The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand its web of interconnected stories, and the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day—the fourth solo film starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker—is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter. Slated for release on July 31, 2026, the movie has already wrapped principal photography and boasts an impressive cast, including Zendaya as MJ, returning villains like Jon Bernthal’s Punisher and Michael Mando’s Scorpion, plus surprise appearances from Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk and others. Amid the excitement, persistent rumors have placed Stranger Things star Joe Keery in the mix for one of the most anticipated new additions: Harry Osborn, Peter Parker’s lifelong best friend who eventually becomes a tragic rival as the Green Goblin.
Harry Osborn holds a special place in Spider-Man lore. Introduced in the comics as the wealthy, charming son of Norman Osborn (the original Green Goblin), Harry starts as Peter’s loyal confidant at Empire State University, sharing laughs, secrets, and the ups and downs of young adulthood. Over time, the friendship fractures under the weight of family legacy, mental health struggles, and the corrupting influence of the Goblin serum. Harry’s arc—marked by betrayal, redemption, and heartbreak—adds emotional depth to Peter’s world, turning a simple superhero tale into a poignant exploration of loyalty, inheritance, and the cost of power.
In the MCU so far, the Osborn family has been teased but not fully explored. Willem Dafoe’s Norman Osborn made a multiversal cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home, hinting at the Green Goblin’s enduring threat without committing to a main-timeline version. Brand New Day—titled to evoke a fresh start after the reality-altering events of previous films—seems poised to ground the story in Peter Parker’s post-college life, where introducing a peer like Harry makes narrative sense. As Peter navigates adulthood, a best friend who understands the pressures of privilege and expectation could provide crucial support—before inevitably becoming a source of conflict.
Joe Keery, best known for portraying Steve Harrington in Netflix’s Stranger Things, has emerged as a fan-favorite choice for the role. Keery’s performance as the protective, quick-witted “babysitter” of Hawkins has showcased his range: effortless charm, physicality in action scenes, and the ability to convey vulnerability beneath a cool exterior. These qualities align perfectly with Harry’s comic portrayal—affable and supportive on the surface, yet harboring insecurities tied to his father’s shadow. Fan edits on platforms like TikTok have flooded the internet with montages of Keery as Harry, pairing his signature hairstyle and intense gaze with Spider-Man imagery, fueling widespread speculation.
Keery himself has addressed the buzz in recent interviews while promoting his horror-comedy Cold Storage. He playfully acknowledged being “familiar with Spider-Man” and admitted to enjoying the TikTok fancasts. “It’s fun to entertain,” he said, adding with enthusiasm, “Come on. Where’s the script? Let’s go.” His lighthearted yet eager response suggests genuine interest, though he tempered expectations by noting that “the right thing happens at the right time.” Keery’s rising profile—post-Stranger Things finale in late 2025—makes him an appealing fit for Marvel, which has increasingly drawn from acclaimed streaming talent.
If the casting materializes, Keery would join a growing wave of Stranger Things alumni entering the MCU. Sadie Sink, who played Max Mayfield, is already confirmed for an undisclosed role in Brand New Day, sparking theories about her as a potential love interest, ally, or even a reimagined character like Gwen Stacy or Black Cat. Joseph Quinn, known for Eddie Munson, debuted as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. David Harbour previously appeared as Red Guardian in Black Widow. The pattern highlights Marvel’s strategy of tapping into the massive fanbase built by the Netflix series, bringing familiar faces into new universes.
The rumors aren’t without contradictions. Some insiders insist Keery is not part of Brand New Day‘s cast, suggesting Marvel has eyed him for a different MCU project instead—perhaps in the expanding X-Men corner, as Nova, or another high-profile role. Keery was spotted in Glasgow (a filming location for the movie) last year, which initially sparked speculation, but conflicting reports have kept the door open without slamming it shut. Marvel Studios has remained silent on specifics, allowing the buzz to build organically.
Should Keery land Harry Osborn, the role offers rich potential. In the MCU’s grounded, street-level take on Spider-Man, Harry could serve as Peter’s post-college roommate or colleague—perhaps at a tech firm or Oscorp remnant—providing comic relief and emotional grounding before darker turns emerge. His eventual transformation into a Goblin variant would add layers of tragedy, especially if Norman’s legacy looms large. Keery’s ability to balance humor, heart, and menace (seen in Stranger Things‘ Vecna battles) positions him well to evolve from friend to foe.
For now, the casting remains in the rumor stage—no official announcements from Marvel or Keery. Yet the excitement is palpable. Fans envision Keery bringing a fresh, relatable energy to a character often overshadowed by his father’s villainy, while joining Sink and Quinn would create an unofficial Stranger Things reunion within the MCU. Whether Harry Osborn debuts in Brand New Day or later, the prospect of Joe Keery stepping into the role has already captured imaginations—proving once again that in the ever-expanding Marvel universe, the right actor at the right time can turn speculation into something truly spectacular.
