Glasgow temporarily transforms into downtown Manhattan for the action sequences in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, bringing superhero chaos to Scottish streets ahead of the film’s July 31 theatrical release.
Comic book fans know Peter Parker as the science nerd bitten by a radioactive spider, but in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Tom Holland shares the spotlight with an unexpected co-star. While the story unfolds in New York City, much of the production took place more than 3,000 miles away in Glasgow.
Glasgow Transforms into Manhattan for High-Octane Chase Sequences
Filming brought the Scottish city centre to a temporary halt last summer as large crowds gathered to watch Holland perform an action sequence in full superhero mode. In the film’s opening set-piece, Spider-Man swings through Glasgow streets doubling for downtown Manhattan in pursuit of a tank, resulting in flipped cars, spun webs, and destroyed buildings.
The cinematic footprint in Glasgow continues to expand, with the city expected to double as Gotham City next month when filming starts on the sequel to The Batman.
Plot Developments and Franchise Crossovers Shape the Narrative
The narrative picks up a couple of years after the memory-erasing conclusion of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange cast a spell making the world forget Peter Parker. Now isolated and anonymous, Parker throws himself into crime-fighting while avoiding everyday contacts to protect MJ, played by Zendaya, and best friend Ned Leeds, played by Jacob Batalon, who have moved on without any memory of him.
The plot centers on a telepath capable of possessing random individuals—including supervillains—to wreak havoc on New York and infiltrate the Department of Damage Control. This conflict introduces Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle, marking the character’s first film appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe following his run on television. Other crossover elements include Mark Ruffalo returning as Bruce Banner, whose Hulk persona is reframed as an adversary delivering science-laden exposition.
Samsung Integration Bridges On-Screen Action with Real-World Tracking
Beyond the cinematic action, corporate partnerships play a central role in the rollout of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Samsung Electronics integrated its mobile technology directly into the storyline, with character Ned Leeds utilizing Galaxy devices to track the hero’s whereabouts.
Moviegoers will see Spider-Man using a Galaxy Z Flip, while Leeds employs a Galaxy Z Fold and a Galaxy Watch. Keena Grigsby, chief marketing officer and vice president of mobile experience at Samsung Electronics America, noted that the partnership showcases how the hero relies on connected technology to help save New York.
Jeffrey Godsick, executive vice president, global partnerships, at Sony Pictures Entertainment, stated that teaming up with Samsung helped bring that spirit to life both on screen and beyond, integrating the technology people use every day into Spider-Man’s world while also bringing innovative and fun new ways for fans to engage through the Spidey Tracker.
Tied to the film’s theatrical debut, Samsung is launching a real-time interactive experience featuring a Spidey Tracker developed by Leeds on Galaxy phones. A custom website featuring cast appearances, interviews, Easter eggs, and content drops allows fans to monitor sightings across live events, creator videos, and Samsung Experience Stores.
