- Primary Subject: Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Key Update: Tom Holland teased that one mysterious character still remembers Peter Parker's secret identity despite Doctor Strange's memory-erasing spell.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: June 24, 2026
- Quick Answer: While the spell made the world forget Peter Parker, Tom Holland revealed one person survived the mind-wipe, leaving fans to guess who it is.
Peter Parker (Tom Holland) might have asked Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to erase everyone’s memory of him in Spider-Man: No Way Home, but Holland has revealed that someone still remembers who Spider-Man is.
Evidently, MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) are not in the picture. However, since the two were once known as Peter’s girlfriend and best friend, could the character who still remembers Parker as Spider-Man put them in danger in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
Who Still Remembers Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
Despite Doctor Strange's effort to cast a spell that made the world forget Peter Parker, there may be loopholes that preserved some characters' memories of him.
While Tom Holland told IGN Benelux that only one character could still remember who Parker is, there are at least three possible contenders.
One of them could be Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), thanks to his unique dual identity. Some theories suggest that because Hulk was not physically present or "at the wheel" when Doctor Strange cast the spell, only his alter ego, Bruce Banner, was affected. If that is the case, Hulk himself may still remember who Parker is.
In fact, the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer appears to support this theory, as Banner clearly does not recognize Peter. The same, however, cannot be said for his green counterpart.
This could potentially set up a clash between Savage Hulk and Spider-Man, although Hulk may eventually realize that the friendly neighborhood hero is not his enemy.
If Sadie Sink is indeed playing Jean Grey, the mutant could have a similar loophole. With the power of the Phoenix Force, her memories may be resistant to Doctor Strange's spell. As one of Marvel's most powerful psychics, Jean's mind could be immune to outside influences–even magic.
However, if there is one character Holland might have been referring to, it is probably James Rhodes (Don Cheadle).
Rhodey was replaced by a Skrull impostor in the MCU during Secret Invasion, which could have protected him from the effects of Doctor Strange's spell. When the spell was cast, he was still being held captive in a Skrull facility, with alien technology suppressing his mind.
So, if Holland was referring to a character who does not appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Rhodey could be the most likely candidate.
However, it remains unclear whether he ever knew Spider-Man's true identity in the first place.
What Is Spider-Man: Brand New Day About?
The fourth installment in the MCU’s Spider-Man series, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, follows the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, after the world forgets Peter Parker's existence.
Parker is now living in isolation, dedicating himself to being Spider-Man full-time as he fights crime across New York City.
However, with the world no longer remembering who Parker is, his friends have forgotten him as well, leaving him to cope with the pain of watching them move on without him.
This emotional struggle sparks a change within Peter that even his powers cannot control. However, this transformation may also help him confront a powerful new villain whom no one else can see.
In addition to Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Mark Ruffalo, and Jacob Batalon, the cast also includes Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, and Michael Mando.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is slated to hit theaters on July 31, 2026.
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