{
  "id": 152204,
  "title": "Spider-Man Theory May Change How You See Brand New Day's Ending",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/spider-man-theory-may-change-how-you-see-brand-new-days-ending",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-04T23:04:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IGN",
    "slug": "ign",
    "url": "https://www.ign.com/articles/spider-man-theory-may-change-how-you-see-brand-new-days-ending"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new fan theory proposes that Peter Parker's signature handshake with Ned, at the end of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, could be the key to unraveling the spell that erased Peter's existence from everyone's memory. The theory posits that Ned's initial ability to produce magic using Doctor Strange's sling ring during the crossover film might have charged the handshake with magic, thus breaking the spell. The theory is based on the scene where Ned subconsciously remembers Peter's name after they shake hands, proclaiming, \"Peter!\" before the film ends. This has left viewers divided, with some believing the spell is broken for Ned and others arguing that it's not as clear-cut. Ned's actor, Jacob Batalon, addressed the ending in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, hinting at the possibility of a \"slight glint or little glimmer\" of recognition. However, he didn't confirm or deny any theories, suggesting that it's open to interpretation. While the theory is intriguing, it remains unconfirmed, leaving fans to ponder the mysterious ending of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.",
  "summary": "A new Spider-Man: Brand New Day fan theory may help explain the ending of the film.",
  "key_points": [
    "Peter Parker's handshake with Ned may break spell erasing Peter's existence.",
    "Ned subconsciously remembers Peter's name after handshake.",
    "Jacob Batalon's interview hints at recognition possibility."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The proposed theory about Peter Parker and Ned's handshake suggests that some characters may retain memories of Spider-Man's existence, potentially setting up future plot developments.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}