A new photo from the set of Spider-Man: Brand New Day is fueling speculation about yet another villain appearing in the film, and it’s a villain that hasn’t previously been mentioned or rumored.
The image shows a metal plate bolted to the side of a vehicle, featuring a red-and-blue emblem with the silhouette of a roaring cat head.
No, it’s not the Thundercats.
Who is the mysterious villain?
Marvel fans quickly connected the design to the comic book character Puma, a shapeshifting antihero and occasional Spider-Man adversary who first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #256 in 1984.
Known for his enhanced strength, speed, and senses, Puma (real name Thomas Fireheart) often operates in morally gray territory — sometimes working against Spider-Man, sometimes helping him.
The logo’s stylized big-cat head and aggressive stance seem to match Puma’s comic book aesthetic, leading many to believe the emblem could belong to a mercenary group or company tied to him in the film.
In the comics, Thomas Fireheart is of Native American descent and becomes owner and CEO of a company, so in relation to the film, the vehicle is likely from Fireheart’s business (is it the tank???).
New look at a decal on the Armored vehicles on the set of Spider-man Brand New Day
— Spider-Man News (@SpiderMan_Newz) August 12, 2025
Via: @ComicAcolyte pic.twitter.com/tdCNwXXFjO
Fits the Brand New Day Villain Trend
If the theory is correct, Puma would join an already crowded lineup of street-level threats.
Michael Mando is back as Scorpion and teasing a full suit-up, Jon Bernthal’s Punisher has been spotted on set, and Mark Ruffalo’s Savage Hulk is rumored to appear in an antagonistic role.
Other names tied to the project include Lady Chameleon, Tombstone, Boomerang, and Tarantula.
Adding Puma could give the story another unpredictable player — one who might start as an enemy but potentially align with Spider-Man under the right circumstances.
It’s said Spidey and Punisher duke it out with the Hulk before teaming up against the flick’s true villain.
Release Info
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Mando, Sadie Sink, and Liza Colón-Zayas. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 31, 2026.
