Stars will do just about anything for promotion these days, from viral TikTok dances to hilarious social media skits. The pressure to stand out in a saturated market has turned press tours into full-blown entertainment spectacles. Zendaya, no stranger to creative marketing, has leaned into the moment with a playful jab.

Directed at her on-screen boyfriend’s forgotten identity in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Zendaya turns Peter Parker’s erasure into a viral moment

In a recent promotional clip, Zendaya was shown holding a picture of Tom Holland’s face and shading him in true MJ fashion.

“I hate to say it. I hope I don’t sound ridiculous. I don’t know who this man is. I mean he can be walking down the street. I wouldn’t know a thing,” was the voice-over in the video that Zendaya was lip-syncing to.

The line was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the climactic ending of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Doctor Strange’s spell erased all memory of Peter Parker from the world, including those closest to him.

The joke posted on the official X account of the movie resonated deeply with fans who remember the emotional weight of that finale, where MJ and Ned Leeds were left with no recollection of their friendship with Peter. By turning that heartbreak into a lighthearted promotional moment, Zendaya not only highlighted the film’s central conflict but also showcased the cast’s chemistry and sense of humor.

This playful dig serves as both a nod to longtime fans and a clever hook for new viewers, reminding audiences of the stakes while keeping the tone fun and engaging. It is a perfect example of how modern marketing can honor a film’s emotional core while still delivering laughs.

And beyond the jokes, the web-slinger’s future in the MCU is already shaping up to be just as exciting.

Spider-Man’s future after Brand New Day

With Spider-Man: Brand New Day now swinging into theaters, fans are eager to know what’s next for Tom Holland’s Peter Parker. While no official confirmation has been given, multiple reports suggest that Spider-Man will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled for December 18, 2026.

Kevin Feige has previously stated that the next two Avengers films will conclude the current MCU saga, making Spider-Man’s involvement highly anticipated. As for another solo Spider-Man film, Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios have not officially announced a fifth installment, but industry insiders and trade outlets have hinted that discussions are underway.

Tom Holland himself has expressed openness to continuing the role, though he noted that a succession plan may already be in development. The massive box office success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with a $927 million global opening, makes a sequel highly likely even if no formal deal has been signed.

What do you think about Zendaya’s playful dig at Peter Parker’s erased identity and what lies ahead for Spider-Man? Let us know in the comments.