The strange and unpredictable world of streaming never stays quiet for too long. In a major turn of events, Amazon recently announced that its Prime Video streaming service is launching a new subscriber tier titled “Prime Video Ultra,” which will provide movies and TV shows in high-quality 4K resolution, four times the resolution of standard HD, with an additional boost from Dolby Atmos sound.

Ad-Free Streaming on Prime Video Is Experiencing a Price Increase

This new tier, which also includes increased availability for offline viewing and concurrent streams (100 downloads compared to 25 and five concurrent users compared to three), will replace the current “Prime Video Ad Free” model. Here’s the catch: this tier will cost ad-free users an additional $4.99 per month. Starting on April 10, watching Prime Video without ads will cost users $19.99 a month. That’s right, another hike in fees for anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite movies or shows without being pestered by two-minute ad breaks.

The cost for the new Prime Video Ultra tier comes in at $19.99 per month, a significant hike from the original $14.99 cost for ad-free users. For those on an annual plan, the charge will increase by $45.99. The notable benefits of Prime Video Ultra are Ultra HD and 4K quality picture and sound by Dolby Atmos, something not included in the original ad-free tier. Outside of 4K, Dolby, more concurrent streams, and available offline downloads, the streaming experience stays the same.

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HBO Max Announces Major Expansion

HBO Max’s reach is expanding.

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Hikes in subscription fees are as synonymous with streaming as password sharing, algorithms, and the curtailment of theatrical exhibition. Every major streamer, including Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and now Prime Video, has been consistently increasing fees as quietly as possible. With Netflix doubling down on live events and podcasts, the streamer has increased the cost of subscriptions to $24.99 per month for a premium ad-free experience. HBO Max also enforced a $2 increase on ad-free programming, costing users another $22.99 monthly rate. While the cost of Disney+’s premium tier remains the same, the streamer raised the cost of ad-supported services by $2 in 2025.

Price Hikes and Advertising Have a Long-Term Impact on Streaming

In the media and showbiz industry today, the worst news for consumers revolves around corporate consolidation and other mergers, headlined by Paramount’s recent successful bid for Warner Bros. Even without official business acquisitions, these companies are homogenizing by their shared goal of boosting the price of subscription fees. The option of various bundles, notably the Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max combo, streaming has been gradually reverting to the old cable model of home entertainment that it once tried to revolutionize. Eventually, with all the major platforms following the same business model and approach to licensing pre-existing material and creating original content, we’ll all end up paying for all streamers under one roof.

Repeated price hikes by all streamers are trying to bait customers into paying for ad-supported tiers for a price that was formerly ad-free. By having a never-ending pipeline for advertisements embedded into episodes of Reacher or The Boys, profits will continue to roll in. Streaming was supposed to be cutting-edge and an exciting alternative to the decaying cable model, but the influx of advertising has eliminated its viability as a product in our culture, as the general audience’s attitude towards streaming seems to be at an all-time low. Each passing year, advocates for physical media are more justified in their steadfast determination to retain old-school media preservation.

“Delivering ad-free streaming with premium features requires significant investment, and this structure aligns with other major streaming services while ensuring customers have the flexibility to choose how they want to watch,” Amazon said in announcing the new premium tier offering 4K resolution on the platform. Once again, this mirrors the strategy of their competitors, as Netflix and HBO Max’s price hike comes with a bonus of 4K quality at this price level. At the very least, the commitment to high-quality video presentation is an encouraging sign that streamers are mildly interested in preserving the artistic nature of a movie or TV show.

As Amazon continues producing original movies, such as Red One, The Accountant 2, Mercy, and the upcoming Project Hail Mary, as well as investing in live sports, notably their recent partnership with the NBA, these price jumps have become an inevitability. The streaming bubble continues to inflate in size, but at some point, this bubble is destined to pop.

Bold and the Beautiful spoilers for March 23-27, 2026 expect Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang) is completely unhinged and Ivy Forrester (Ashleigh Brewer) gets even worse.

As we always do on early edition day, we start with what’s coming the rest of this week. Then we’re going to talk about what’s ahead next week.

And of course, this week is a very short week. We’re going to talk about preemptions and then dive into the full episodes that are happening. We have five next week.

Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers Wednesday, March 18th: Dylan Overhears Ivy and Daphne

So, Wednesday, March 18th, things intensify between Dylan (Sydney Bullock) and Electra Forrester (Laneya Grace). And Dylan’s about tired of this. And she goes on the offensive. She’s clapping back. So, this carries over from the Tuesday episode when Electra ordered Dylan to quit Forrester Creations because it’s Electra’s world. I think she thinks that every place is her world and it’s not Dylan’s.

And Electra is furiously confronting Dylan about what is going on with her and Will Spencer (Crew Morrow). Now, what’s interesting here is they tried to tell Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) this whole thing and she said, “Don’t want to hear it. Don’t care. Dylan has a job here.”

And after that rejection and her and Ivy’s whole not proper talk, Electra is going to try and do an end run around Steffy and try and force Dylan out. Anyway, that’s not going to go over really well with Steffy and, you know, she’s going to find out about it.

B&B Spoilers: Dylan Claps Back at Electra

So, Electra starts asking Dylan about the fact that she kissed Will and if Dylan is trying to say that she was innocent in the kiss with Will. To his credit, he was honest. You know, I think he learned his lesson and he was honest, but Electra wasn’t. So, Dylan claps back that it’s not like Electra has been perfect either.

And of course, she thinks she is, right? So she asks Dylan, “What is that supposed to mean?” And Dylan tells Electra, you know exactly what I’m talking about. And she’s shaking her head at Dylan. So, I think Electra thinks that she’s in the clear. You know, I think she feels like because she told RJ Forrester (Joshua Hoffman), you know, don’t do that again, and she assumes nobody saw it that you know she can pretend like it didn’t exist and she’s being dishonest on Bold and the Beautiful.

So, I am interested to see if Dylan spills to Electra that she knows that Electra kissed RJ. You know that’s Will’s version of it. Doesn’t matter who kissed who they were kissing and that Will also knows. So, at this point Electra to me is turning into a shrew exactly like her aunt Ivy.

Bold and Beautiful Spoilers: Will Struggles & Daphne Tries to Help

And then Daphne is asking Will if he still loves Electra. She thinks he does and it seems like yes, he does. And then Ivy continues to interfere in Electra’s life. So, she goes to complain to RJ that Dylan is working at Forrester.

So, Electra is going to have to watch Dylan throw herself at Will right here at the office all day, every day. I would expect that Ivy would press RJ and he may run and try to get Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye) to fire Dylan.

He already tried to get Ridge to fire Will. So RJ may go back and try to get them both fired. So, in addition to Electra doing an end run around Steffy by pressuring Dylan to quit, looks like Ivy’s going to try and do an end run around Steffy by going to her brother RJ and hoping that, you know, he may go to his dad. I’m sure RJ will agree and spout some anti-Will nonsense and run to Electra and enable her petty spoiled bratitude.

Daphne then goes to confront Ivy again and says that Electra and Will love each other, but Ivy is very dismissive and she’s like, “Ah, people date, things happen, people break up.” Dylan actually overhears Ivy and Daphne’s confrontation and it really shocks her.

So, Dylan may inadvertently find out that Ivy’s been intentionally trying to split up Electra and Will and that she stole a letter that Electra left for Will. The question is, will Dylan sit on this? Expose Ivy? You know, she may want to hold on to Will.

Bold and the Beautiful Thursday and Friday: March Madness Preemptions

Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th, we have lost two episodes of Bold. It is preempted for NCAA March Madness basketball coverage. And I say boo to that.

Week of March 23rd-27th on B&B: Daphne May Tell Steffy About Ivy

The week of March 23rd through the 27th, we’re going to pick up with five new episodes, unless there’s something terrible or more basketball. I don’t think there’s any more basketball, though. But we’ll see. This is the last full week of the month of March, and Daphne may finally tell Steffy what Ivy has been up to.

And this may be triggered by Steffy venting to Daphne about the unprofessional attitudes of Ivy and her niece. Electra and Ivy probably are not going to give up hassling Dylan. I love that Steffy shuts them down, you know, so she may be going to her bestie for advice and then hopefully she’ll tell her exactly what Ivy’s been up to.

Bold and Beautiful Spoilers: Ridge Targets Bill

Ridge is not going to stop until he makes Bill Spencer (Don Diamont) pay for humiliating him and exposing to the world the horrible way that Ridge treated his dad, Eric Forrester (John McCook).

Now, some fans seem to think that Bill’s having an FTC meeting, that’s Federal Trade Commission, if you don’t know the acronym, means that there’s trouble related to Logan in the designs. If B&B is sticking to real world facts, the FTC would not get involved with this.

By the way, Eric would have to file a civil lawsuit. And by the way, I was checking with a lawyer on this and the verbal agreement they have is enough for Bill and Katie Logan (Heather Tom) to proceed with using the designs and crediting or not crediting Eric since they paid for it.

And a verbal contract like this would not allow Eric to withdraw use of design credit. He would have to file a civil suit and try to get an injunction. And the FTC routinely meets with large publishers. So, that likely was a throwaway random mention.

Where’s Donna on B&B?

The question for me is when are we going to see Donna Logan (Jennifer Gareis) weighing in on this Brooke versus Katie thing? Maybe she went on vacation to just get out of it. Katie and Brooke’s war continues. They’re both adamant that they are on the right side of this. She promised to destroy Katie and is coming unhinged about it.

But if Brooke starts publicly trash talking Katie, it could backfire on Forrester Creations since Bill owns Eye on Fashion, which is a very respected publication, and he could turn them against Forrester Creations and Ridge and Brooke. And of course, Eric hates that he set all of this in motion, but I credit Ridge with setting it all in motion.

What is Dylan’s Next Move on Bold and Beautiful?

Dylan has to decide what to do with the information she overheard between Daphne and Ivy. And Dylan may be selfish and keep it to herself because she really wants a shot with Will. RJ and Electra are going to get closer with Ivy pushing them every step of the way. And Electra may increasingly turn to RJ as he targets the people that make Electra uncomfortable.

You know, RJ may think he’ll be her hero if he can get Dylan fired and get Will fired. I feel like this is turning into instead of the bold and the beautiful, the bold and the whiny nepo babies. The stuff that Hope Logan (Annika Noelle) was saying about Electra facing no hardships and having this easy life pretty much describes RJ as well.

Bold and Beautiful Spoilers: Will Stands Up to Bill

And Will is not going to let his dad Bill pressure him into joining Spencer or Logan. Will likes what he’s doing over at Forrester and likes being his own man, making his own way in the world instead of being a nepo boy like RJ.

And I don’t think he’s going to let Bill or RJ push him out. But Ivy and RJ may lean on Ridge and try to get Will fired, try to get Dylan fired, try to go around Steffy. And you know, Ivy may show up with her inappropriate and not proper stuff.

Also, Zende Forrester (Delon de Metz) scenes are coming in the next few weeks since Delon de Metz is taping again. And I wonder if it’s going to be more Hope for the Future stuff or Zende may work with RJ on the new men’s line. That’d be kind of cool.

Imagine serving your guests a rich, aromatic gumbo — the kind that fills the kitchen with warmth and draws everyone to the table. Now imagine telling them the star protein tastes like rabbit, costs next to nothing, and actually helps restore fragile wetland ecosystems.

Welcome to the world of invasivorism, where your adventurous palate becomes an act of conservation.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is actively encouraging people to eat invasive species to protect native animals and ecosystems. And before you wrinkle your nose, consider this: the flavor profiles are genuinely compelling, the cooking methods are familiar, and the environmental payoff is real.

What Is Invasivorism — and Why Should Home Cooks Care?

Eating invasive species, also known as “invasivorism,” is nothing new.

The term was first coined in 2010 by New York Times journalist James Gorman. Since then, the concept has steadily grown from a niche ecological idea into a genuine food movement.

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Picture this: you’re a scientist digging near the Amazon rainforest, and you pull a jawbone out of the ground that looks so wrong you assume it broke underground. Then you find another one. Same weird twist. Then another. And another. Nine total, each with the same baffling shape. That’s exactly what happened to a team […]

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Many organizations have started to hold hunting tournaments and derbies to help deplete populations of invasive species. Some even partner with local diners to add the species to their menus — meaning you might find these unconventional proteins on a restaurant plate near you.

For the home cook, invasivorism offers something irresistible: guilt-free protein that actually helps the environment. Every bite reduces the population of creatures that are actively devouring native plants, destabilizing ecosystems and tearing up farmland.

The economic stakes are enormous.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “invasive species have cost North America $2 billion per year in the early 1960s to over $26 billion per year since 2010.” Globally, it is estimated that the economic cost of invasive species has been $1.288 trillion over the past 50 years.

“Eating invasive species can help protect native animals and plants. By hunting, trapping, and eating these invaders, we can reduce their numbers and the harm they cause,” the FWS wrote in a 2025 article.

So what’s on the menu? Let’s break it down, species by species.

Swamp Rats: The Lean Star of Your Next Gumbo

First on the FWS list is nutria — also known as swamp rats. Yes, you read that correctly. But set aside the name for a moment and focus on what matters: flavor and texture.

The FWS describes nutria as “oversized, wetland-loving rodents” native to South America that are devouring marshlands in the Gulf of America Coast, Atlantic Coast and Pacific Northwest.

Their suggestion for the kitchen? Cook yourself up a bowl of nutria gumbo. “Their meat is lean, mild, and tastes like rabbit,” the FWS adds.

For home cooks familiar with braising rabbit or using it in stews, nutria slots right into your existing repertoire. That lean, mild profile means it takes beautifully to bold Cajun seasonings, a dark roux, and slow simmering alongside okra and andouille.

Northern Snakehead: A Firm, Flaky Taco Night

If you’re a fish taco devotee — and who isn’t — the northern snakehead deserves a spot on your radar.

This invasive, predatory freshwater fish is native to Asia, and its ability to spend several days out of water allows them to wiggle their way across land into new freshwater habitats. They’re frequently seen in Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S. waterways.

“Luckily, they’re delicious with a firm, white, and flaky meat,” the FWS wrote in 2025.

The FWS also suggests grilling or frying northern snakehead meat, adding that they make excellent fish tacos. Think a crispy battered fillet tucked into a warm tortilla with a bright slaw and a squeeze of lime.

Silver Carp: Surprisingly Tasty Crispy Fish Cakes

Can’t find northern snakehead meat? Then try the high-jumping silver carp — frequently seen in Midwest and Southeast rivers and lakes.

The FWS suggests trying them grilled, blackened or turning them into crispy fish cakes because they’re “surprisingly tasty.” For the home cook, fish cakes are a perfect gateway preparation: flake the meat, bind it with egg, season generously, form into patties and pan-fry until golden and crunchy on the outside.

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Serve with a remoulade or tartar sauce, and you have a dish that could easily anchor a weeknight dinner or impress at a Saturday gathering.

Green Iguana: The Chicken of the Trees

Next up on the menu? Iguana stew. The FWS describes the green iguana as the “chicken of the trees” due to its mild flavor — a nickname that immediately signals versatility in the kitchen.

Green iguanas are native to Central and South America, but are currently eating native plants and destabilizing seawalls in Florida and other warm states.

For Florida-based home cooks and locavores especially, this presents a fascinating opportunity: a locally sourced, hyperlocal protein that practically asks to be braised low and slow into a comforting stew.

Wild Boar: The Crown Jewel of Invasive Proteins

And last but not least, you can cook yourself up a plate of feral hogs or wild boar.

Native to Europe and Asia, these hogs and boar are invasive in Southeastern U.S., Texas and California. They tear up farmland, forests and wetlands and devour anything in their path.

“But there’s a silver lining because wild boar is some of the best-tasting invasive meat you can get,” the FWS writes, adding that the meat is “leaner and richer in flavor than store-bough pork.”

The meat makes a good smoked barbecue, hearty chili, burger, taco or ragu over pasta. For the home cook, that ragu alone is worth the exploration — imagine a slow-cooked wild boar sauce, richer and more complex than anything from conventionally raised pork, ladled over fresh pappardelle. That’s a dinner party centerpiece.

Beyond the FWS List: More Species Worth Exploring

According to Eat the Invaders, a website created by University of Vermont conservation biologist Joe Roman, the FWS’ list is only the beginning of what you can put on your next plate.

Some of the species listed on the website include lionfish, garden snail, armored catfish, crayfish and common carp — expanding the possible pantry for any adventurous cook even further.

Related: Is the Viral Story About Dolphins Kidnapping a Florida Man Real?

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If you scrolled through social media recently and saw an outlandish story about a Florida man claiming he was abducted by dolphins and forced to build them an underwater city, you weren’t alone. The tale spread across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok — and it was entirely fake. The viral claim has been confirmed as satire […]

For food-curious cooks looking for the next sustainable, conversation-worthy protein, the invasive species menu is open — and it’s surprisingly delicious.

Nearly everyone dreams about being able to splurge on designer fashion, but if you typically scroll past premium brands assuming they’re out of budget, today’s your lucky day. Amazon’s Big Spring Sale officially kicks off March 25 and runs through March 31, but deals have already started rolling out all across the site, including high-end fashion. Unexpected markdowns on elevated labels mean you can score polished, premium pieces without the usual sticker shock.

To make the deal a little sweeter, you don’t even have to dig for them because we’ve done it for you. These standout finds from beloved designer brands feel luxe, wearable and are totally worth adding to your cart. From everyday staples to statement pieces, these picks make your wardrobe look expensive without draining your wallet. Prices start at just $23!

Premium Brand Deals Ahead of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

1. It-Girl Denim: The classic straight-leg cut and deep indigo wash of these Madewell jeans make them the only pair you’ll want to rock all year-round — was $148, now $97!

2. Summer Staple: Soak up the sun while protecting your eyes with these cat eye sunglasses from Michael Kors that feature 100% UV protection — was $111, now $56

3. Party Dress: Steal the show next time you go out for date night or with friends in this Karl Lagerfeld sequin dress that pairs perfectly with tall boots or kitten heels — was $199, now $101!

4. Wedding Guest: This Calvin Klein fit and flare dress is the one you’ll reach for every time you have an excuse to get dressed up and celebrate your friends saying “I do” — was $149, now $90!

Related: Anthropologie-Style Spring Picks That Nail Laid-Back Luxe — Under $50

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5. Outdoor-Approved: Get ready for April showers with this insulated and waterproof trench from Helly Hansen that comes with a packable hood — was $225, now $179!

6. Over-The-Shoulder: The Tabby shoulder bag from Coach is one of the most-wanted bags of the year, and this quilted style is perfect for spring — was $550, now $308!

7. Perfectly Polished: With block heels, leather outsoles and plenty of cushioning, these Cole Haan pumps are timeless and make any outfit look put together — was $120, now $70!

8. Warm and Cozy: It’s hard to get comfier than this open-front cardigan from Barefoot Dreams, and once you put it on, you’ll never want to take it off — was $125, now $79!

9. Pink Perfection: This satin midi slip skirt is light and airy, yet totally luxe, and it’s as easy to style with a cropped tee as an oversized sweater on chilly summer nights — was $148, now $64!

10. Vacation MVP: Warm weather means it’s sandal season, and these comfy, yet chic slides from Schutz are the elevated staple you never knew you needed — was $148, now $104!

11. Laid-Back Luxury: When it comes to spring and summer blouses, Lilly Pulitzer never misses, and this coral linen top is no exception — was $138, now $69!

12. Lift and Sculpt: Make your booty look its best when you head out to meet friends in these contouring high-waisted jeans from Spanx — was $148, now $99!

13. Chic & Structured: Spring into summer with this ASTR the Label corset-style crop top, complete with super cute puff sleeves, that adds just the right amount of whimsy to your wardrobe — was $88, now $23!

Miley Cyrus is weighing in on one of the biggest rumors surrounding her career, a potential Super Bowl halftime performance. The pop star, who is currently a betting favorite to headline next year’s show, is getting candid about whether she’d actually take the stage, and why the opportunity comes with more pressure than excitement. Miley Cyrus is also opening up about where she stands in her life today, from reclaiming her “Hannah Montana” identity to finally finding peace after years in the spotlight.

Miley Cyrus Admits Super Bowl Halftime Show ‘Feels Like Too Much Pressure’

As speculation grows around her possibly headlining the Super Bowl, Cyrus made it clear she isn’t rushing to say yes. “I always think the Super Bowl feels like too much pressure,” she told Variety. “I would have to do the mental work of making it not about the Super Bowl, because then you can’t help but go, ‘It’s millions of people, and it’s the most-watched thing in the world.’”

While she hasn’t ruled it out completely, the “LOL” actress explained that she would need to approach the performance in a way that feels authentic to her. “But if I could find a way to make it exactly what the Hannahversary was, taking a journey through the discography and appreciating each song, each era for what it is, I think I could find it in myself,” the singer admitted.

Cyrus Says Public Perception And The Industry Have Changed

Looking back, Cyrus acknowledged how difficult it once was to navigate fame as a former child star, especially during the height of tabloid culture.

But now, the former Disney Channel star believes things have improved. “We’re much more tolerant and celebratory of people’s individuality than we were 10 years ago,” she told Variety. “I would like to think that I’ve championed some of that.”

Miley Cyrus Reclaims ‘Hannah Montana’ And Embraces Her Full Identity

One of the biggest revelations from Cyrus is how her relationship with “Hannah Montana” has evolved over time. “I used to think of Hannah as something separate from myself,” the “Party in the U.S.A.” singer said.

Miley explained that she viewed Hannah as a fantasy, as a wig she put on to play pretend. But recently she had an epiphany. “This special is my reclaiming of merging Hannah and Miley together,” the actress said.

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“I think I created a Miley Cyrus persona to protect myself,” she added. “So I could have the Miley behind closed doors. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve been able to integrate what I love about all of them into one being.”

Cyrus Says She’s Found The Perfect Balance Between Fame And Normal Life

Today, the “Wrecking Ball” singer says she’s created a life that allows her to enjoy both worlds, fame and normalcy, without having to choose between them. “I get so much of every single thing I want,” she said. “My relationship is private, my business is successful, and I get to have the small things people take for granted, like waking up in my own bed and feeding my dogs.”

“But then I also get to be Hannah again and have people sobbing because they just saw ‘This Is the Life’ live. I love that I’ve curated my life that way,” the actress added.

Miley Cyrus Teases ‘Hannah Montana’ Anniversary Special With Nostalgic Throwback Moments

Miley Cyrus’ latest interview also comes as she gears up for the highly anticipated “Hannah Montana” 20th anniversary special, and fans are already getting a taste of what’s to come.

A newly released teaser offers a glimpse at both her return to the iconic role and her sit-down interview with host Alex Cooper of “Call Her Daddy.” During the conversation, Cooper doesn’t hold back, asking the question fans have been dying to know: “What Disney boy did you have the biggest crush on at the time?”

“Get the tea kettle,” Cyrus responds, hinting that she’s ready to spill some behind-the-scenes secrets.

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The “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special” will debut on March 24.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 18 seconds ago

After years of anxiously waiting, the first Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer has arrived, and it’s everything fans have been hoping for. Unlike the comic book arc it’s named after, the movie is coming after the crowd-pleasing blockbuster No Way Home, which was stuffed to the gills with spider-nostalgia. The two-minute and 40-second trailer that was released today is crammed full of references not to the movies, but to the comics, and fans are already losing their minds. 

A Brand New Day For Peter Parker

The trailer starts with Tom Holland’s Peter Parker sullenly watching a video of his bestie, Ned (Jacob Batalon), and the love of his life, MJ (Zendaya, the love of Tom Holland’s life), both of whom have magically forgotten who Peter Parker is. As the trailer reveals, both of them are still around Peter, who moved in down the hall from MJ and gets to watch her make out with a new guy, played by Ashoka’s Emand Esfandi. We don’t learn his name, but if it’s Paul, you’ll never hear the end of it from comic fans. 

While no one is more important than Paul, the Brand New Day trailer shows Spider-Man and The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) teaming up, sort of, complete with the Punisher’s van getting in on the action. Kevin Feige said that this version of The Punisher would be a little different compared to the R-rated version from Daredevil, but it’s still a fun team-up to finally see on the big screen. 

Brand New Day also appears to be about Peter getting sick, or mutating, during a scene with his powers failing to work as he wakes up from a web cocoon. There are a few comic storylines this could be hinting at, though the most likely is “The Other.” During that story arc, Peter’s sick, wakes up in a cocoon, sheds his body, like a reptile does its skin, and oh yeah, has to deal with Morlun, the immortal spider-person eating monster. Mark Ruffalo’s appearance as Dr. Banner points to this, as in the comics, Peter goes to Mr. Fantastic and Hank Pym for help. 

What the Brand New Day trailer makes explicitly clear is the sheer amount of villains showing up during the movie. We see Boomerang, Tarantula (the guy with the spike coming out of his foot), Scorpion finally appears, and oddly, The Hand ninjas make their big screen debut in the MCU. Not seen in the trailer is Charlie Cox, either as Matt Murdock or as Daredevil, Marvin Jones III as Tombstone isn’t seen, and Stranger Things star Sadie Sink is nowhere to be found. 

We still don’t know who Sadie Sink is playing in Brand New Day. She could be Firestar, Typhoid Mary, Screwball, or even Carlie Cooper, Peter’s other redhead girlfriend. It’s a testament to Disney’s ability to keep secrets under wraps that we’re this close to release and still don’t know. That and Tom Holland, notorious leaker, has been kept far away from every microphone. 

The MCU has been treading water since Deadpool & Wolverine. Thunderbolts, Captain America: Brave New World, and Fantastic Four all released to diminishing returns putting the future of the MCU into the hands of Tom Holland. Again.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters on July 31.