BURBANK, CA–Following recent announcements that Tom Holland would star in Christopher Nolan’s next film, a press release this morning confirmed the hopes of fans nationwide. The previously unidentified project will be the next Spider-Man film, connecting to the others in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“People keep telling us that Marvel films are too jokey and silly,” explained Marvel Chief Creative Officer Kevin Feige in an interview. “So we decided it was time for a new direction–someone who will bring in a more serious tone. And, hey, at least we didn’t get Zack Snyder!”

The Spider-Man sequel will introduce a cast of new characters into Peter’s world. Michael Caine has been cast as Uncle Ben, and Cillian Murphy will appear as antagonist Ebenezer Laughton/The Scarecrow. (Yeah, Spider-Man has a Scarecrow too. Who knew, right?) Anne Hathaway will portray Peter’s new love interest, Felicia Hardy/the Black Cat, nearly two decades after Sam Raimi first tried to cast her in the role. The “Cat” in her name refers to her being a cougar, since Hathaway is 13 years older than Holland.

Additionally, Gary Oldman will play antagonistic newspaper publisher J. Jonah Jameson. “If J.K. Simmons is gonna take Commissioner Gordon away from me, then I’m dang sure taking Jameson from him too,” Oldman commented. Morgan Freeman will appear as Daily Bugle employee Joe “Robbie” Robertson.

With Nolan casting so many of his favorite actors as Spider-Man characters, fans are asking if they’ll finally get to see Tom Hardy as Venom alongside Holland’s Spider-Man. Feige said, “No, Sony still has all the rights. And besides, the MCU is already sinking fast. We really want to distance ourselves from the Sonyverse as much as possible.” However, Nolan confirmed that Matt Damon would appear as Jameson’s son John, a stranded astronaut who needs to be rescued and later becomes the villain Man-Wolf.

Nolan has confirmed a few plot details, including that the film will begin in the far future and end in the past. Oscar Isaac will reprise his role as Spider-Man 2099 for the future segments, while the past portions will showcase Uncle Ben (Caine) being killed onscreen yet again. However, it won’t be immediately clear to viewers whether what’s happening to Peter throughout the film is real or just a fear-based hallucination brought on by the Scarecrow (Murphy).

Christopher Nolan’s Spider-Man Begins swings into theaters in 2026.