By In what might be a first for the franchise, performer Marvin Jones III, the voice behind Tombstone in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, is set to reprise his role in a live-action format, joining the MCU’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, as reported by Deadline.
The confirmation is still pending, but this could be the initial occurrence of an actor transitioning from the Spider-Verse films to the MCU. Actor Donald Glover previously traveled in the opposite direction, appearing as a live-action version of Aaron Davis, known as the Prowler within Spider-Verse lore, both as a civilian in Spider-Man: Homecoming and as a briefly-seen Prowler variant in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
In comic books, Tombstone is depicted as a criminal overlord with impenetrable, stone-like skin. Like Jones, the character is also an African American male with albinism. Previously, Jones took on the role of the antagonist Tobias Whale, another crime lord, in CW’s Black Lightning DC series.
It appears improbable that Jones will portray the same specific version of Tombstone, who resides in an alternate timeline. However, this casting does establish a fascinating precedent for how additional characters might be translated from the Spider-Verse films into live action.
Considering the darker, more grounded atmosphere Spider-Man 4 is reportedly aiming for, integrating Tombstone would logically fit as a member of the ensemble, which also comprises Jon Bernthal’s Punisher and potentially Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk. Mister Negative has also been speculated as another antagonist.
Prior to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Bernthal’s Punisher transitioned into the official MCU in Daredevil: Born Again, which will reintroduce Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones in season 2.
In comic lore, Tombstone has also opposed Luke Cage, who is portrayed by Mike Colter in Netflix’s Marvel series. Although Colter’s return has yet to be confirmed, it would be rather exciting to see him confront Jones as Tombstone; thus, there’s hope for that crossover in the future.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is currently in production for a release on July 31, 2026. In the interim, keep informed about all the upcoming Marvel films and series in progress.