“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is reshaping the Marvel Cinematic Universe, setting new records at the box office while garnering praise from critics, including us here at Looper. However, amidst its acclaim, the film presents an unusual scenario that demands attention. For more on this intriguing detail, check out our video above.
Jean Grey, portrayed by Sadie Sink, possesses the unsettling ability to enter people’s minds and govern their actions. In a strange twist, she taunts Peter, played by Tom Holland, while controlling an elderly man’s body. This leads the unsuspecting host into the path of an oncoming car—a startling moment for a couple of reasons. Not only does this act mark an abrupt dark shift for Jean early in the film, but the revelation that her sister was abducted by the Department of Damage Control partially explains her violent actions. Yet, targeting a random bystander rather than those responsible seems strikingly indiscriminate and cruel.
Peter’s response is equally surprising. As Jean heads towards MJ, portrayed by Zendaya, Peter pursues her without pausing to aid the injured man. With the turmoil of Jean’s pursuit and his own emerging powers, Peter’s departure from his usual conscientious self raises eyebrows, contrasting sharply with the Spider-Man everyone admires.
Fans have theories to justify the odd Spider-Man: Brand New Day scene
Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures
Viewers who have previously engaged with Looper’s explainer on Jean Grey will recognize her occasional villainous streaks in the comics, generally linked to the Dark Phoenix’s influence. However, in “Brand New Day,” she displays her darker side while still ostensibly a regular teenager, albeit one passionately driven to save her sister. This fleeting villainous role may have significant implications as the story potentially evolves towards an X-Men movie.
Redditor u/bigwreck94 suggests that Jean isn’t evil in the scene, just misguided: “This is a Jean Grey without the guidance of Charles Xavier. Not only does she not have the pacifist morals of Xavier’s teachings, but she also doesn’t have the full understanding and control of her abilities that his teachings provide.” Jean may have tried to kill that man because she doesn’t know any better. She sees Spider-Man working with Damage Control and wants him to back off so that she can save her sister.
And this moment, as well as Jean freezing a large chunk of New York in the film’s climax, could factor into a later X-Men movie. Traditionally, the world has feared mutants, even the X-Men who are trying to help them. But if a member of the X-Men is someone who hurt so many people, it would give humanity a solid reason to be fearful of them. Jean Grey will have to redeem herself in the MCU’s X-Men movie to show that she’s become a different person. Watch Looper’s video above to see how others have reacted to that controversial “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” moment.