A new rumor from Nexus Point News claims that Tramell Tillman is playing an anti-mutant activist and X-Men villain in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Although the Spider-Man films are produced by Sony, an agreement with Disney allows the character to operate within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As the MCU prepares to move into its next phase, it’s expected to introduce The X-Men.
Tramell Tillman will play William Metzger in ‘SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY.’
Read more: https://t.co/krYtQ3doh1 pic.twitter.com/c8T3hA4kyS
— Nexus Point News (@NexusPointNews) February 7, 2026
Now it appears that introduction may start with Spider-Man encountering one of the X-Men’s minor villains. The character of William Metzger was first introduced in 1999’s X-Men: Children of the Atom #1.
Who Is Tramell Tillman?
Tillman officially joined the Brand New Day cast in August 2025, though his role has been kept under wraps. Best known for his role on the Apple TV+ series Severance, Tillman received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He also appeared in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
When he was cast in Brand New Day, many speculated that Tillman would be playing Peter Parker’s mentor at The Daily Bugle, Robbie Robertson. Few expected that he might be playing a relatively obscure X-Men villain.
Tramell TIllman as Seth Milchick in Severance – Apple TV
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According to Nexus Point News, Tillman’s Metzger will be the head of Damage Control, the construction and engineering firm that cleans up after superhero battles. The organization featured prominently in Spider-Man: Homecoming. In the X-Men comics, Metzger published an anti-mutant newspaper and worked with the FBI to combat the mutant threat. His comics run was short-lived, as Magneto put a definitive end to Metzger’s activities.
Tom Holland as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Marvel Studios
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Sources have told Nexus Point News that Tillman has signed a multi-picture deal that “potentially includes Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men films.” Having actors commit to multiple films is standard practice for MCU-style franchises. While it’s still possible that Tillman is playing a more recognizable character like Robbie Robertson, who has a long history with Spidey, an X-Men villain isn’t out of the question.
There has been speculation that Brand New Day will introduce one of the comics’ most iconic mutants.
The X-Men Connection
Like Tillman, fans still have no indication who Sadie Sink will be playing in Brand New Day. The Stranger Things star has been tight-lipped about her role. “People will just have to wait and see,” Sink said in an interview. “I’m excited for all of it to maybe be put to rest.”
However, the most popular theory is that Sink is playing Jean Grey, the telekinetic and telepathic mutant previously portrayed in the X-Men movies by Famke Janssen and Sophie Turner. Additionally, Sink is believed to have signed on for Avengers: Secret Wars, suggesting that her character in the Spider-Man movie isn’t a one-off role.
Sadie Sink at a photo shoot – YouTube, COVETEUR
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If the rumor is accurate and Tillman is playing an X-Men villain in Brand New Day, it would make sense for the film to include a major mutant like Jean Grey. More than that, since Spider-Man is one of the most popular characters in the MCU, building a close association between his franchise and the X-Men could be a strategic move by Disney to incorporate a new element into its growing universe.
Unless a new trailer drops any hints or an official announcement is made, fans will likely have to wait until Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in theaters July 31, 2026.
Who do you think Tramell Tillman is playing in Spider-Man: Brand New Day? Let us know in the comments!
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