Joe Keery’s name is now officially back in the Marvel rumor cycle, and for fans of the actor and the franchise, this alone is probably enough to fuel a hundred different theories and speculations. As of late January 2026, the Stranger Things star is now supposedly being eyed for a big role in the MCU, even if this is not the one that fans originally expected from the casting rumors circulating months ago. For months now, there have been strong rumors that pointed to the possibility of Joe Keery being eyed for the role of Harry Osborn in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day film.
While this was probably one of the most logical casting choices, given the right amount of charm and edge that the actor could bring to the film, fans of the franchise could definitely picture the actor in the role of Peter Parker’s complicated best friend. However, according to industry insider DanielRPK, this casting rumor is now supposedly dead in the water, and the role that Keery was “typed” for has now been given to Eman Esfandi.
Reports suggest Joe Keery is no longer Harry Osborn
“He’s not in Brand New Day. He was a type for a role, and they seemingly cast Eman Esfandi in that part. However he is being eyed for another role in the MCU.”
According to reports, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has the young actor in mind for a significant role outside of the Spider-Man franchise. Not a quick pop-in. Not a one-scene appearance. Something with real weight. The distinction is important, especially in a franchise where casting announcements often occur years before the character makes their proper debut.
Naturally, fans have wasted no time speculating what that role might be. Options like Nova (Richard Rider), Ghost Rider, and a mutant associated with the upcoming X-Men reboot have all been bandied about. Again, none of this has been officially announced, and the possibilities are so wide-ranging thanks to the versatility of the young actor.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is still on schedule for a July 31, 2026, release, and Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon will all be reprising their respective roles. Destin Daniel Cretton will be at the helm. Sadie Sink is also heavily rumored to be joining the cast, so the crossover of Stranger Things continues to be felt, at least in terms of the casting department. However, the young actor will not be reprising his role in this particular movie.
While some fans might be disappointed that the young actor will not be reprising his role as Harry Osborn, the bigger picture here is arguably a lot more exciting. If the young actor is being groomed for a different role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, that says a lot about the long-term prospects for the character.
In Marvel terms, that means only one thing. This isn’t a ‘no.’ It’s a ‘not yet.’
