Get ready for a shocking return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe! After nearly a decade in the shadows, a forgotten villain is crawling back into the spotlight—and this time, he’s got a sting in his tail. Yes, we’re talking about Mac Gargan, the criminal with a scorpion tattoo who briefly appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming back in 2017. Played by Michael Mando, Gargan was just another small-time crook trying to score some alien tech, but his cameo hinted at a much bigger, venomous future. And now, set photos from Spider-Man: Brand New Day confirm that the Scorpion is finally suiting up for his long-awaited return. But here’s where it gets controversial: Will this be the same Mac Gargan we met in *Homecoming, or could the multiverse throw us a curveball?* After all, Spider-Man: No Way Home erased the world’s memories of Peter Parker, so where does that leave Gargan’s grudge? Is he still the tattooed criminal we remember, or will he emerge as a full-fledged, high-tech supervillain in mechanical scorpion armor? Only time will tell.
For those who missed it, Mac Gargan’s Homecoming appearance was brief but memorable. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) intercepted him during an illegal arms deal on a ship, where Gargan hoped to purchase alien weapons leftover from The Avengers. Thanks to Spider-Man’s intervention, the deal went south, and Gargan ended up behind bars. But his story didn’t end there. In a post-credits scene, he confronted the Vulture (Michael Keaton) in prison, demanding to know Spider-Man’s secret identity. It was a subtle tease, but one that promised bigger things to come. And this is the part most people miss: Gargan’s scorpion tattoo wasn’t just a fashion choice—it was a nod to his comic book alter ego, the Scorpion, a super-strong, tech-enhanced villain who’s been a thorn in Spider-Man’s side since 1964.
Speaking of the comics, Gargan’s origins are as twisted as his eventual transformation. Originally a private investigator hired by J. Jonah Jameson to uncover Spider-Man’s identity, Gargan underwent a dangerous procedure that granted him scorpion-like abilities. Armed with a mechanical suit, he became one of Spider-Man’s most enduring foes, even briefly hosting the Venom symbiote. Over 60 years, the character has evolved through multiple iterations, making his return to the MCU feel both nostalgic and fresh. And with Destin Daniel Cretton at the helm of Brand New Day, fans are buzzing with anticipation.
But let’s not forget Michael Mando’s journey since Homecoming. He’s kept busy with roles in The Hummingbird Project and King Ivory, not to mention his standout performance as Nacho Varga in Better Call Saul. He’s also set to appear in the upcoming TV show Criminal, based on a Marvel/Image Comics series. Yet, it’s his return as Gargan that has fans most excited—or divided. Is the Scorpion a villain we love to hate, or just another forgotten footnote in Spider-Man’s rogues gallery? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters on July 31, 2026, and one thing’s for sure: the Scorpion’s return is bound to shake things up. Whether he’s a tattooed criminal or a full-blown supervillain, Mac Gargan is back—and this time, he’s not going down without a fight.
