NEW YORK — For Peter Parker, a new chapter begins in a world where no one remembers who he is.
In “Spider-Man: Brand-New Day,” Peter finds himself protecting New York City from a distance, even as the people closest to him move forward without knowing their history together. Offscreen, the memories are much harder to erase: Tom Holland, Jacob Batalon and Jon Bernthal joined entertainment reporter Joelle Garguilo to talk about the movie, their longtime bonds and the challenge of keeping Marvel secrets locked down.
Garguilo playfully brought up Holland’s well-known spoiler reputation, but the Spider-Man star was quick to signal that he was not giving anything away this time.
“Not today,” Holland said.
That set up a teasing game from Garguilo.
“Blinking is not legally a spoiler, so I’m going to throw a couple of things out there,” she said.
“Keep your eyes wide open,” Batalon shot back.
“Blink twice if there is a post-credit scene,” Garguilo said.
“I’m going to start crying in a minute,” Holland joked.
“Blink twice if MJ and Peter Parker find their way back to one another. Look at this. Blink twice,” Garguilo continued.
“You’re crying,” Bernthal said.
“Literally, like, over my face the whole time,” Batalon added.
While the cast remained tight-lipped about plot details, they were more forthcoming when discussing their experience making the film.
Asked about a day on set that did not feel like work, Batalon said, “I feel like I’ve never had to work on these movies ever in my life, and I think it really shows in the movie.”
The actors also reflected on how their relationships have evolved since the franchise began.
“I just love how full-circle all of your journeys are with one another,” Garguilo said.
Bernthal recalled meeting Holland before he became Spider-Man.
“Just coming back and walking onto this set and seeing Tom and how far he’s come,” Bernthal said. “I was just talking to my kids about it. They remember when he was 17 years old and he came to our house, and they all went to the trampoline park before he ever shot Spider-Man.”
“Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah,” Holland responded.
“And they just couldn’t believe he was this guy doing all these flips,” Bernthal continued. “They think he’s the coolest guy in the world, before Spider-Man. And to this day, he sees one of these kids, but he sees any kid, and he stops what he’s doing, and he makes sure he goes and he connects. And it couldn’t have happened to a better guy.”
Holland returned the compliment.
“His kids are, like, the coolest kids you’ve ever met,” Holland said. “I played basketball against Billy the other day, and he absolutely destroyed me.”
With the memory of Peter Parker erased from the world in the film, Garguilo asked the cast to share the most unforgettable thing about their co-stars.
“I would say Jacob’s laugh,” Holland said. “And not that one. The real laugh.”
Batalon reflected on the pair’s first meeting.
“Definitely when we first met each other doing our screen test,” Batalon said. “I was just happy to get a first-class flight out to Burbank. That was the highlight for me.”
When asked about Zendaya, Bernthal had high praise for the actress.
“She’s remarkable,” he said. “I was a huge fan. To get to know her a little bit and see her up close in the way she works, she blew me away.”
“Would you also say ‘gangsta’?” Garguilo asked.
“Oh, yeah. Yeah,” Holland replied.
“Spider-Man: Brand-New Day” opens in theaters Friday.
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