Here Are the Latinos in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
Jean DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas, left) talks with Spider-Man in Columbia Pictures SPIDER-MAN™: BRAND NEW DAY. Photo by: Jay Maidment
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has swung into theaters, proving that superhero fatigue isn’t really a thing when it comes to our favorite webslinger. The fourth movie starring Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon also introduces some interesting new characters, which will surely shape the MCU for years to come, among them Sadie Sink character.
But in a movie that makes New York as much of a character as Peter Parker, there are also some faces from our communities along for the ride. And one of them plays a very big role in Peter’s life. But who are the Latinos in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and what role do they play?
Liza Colón-Zayas as Detective Jean DeWolff
Liza Colón-Zayas, better known for her award-winning turn on The Bear, steps into the role of the one character Peter can count on. Detective Jean DeWolff is Peter’s contact in the NYPD, but she’s more than that. She’s also the only one who seems to care about him, even if she doesn’t actually know his true identity.
In fact, we get to see the character not only inquire about his health, but also provide advice about taking time off and finding time to do something that isn’t, you know, fighting crime.
Eman Esfandi as MJ’s boyfriend
Sorry Eman Esfandi, but you’re public enemy number one for fans of Spider-Man and MJ. Ironic for a very small role that sees him actually be very sweet with MJ during a party Peter crashes at the apartment MJ shares with Ned. We don’t see much of him in the film, but we do learn that he thinks MJ is “reserved.” Wonder why.
If you feel like you’ve seen Esfandi before, that’s probably because you watched the Disney+ series Ahsoka, where he plays the iconic Jedi Ezra Bridger.
Zabryna Guevara as Sheila Rivera
This is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance, but an important one to connect the Marvel TV shows to the continuity of Spider-Man. This is particularly important considering Frank Castle’s role in the movie.
Who is Sheila Rivera? Fans of Daredevil: Born Again will remember her as Wilson Fisk’s campaign manager and later assistant to Mayor Wilson Fisk. When Fisk resigned as Mayor, the position was left vacant. The movie makes it clear that Rivera has assumed this role, as we see her presenting Spider-Man with the key to the city.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is now playing in theaters.
