The perfect villain for the MCU timeline prepares to swing back into the world of Peter Parker, many are speculating on whom the next big threat should be. While some characters have been reimagined for the screen before, one particular villain stands out – and so does the actor who’s already nailed the role more than once.
The fourth film in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man series, officially titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day, marks a fresh chapter not just for the wall-crawler but also for Sony and Marvel Studios’ ongoing partnership. With Peter Parker now effectively “forgotten” by the world following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, the stage is set for new beginnings. That includes introducing a new villain – one whose roots go deep in both the comics and a critically acclaimed video game.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day's Perfect Villain Is Already A Popular Fan Theory Thanks To Their Role In The Comics
Mister Negative Is A Central Villain In The Brand New Day Comics
One name keeps popping up among those speculating about the villain of Brand New Day: Mister Negative. Also known as Martin Li, this dual-identity crime boss and philanthropist has long been a compelling part of Spider-Man lore. His introduction in the "Brand New Day" comics aligns perfectly with the film's title and potential themes.
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A man of duality – light and dark, good and evil – Mister Negative’s visual design and energy-based powers are tailor-made for the big screen’s CGI spectacle. Martin Li’s connection to Aunt May’s F.E.A.S.T. shelter in the comics also makes him an emotionally grounded threat, much like previous villains such as Vulture and Green Goblin. He’s not just about chaos; he’s about control, corruption, and contrast, embodying the internal struggles Peter now faces in a world that’s moved on without knowing who he is.
Mister Negative's Perfect Actor Has Already Played The Role More Than Once
Stephen Oyoung Plays Mister Negative In The Spider-Man Video Game And Its Sequel
What makes Mister Negative an even more enticing pick is that his ideal actor has already played him multiple times. Stephen Oyoung voiced and provided performance capture for Martin Li/Mister Negative in Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man (2018) and its sequels. His portrayal wasn’t just serviceable – it was praised for adding complexity, pathos, and raw menace to the character.
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Oyoung brought gravitas to Mister Negative, elevating him beyond a simple boss fight. His nuanced performance helped make the villain one of the most memorable parts of the game. Since video game adaptations are no longer considered niche, with stars like Idris Elba and Giancarlo Esposito now leading roles in AAA titles, bringing a performer like Oyoung into the MCU would be a fitting evolution of this character’s screen presence.
Mister Negative's Game Voice Actor Has Already Said He'd Be Happy To Play The MCU Role
Stephen Oyoung Stated His Interest In PLaying Mister Negative In Live-Action
Stephen Oyoung isn’t shy about his interest, either. In a past interview with Spider-Man News, he addressed the possibility of bringing Mister Negative to live-action. “Who’s going to say no to that? Yes, I’d love the chance. It’d be a real full circle moment for me and my career,” he said. However, he also noted the reality of Hollywood’s casting decisions: “On the business side of things, studios want big names, global names. So take that for what you will.”
It’s a fair point. The MCU has a habit of casting well-known stars in major roles, especially for their villains. Yet there's a growing argument for fan-favorite performances to make the leap from animation or gaming to live-action. Just as Charlie Cox’s Daredevil or J.K. Simmons’ J. Jonah Jameson crossed media boundaries, so too could Stephen Oyoung’s Mister Negative.
The ion is there, the talent is proven, and the timing is perfect. The only issue is whether Marvel and Sony will be bold enough to bring him into the MCU. Nevertheless, one thing’s for sure: the blueprint for the perfect Spider-Man: Brand New Day villain is already on the table – and he’s already worn the mask, albeit digitally.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Release Date
- July 31, 2026
- Director
- Destin Daniel Cretton
- Writers
- Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Stan Lee
- Prequel(s)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- Franchise(s)
- Spider-Man
Cast
Spider-Man / Peter Parker
Michelle Jones
Jacob BatalonNed Leeds
