Spider-Man: Brand New Day Eyes Biggest Opening of 2026

Spider-Man: Brand New Day, starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, arrives in theaters this weekend with forecasts pointing to the biggest domestic opening weekend of 2026. The latest installment marks Holland’s return as Peter Parker following the record-breaking success of 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, which earned $260.1 million during its North American opening weekend and went on to gross $1.9 billion worldwide despite pandemic-related challenges affecting theaters.

The new film continues the story after Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Doctor Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, erased the world’s memories of Peter Parker’s identity as Spider-Man. As Peter begins a new chapter alongside MJ, portrayed by Zendaya, and Ned, played by Jacob Batalon, he faces a dangerous new threat targeting New York City.

Although nearly five years have passed since Holland’s previous solo Spider-Man film, early box office tracking suggests audience interest remains exceptionally strong. Deadline’s July 9 forecast estimated a domestic opening between $180 million and $190 million, a total that would still surpass Toy Story 5’s $159.6 million debut to become the year’s biggest opening weekend. The publication noted that the film will not have access to IMAX screens because of a three-week commitment to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, though it will be available in Premium Large Format theaters.

More optimistic forecasts have also emerged. Box Office Pro projected on July 10 that Spider-Man: Brand New Day could collect between $230 million and $250 million during its opening weekend of July 31 through Aug. 2. Meanwhile, Box Office Theory issued the highest estimate on July 24, predicting a range of $228 million to $274 million before settling on a projected debut of $249 million.

Rated PG-13, the film is scheduled to open in approximately 4,000 theaters across North America. Preview screenings begin Thursday ahead of its nationwide theatrical release on Friday.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who previously helmed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the film also features Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Liza Colón-Zayas, Sadie Sink, Michael Mando and Mark Ruffalo.