The film Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become an unprecedented box office phenomenon. Since its release, the film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton has consistently broken records, and now Sony Pictures is considering a move that could give it even more momentum: re-releasing it in theaters with additional content.
According to the specialized press, the re-release will include scenes not seen in theaters , including a performance by Rosario Dawson that was cut from the final version. This news comes as the film continues its worldwide run and is accumulating astronomical box office numbers.
A historic record in North America
On September 16, Brand New Day surpassed Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the highest-grossing film of all time in the US domestic market. The previous record of $936 million had stood for over a decade. Spider-Man achieved this feat after 47 days in theaters, reaching $936,773 million.
Currently, the film's North American box office is around $950,6 million . The next goal is to become the first film to surpass $1.000 billion in that territory alone. Without the re-release, that goal seems difficult, but with it, the chances increase considerably.
Never-before-seen footage and the return of Claire Temple
The deleted scene featuring Rosario Dawson was as Claire Temple, the nurse who assists vigilantes and who has appeared in series such as Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Defenders. The actress commented at a fan event that she had filmed a scene for this movie, but it ultimately didn't make the final cut.
Besides that moment, the relaunch could include other surprises that Sony hasn't revealed. The company also hasn't confirmed a specific date for this return to screens, although it's speculated that it will seek a slot in theaters by taking advantage of premium formats.
The fight for the world throne
Globally, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has grossed $2.495 billion , making it the third highest-grossing film of all time. It trails only Avengers: Endgame, with $2.885 billion after its recent re-release, and Avatar, with $2.920 billion.
The gap with Endgame is $389,7 million , a gap that won't be easy to close, but one that the re-release could help narrow. It's worth remembering that the re-release of Endgame: Encore grossed $86 million worldwide ($26 million in North America) and served as promotion for Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled for release on December 18.
Sony's track record with re-releases
This wouldn't be the first time Sony has resorted to a re-release to milk one of its cash cows. In 2022, No Way Home returned to theaters over Labor Day weekend and grossed $9,3 million domestically. Much earlier, in 2002, the company released a double feature of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man and Men in Black II.
The current film runs for 2 hours and 25 minutes , while the original cut of Endgame was 3 hours and 1 minute. The Encore version of the latter included an extra 6 minutes and 17 seconds in InfinityVision formats, and 2 minutes and 6 seconds on other screens.
Cast and plot
The cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day is led by Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, and Jon Bernthal , among others. The cast also includes Jacob Batalon, Mark Ruffalo, Tramell Tillman, and Florence Pugh. The screenplay is by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers.
The story follows Peter Parker as he tries to rebuild his life after a spell causes his loved ones to forget who he is. This premise has resonated with audiences and made the film Sony's most successful, surpassing No Way Home ($1.920 billion).
With box office numbers continuing to grow and a re-release on the horizon, Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to build its legend . The possibility of seeing never-before-seen footage, such as the Rosario Dawson scene, adds another incentive to return to theaters. We'll have to keep an eye on Sony's next moves, as they haven't yet revealed when or how this return will take place.