The first trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day features a wide group of recognizable characters, from Jon Bernthal's The Punisher to Mark Ruffalo's The Hulk, who will join Tom Holland in the MCU's new Spidey adventure. Fans also spotted (well, they are hard to miss) a group of lethal ninjas in red outfits attacking Spider-Man, with many believing that they must be members of The Hand.
This criminal organization was a key player in the original Daredevil series, as well as subsequent Netflix titles like Iron Fist and The Defenders, which are now officially part of the MCU canon and are available on Disney Plus. Back in Daredevil season 1, The Hand's leader formed an alliance with Wilson Fisk using Madame Gao and Nobu Yoshioka as intermediaries, evolving into a dangerous force threatening to destroy New York.
Their presence all through the Defenders extended universe was crucial, but what's their story in the comics? And what can we expect from their likely return in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
Who are The Hand?
First featured in Daredevil #174, released in September 1981, the mysterious ninja order created by Frank Miller became one of the most powerful villains of the New York-set Marvel universe. Based in Japan but operating internationally, The Hand's ultimate goal is to accumulate power through their involvement in criminal activities and assassination plots. They are led by The Beast, a demon who adds a supernatural dimension to the organization.
Since their founding in 1588 by Kagenobu Yoshioka, whose noble attempt to merge the power of the five Japanese islands ended with the project taken over by the Beast worshipper Snakeroot clan, the members of the group have mercilessly trained since childhood.
But we're not talking just about physical training in the art of combat and weaponry – The Hand also practices powerful dark magic, which gives them extraordinary powers. They can even bring people back to life, as they demonstrated in Daredevil with Nobu and Elektra.
The Hand was first featured on screen in 2005's Elektra movie, a spin-off of Ben Affleck's Daredevil starring Jennifer Garner.
How do The Hand fit into Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
So, what is The Hand up to in Spider-Man: Brand New Day? In the first trailer, released on March 18, we see Tom Holland's Peter Parker facing a group of lethal ninjas in several scenes.
Although Matt Murdock and his mentor Stick's band of warriors, The Chaste, have been more widely known as The Hand's adversaries, it seems like the gang will have a major role to play in the new Spider-Man movie. With The Punisher also in the mix, we expect many surprises from them.
Although there are still many secrets to be revealed, we got an official synopsis last month, which reads, "Things are going well for our anonymous hero until an unusual trail of crimes pulls him into a web of mystery larger than he’s ever faced before… Spider-Man not only needs to be at the top of his physical and mental game, but he must also be prepared to face the repercussions of his past!"
Holland is back as Peter Parker aka Spider-Man, along with Zendaya as Michelle Jones-Watson, aka MJ, and Jacob Batalon as Ned. Marvel has yet to reveal Stranger Things star Sadie Sink's mysterious character, although the new trailer certainly gives us some clues.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to hit cinemas on July 31. For more, check out our guide on upcoming Marvel movies and how to watch the Spider-Man movies in order.
If you're into comics, you can also read the best Daredevil stories of all time.
