meeting" with Peter Parker in a mid-credits scene, the character seemingly vanished into the ether. Fans have spent years wondering if that narrative thread would ever be pulled. And now, we finally have our answer.
Michael Mando is officially back, reprising his role with a ferocity that was well worth the nine-year wait. The trailer gives us our first look at Gargan fully transformed into the Scorpion, trading his prison jumpsuit for a high-tech, armoured rig with a painful sting.
Source: Sony Pictures | Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
However, Gargan isn't the only one stalking the boroughs. The trailer also offers our first glimpses of Tarantula and Boomerang in live action, both boasting surprisingly comic-accurate designs. And not just that, they recreated covers featuring these characters as seen in "The Amazing Spider-Man #134" and "The Amazing Spider-Man #316"! We fans are winning!
3. Frank Castle Has Something to Tell Spider-Man
For a decade, Jon Bernthal has defined the role of Frank Castle with a ferocity that few actors can match. Since he first stepped onto the screen in "Daredevil" Season 2, fans have campaigned to see his uncompromising, tactical brand of justice brought into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe. After Matt Murdock's brief but memorable legal cameo in "No Way Home", the floodgates have officially opened. And let us tell you something! Frank Castle has crashed through them in the most Punisher way possible.
Source: Sony Pictures | Jon Bernthal in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
The trailer wastes no time establishing the friction between these two icons. Frank doesn't offer a team-up but a hit-and-run, literally slamming into Spider-Man with his iconic war-zone van. The chemistry is instantly volatile. From Frank firing point-blank rounds at a dodging Peter to a sequence where Spidey smashes through the windshield to physically eject the vigilante.
Of course, Jon Bernthal has gone on record to say that fans will still see the ferocious and dark portrayal that we have been accustomed to. And the movie will balance the Punisher's intensity with Spider-Man's wit. In perhaps the trailer's most "crowd-pleasing" moment, a frustrated Frank is about to drop a signature "Mother—" bomb when Peter effortlessly webs his mouth shut. Kind of like when Nick Fury got dusted in "Infinity War". Touche.
4. Say It With Us… Or-Gan-Ic
In a massive mechanical shift for the MCU, the trailer finally confirms a long-standing fan theory. Peter is developing organic web-shooters. We see a haunting sequence of a strange, silken cocoon. And we see it pulsating in the dark shadows of Peter's disheveled apartment.
Source: Sony Pictures | Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
The standout moment of the footage features Peter falling precariously through the air. In a flash of survival instinct, he "thwips" a line to safety. But… he does not have his signature mechanical gauntlets. "Organic webbing?" we exclaim in unison. By stripping away the web-fluid cartridges and the Stark-designed tech, the film is forcing the hero's powers to come from within.
For many, this is a nostalgic nod to the Tobey Maguire era. It marks the first time organic webbing has been used in live-action in over two decades. The film is intentionally removing the reliance on web-fluid cartridges and external gadgets. By stripping away these Stark-era tools, the story is pushing Tom Holland's Peter Parker to evolve. He is becoming a more primal version of the wall-crawler.
5. Dr Banner In The House
Source: Sony Pictures | Mark Ruffalo in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
Perhaps the most bittersweet moment of the trailer comes during Peter's reunion with Dr Bruce Banner. Like everyone else, Banner has no memory of the young hero he once fought alongside. This leaves Peter in a heartbreaking position, seeking life-saving advice from a mentor who looks at him as a stranger.
However, Banner's role in the film is far from a mere cameo. He is the one who provides the chilling diagnosis that anchors the trailer's second half: Peter's DNA is actively mutating.Banner tells him that his DNA is mutating actively. And this might also be a direct nod to the iconic Man-Spider arc from the comics and the animated 90s show.
Beyond the lab, the trailer carefully guards the details of Banner's own internal struggle. While we only see the scientist in this footage, recent promo leaks have hinted at a return of the "Savage Hulk," suggesting that Banner's control over his alter-ego might be slipping. Though the trailer keeps the focus on Peter's mutation, the prospect of a de-powered, isolated Spider-Man having to deal with an unbridled Hulk adds a terrifying layer to this "Brand New Day."
6. Darth "Paul"?
Source: Sony Pictures | Zendaya and Jacob Batalon in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
If the trailer's action sequences are a rush, the scenes involving Peter's former life are a total gut-punch. We see Zendaya and Jacob Batalon return as MJ and Ned Leeds, but they are no longer the supportive "Guy in the Chair" or the girl who once saw through Peter's secret identity. The camera work here is deliberately voyeuristic as we see him observing his friends from a distance.
The salt in the wound comes in the form of a new character played by Eman Esfandi ("Ahsoka"). He isn't a casual friend, either. The trailer showcases an agonisingly intimate moment with him and MJ, and we see him touch MJ's face. Meanwhile, Peter watches the entire scene helplessly from across the room.
Source: Sony Pictures | Zendaya and Eman Esfandi in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
The footage doesn't officially confirm the character's name. However, the internet has already reached a fever pitch. Fans are convinced that Esfandi is playing the MCU's version of the most controversial figure in modern Spidey lore.
So, who exactly is this guy whose name happens to rhyme with "Darth Maul"? To understand the fan outrage, you have to look at the Zeb Wells era of "The Amazing Spider-Man" comics. In that run, Peter and MJ were separated when Mary Jane became stranded in an alternate dimension for several years. While only a short time passed for Peter, MJ lived a full life in that wasteland and fell in love with a man named Paul Rabin. By the time Peter rescued her, MJ had moved on, starting a family and treating Peter with a newfound, painful coldness. For many fans, "Paul" became the ultimate symbol of a permanent roadblock to the Peter/MJ reunion—and seeing this dynamic reflected on the big screen suggests the MCU is about to put Peter through that same emotional wringer.
7. Where is The Man Without Fear? Where is Daredevil?
Source: Sony Pictures | Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
The connective tissue between the big screen and the Disney+ "Defenders" universe continues to tighten, and this trailer hides a massive clue for fans of "Daredevil: Born Again". In a brief but telling sequence, the figure shown handing a key to the city is played by Sheila Rivera. As fans know, her character is deeply entrenched in the political machinery of Wilson Fisk. This inclusion is more than just a fun cameo; it suggests that the "Mayor Fisk" storyline is officially bleeding into Peter's world. However, for those tracking the timeline, this appearance raises major questions about the fallout of "Born Again" Season 2, potentially spoiling a power shift.
But the political shadow of the Kingpin isn't the only ghost from Daredevil's past to haunt this trailer. The footage also marks the terrifying return of The Hand.
Source: Sony Pictures | Sheila Rivera and Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
Seeing the mystical ninja order integrated into a Spider-Man film confirms a massive shift. The "street-level" threats of New York are finally becoming a unified front. This isn't just about small-time crooks anymore. It is a collision of worlds.
Matt Murdock himself doesn't make a physical appearance in these two minutes. However, his influence is felt in every shadow. But it leaves us with one burning question: when will the Devil of Hell's Kitchen finally cross paths with the Wall-Crawler? While we're still waiting for that "team-up" shot, the trailer makes it clear that Peter is fighting a war that started in the hallways of the Defenders' universe.
8. Sadie Sinx?
Source: Sony Pictures | Sadie Sink in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
One of the most tantalising mysteries in the "Brand New Day" trailer is the blink-and-you-miss-it presence of Sadie Sink. The footage plays it incredibly coy with the "Stranger Things" alum, never showing her face directly. Instead, a series of haunting, fragmented shots greets us. The camera reveals only her back, hands, and feet.
However, the "what" is far more telling than the "who." Sink's character is shown subtly manipulating the people around her—possessing their movements as Peter watches in disbelief. When you combine this display of raw psychic power with her signature red hair, the evidence becomes overwhelming. All signs point to Sink stepping into the role of Jean Grey, marking the most significant integration of the X-Men into the mainline MCU to date.
Source: Sony Pictures | Sadie Sink in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
The implications for Peter are massive. If Jean Grey is already active in New York, it explains the "Mutant Saga" framework being built around the film. Peter isn't just dealing with his own biological "metamorphosis"; he's a witness to the emergence of a new species. Seeing a young, potentially untrained Jean Grey navigating the same "street-level" world as a broken Peter Parker is a masterstroke. It suggests that their paths are destined to collide. They might find common ground as allies. Or, perhaps, they are simply two outsiders feared by a world that no longer understands them.
9. Seeds of Anti-Mutant Radicalism
Source: Sony Pictures | Tramell Tillman "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
If the return of the Scorpion represents Peter's past, the introduction of Tramell Tillman ("Severance") as William Metzger represents a terrifying new future for the MCU. In the comics, Metzger is a radicalised leader of a high-tech anti-mutant militia. His presence adds a sophisticated, political layer to "Brand New Day", shifting the stakes to a full-scale societal conflict.
This inclusion is the "X-Factor" that confirms the movie's broader narrative. By positioning Metzger and his militia as a primary threat, the film places Peter Parker directly in the crossfire of a rising anti-mutant movement.As Metzger hunts down "gene-freaks" on the streets of New York, Spider-Man becomes the primary target of a world that no longer distinguishes between Avengers and Mutants. It's a brilliant way to ground the X-Men's entrance into the MCU through the eyes of a hero who has always been "your friendly neighbourhood" protector.
10. Less Man, More Spider
Source: Sony Pictures | Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
The final shot of the trailer is an absolute stunner. It shifts the tone from a desperate struggle to something almost supernatural. We see Peter in a meditative pose on the ground. The "friendly neighbourhood" hero has vanished. His eyes have turned a haunting, pitch-black.
A ninja from The Hand approaches with a drawn sword. Peter doesn't just dodge the strike. He catches the blade with his webs. With a surge of raw power, he shatters the steel into smithereens using his new silk.
This display of raw power brings us back to the trailer's central mystery. Is Peter Parker truly becoming the Man-Spider? While the idea of a grotesque, multi-armed transformation is a "body horror" nightmare many fans hope he avoids, the evidence is mounting.
Source: Sony Pictures | Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
For fans of the 1994 "Spider-Man: The Animated Series", the inclusion of Frank Castle feels like anything but a coincidence. In the iconic "Neogenic Nightmare" arc, the Punisher was the primary force hunting a mutating Peter Parker. He tracked him as he transformed into a mindless, six-armed beast. By placing Jon Bernthal's Frank Castle in this story, the MCU seems to be honouring that classic storyline.
Whether Frank is here to help Peter or put him down remains to be seen. The hero might just be the monster this time around. Whatever it is, we're seated.
Watch the trailer here:
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" swings into theatres July 30, 2026.
