On a crisp summer morning in Glasgow, Scotland, the streets of the city transformed into a slice of New York City, complete with yellow taxis, NYPD cars, and American flags fluttering in the breeze. The reason? Tom Holland, the 29-year-old British actor who has become synonymous with Spider-Man, was in town filming the latest chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s blockbuster franchise, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The film, slated for release on July 31, 2026, has already sparked a frenzy among fans, with hundreds lining the streets to catch a glimpse of their friendly neighborhood superhero. Holland, ever the crowd-pleaser, took time to wave to fans, pose for photos, and even give one lucky young admirer a lift in his new Spidey suit—an act that sent social media into a tailspin. As Spider-Man: Brand New Day takes shape in Glasgow, this article delves into why Holland’s visit has electrified the city, the significance of the new film, and how his portrayal of Spider-Man continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Glasgow Becomes New York: A Hollywood Transformation

Glasgow’s city center underwent a dramatic makeover to serve as the backdrop for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Streets like Bothwell, St Vincent, and Waterloo were adorned with American flags, yellow cabs, and NYPD vehicles, creating a convincing stand-in for Manhattan. This transformation is not new for Glasgow, which has become a go-to destination for Hollywood blockbusters, having previously doubled as New York and Gotham City in films like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, The Flash, and The Batman. The city’s architectural similarities to New York, coupled with cost-effective filming conditions, make it an ideal substitute for the Big Apple, as noted by industry insiders. “Glasgow has become a hotspot for Hollywood producers,” a source from The Herald reported, highlighting the city’s growing reputation as a cinematic hub.

Filming kicked off on July 31, 2025, and is expected to continue until August 15, with significant road closures causing temporary disruptions but also fueling excitement among locals. Social media posts on X captured the buzz, with users sharing videos and photos of the set, including one clip of Holland perched atop an armored vehicle, playfully shooting webs from his suit. “IT’S FOCKING SPIDER-MAN,” one Scottish fan exclaimed on X, a sentiment that went viral for its raw enthusiasm. The transformation of Glasgow into a Marvel setpiece has not only brought economic benefits to the city—through job creation and tourism—but also placed it at the heart of one of 2026’s most anticipated films.

Tom Holland: The Heart of Spider-Man

At 29, Tom Holland has cemented himself as the definitive Spider-Man of his generation. Since his debut as Peter Parker in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Holland has brought a youthful, relatable energy to the role, blending awkward charm with acrobatic heroism. His performance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day promises to build on this legacy, with Holland teasing a return to “old-school filmmaking” that prioritizes real locations over soundstages—a departure from the COVID-restricted production of Spider-Man: No Way Home. In an interview with Flip Your Wig at a padel tournament hosted by his non-alcoholic beer brand, Bero, Holland expressed excitement about filming in Glasgow: “We’re gonna use the streets of Glasgow for this massive set piece that we’re putting together. It’s gonna feel like making Spider-Man: Homecoming again.”

Holland’s connection with fans is a key part of his appeal. On August 3, 2025, he was spotted filming an action sequence in his iconic red-and-blue suit, complete with stunt wires, before taking a break to interact with a crowd of about 100 onlookers. Videos shared on X and YouTube show him waving, posing for photos, and even lifting a young fan, creating a moment that sparked widespread adoration online. “Tom Holland giving fans a wave during filming on Bothwell Street is peak Spider-Man energy,” one X user posted, accompanied by a clip that garnered thousands of likes. His accessibility and genuine warmth have endeared him to audiences, reinforcing his status as a down-to-earth superstar despite his global fame.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day—A Fresh Start

Spider-Man: Brand New Day, directed by Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings helmer Destin Daniel Cretton, picks up after the dramatic events of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), which saw Peter Parker’s identity erased from the world’s memory through Doctor Strange’s spell. The film’s title suggests a new chapter for Peter, who is reportedly focusing on his university studies while grappling with his dual identity as Spider-Man. Plot details remain tightly under wraps, but producer Amy Pascal teased on Deadline’s Behind the Lens podcast that the story will explore Peter’s struggle to balance his personal life with his superhero duties.

The cast is shaping up to be a mix of familiar faces and exciting newcomers. Zendaya is expected to return as MJ, Peter’s love interest, though it’s unclear how their relationship will evolve given her memory loss in No Way Home. Jacob Batalon will reprise his role as Ned Leeds, Peter’s best friend, while Stranger Things star Sadie Sink joins the cast in an undisclosed role, sparking speculation about her potential as a new love interest or ally. Jon Bernthal is also set to appear as the Punisher, hinting at a darker, grittier tone for the film. Set photos have further fueled excitement, with eagle-eyed fans spotting a vehicle bearing the logo of the Inner Demons, a gang led by the villain Mister Negative in the Marvel comics. This tease suggests that Brand New Day may introduce new antagonists, adding fresh stakes to Peter’s journey.

The decision to film in Glasgow reflects a broader shift in the film’s approach. Holland noted that No Way Home was limited by COVID restrictions, forcing the production to rely heavily on soundstages and CGI. Brand New Day, by contrast, aims to capture the tactile, grounded feel of Spider-Man: Homecoming, using real locations to enhance the authenticity of its action sequences. A leaked video from the Glasgow set, shared by a local nail salon, The Dollhaus Family, showed Holland’s stunt double performing a high-octane scene atop a tank, with a car flipping dramatically in the background. Fans on Instagram raved about the spectacle, with comments like “Glasgow changed into New York street is just so cool!” and “The car flipping is so epic!”

Glasgow’s Cinematic Renaissance

Glasgow’s role as a filming hub extends beyond Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The city has hosted a string of high-profile productions in recent years, including Twisters star Glen Powell’s The Running Man remake and J.J. Abrams’ Ghostwriter, starring Samuel L. Jackson. Its ability to stand in for American cities, combined with its vibrant cultural scene and supportive film infrastructure, has made it a magnet for Hollywood. A Glasgow City Council spokesperson told The Herald, “These productions bring a significant economic benefit to Glasgow, and have helped to steadily grow the capacity of our film and broadcast sector in recent years.”

The city’s transformation for Brand New Day has been a spectacle in itself. Photos from the set show buildings draped in American flags, yellow taxis lining the streets, and NYPD cars replacing Police Scotland vehicles. The production’s scale has led to road closures across the city center, with Bothwell Street, Pitt Street, and Wellington Street among the affected areas. While this has caused some disruption, the excitement among residents is palpable. “Glasgow has been transformed into New York, and it’s surreal to see Tom Holland swinging through our streets,” one local told STV News.

The decision to film in Glasgow was also influenced by practical considerations. According to The Sun, producers initially planned to shoot in Liverpool but relocated to Glasgow following a tragic parade crash in the city on May 26, 2025, which injured 109 people. The move was seen as a respectful gesture to those affected, allowing the production to proceed without staging large-scale stunts in a city still reeling from the incident.

Tom Holland’s Busy 2025

Holland’s Glasgow appearance comes amid a whirlwind year for the actor. In addition to Brand New Day, he recently wrapped filming for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, a star-studded adaptation of Homer’s epic, shot in Inverness and Moray. Holland and Zendaya, who are engaged in real life, will also star together in this project, further cementing their status as a Hollywood power couple. Off-screen, Holland has been promoting his non-alcoholic beer brand, Bero, and even addressed speculation about playing James Bond during a YouTube appearance with Gordon Ramsay. “There’s speculation at the minute. We’ll keep it to a minimum for now,” he said with a grin, neither confirming nor denying the rumors.

Holland’s versatility extends beyond acting. His recent role as the face of Prada’s Paradigme Fragrance, complete with a campaign featuring adorable puppies, showcases his ability to balance blockbuster stardom with mainstream appeal. Yet, it’s his commitment to Spider-Man that remains the cornerstone of his career. “Playing Spider-Man is like hanging out with an old pal,” he told Flip Your Wig, a sentiment that resonates with fans who have grown up with his portrayal.

Why Spider-Man: Brand New Day Matters

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is poised to be a pivotal entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Following the multiversal spectacle of No Way Home, which grossed $1.9 billion worldwide, the new film faces the challenge of delivering a fresh story while honoring the emotional weight of its predecessor. The cliffhanger ending of No Way Home—where Peter’s identity was erased, leaving him isolated—sets the stage for a narrative about redemption and rediscovery. Will Peter reconnect with MJ and Ned? How will Sadie Sink’s character fit into the story? And what role will the Inner Demons play? These questions have sparked heated discussions on X, with fans speculating about everything from new villains to potential cameos by Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk.

The film’s emphasis on practical filming also signals a return to the grounded, character-driven storytelling that made Homecoming a fan favorite. Director Destin Daniel Cretton’s track record with Shang-Chi suggests a knack for blending heart, humor, and high-octane action, making him a fitting choice to helm Brand New Day. “I genuinely believe that Destin Cretton is taking the Matt Reeves approach by filming different locations to create this more stylized version of Marvel’s New York,” one Reddit user commented, reflecting the excitement around the film’s aesthetic.

The Fan Frenzy and Cultural Impact

Holland’s Glasgow visit has ignited a wave of enthusiasm, both locally and globally. Social media platforms like X have been flooded with posts celebrating his fan interactions, from the viral “IT’S FOCKING SPIDER-MAN” clip to heartfelt accounts of fans meeting their hero. “Tom Holland stopping to wave and lift a kid in Glasgow is why he’s the perfect Spider-Man,” one X user wrote, encapsulating the sentiment. The city’s transformation into New York has also sparked pride among Glaswegians, with many taking to social media to share their excitement about seeing their hometown on the big screen.

For Marvel fans, Brand New Day represents more than just another superhero movie. It’s a chance to see Peter Parker evolve in a post-No Way Home world, grappling with the consequences of his choices while facing new threats. The film’s release in July 2026 will mark a decade since Holland’s debut as Spider-Man, a milestone that underscores his enduring impact on the character. As one fan on X put it, “Tom Holland is Spider-Man. Seeing him film in Glasgow feels like watching history in the making.”

Conclusion: A Marvelous Moment for Glasgow and Spider-Man Fans

Tom Holland’s arrival in Glasgow has turned the city into a cinematic playground, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day poised to deliver another thrilling chapter in the web-slinger’s saga. From the transformed streets of Glasgow to Holland’s heartfelt fan interactions, the production has captured the imagination of locals and Marvel enthusiasts alike. As filming continues, the anticipation for Brand New Day builds, promising a blend of old-school filmmaking, new villains, and the emotional depth that has defined Holland’s tenure as Spider-Man. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious onlooker, this is a moment to savor—a chance to see a global superstar bring a beloved character to life in the heart of Scotland. So keep your eyes peeled for webs on street corners, because Spider-Man is swinging through Glasgow, and it’s nothing short of marvelous.