Spider-Man fans in disbelief after Steve Lacy reveals major spoiler on the red carpet

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.

The recent trilogy of Spider-Man films – well, the first two anyway – sit somewhat outside the churning self-importance of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

There's also a handful of Spider-Man spinoffs (Morbius, Venom, Madame Web, and Kraven The Hunter), which mostly proved Spidey's rogues' gallery just doesn't work without him.

Critics have offered starkly divided reactions to "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," the fourth Tom Holland-led entry in the franchise, with reviews ranging from enthusiastic praise for the film's more mature tone to sharp criticism that it fails to deliver on its ambitions.