Spider-Man: Brand New Day Adds Challengers Writer Justin Kuritzkes

Justin Kuritzkes has revised the screenplay for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and will receive a writing credit, according to TheWrap. The “Challengers” writer joins original scribes Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers on the project, which is scheduled to hit theaters on July 31.

McKenna and Sommers previously wrote the last three films in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man series. They held sole screenplay credits for “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” and shared credit on “Spider-Man: Homecoming” with Jon Watts, Christopher Ford, Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley.

How was the new writer revealed?

The news surfaced after Tom Holland appeared on the Ringer podcast “Good Hang with Amy Poehler.” Holland described a moment where he and co-star Zendaya told director Destin Daniel Cretton that a specific scene wasn’t working.

Holland told Poehler that Cretton sent the crew home to rewrite the scene with a writer named Justin, whom the director called “such a talent.” Holland noted that the reshot scene “sings in the movie.”

Fans identified Kuritzkes after noticing no “Justin” was listed on the initial screenplay credits. The connection was strengthened by Zendaya’s work with Kuritzkes on “Challengers,” a film produced by Amy Pascal, and Instagram users who found that Kuritzkes follows the official “Brand New Day” account.

Did You Know? Justin Kuritzkes previously penned a script for a World War II-set DC movie following Sgt. Rock and the Easy Company, though that project was indefinitely shelved.

Who is Justin Kuritzkes?

Kuritzkes is known for the 2024 Guadagnino double feature, which includes “Challengers” and “Queer.” While “Sgt. Rock” was shelved, James Gunn stated in July 2025 that the project isn’t entirely dead, though it may move forward without Guadagnino.

Kuritzkes’ addition to the writing team comes as Holland and Zendaya prepare for other projects. The pair will appear together in “The Odyssey,” which releases two weeks before “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the inclusion of Kuritzkes may reflect a desire for a fresh creative voice. By allowing lead actors to influence scene rewrites, the production could be prioritizing organic chemistry and performance over the original script’s structure.

What happens next for the film?

The film may see further adjustments to its credits as it approaches the July 31 release date. Because the project has already undergone scene-specific rewrites, additional polish may occur before the final cut.

Tom Holland Spiderman (The Weekly Planet podcast animation)

The collaboration between Kuritzkes and the existing production team could potentially influence how future entries in the series are scripted, especially given the existing professional relationship between the writer and producer Amy Pascal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the original writers of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day”?
The film was initially penned by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers.

When is “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” released?
The movie releases in theaters on July 31.

Who is directing the fourth Spider-Man film?
The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.

Do you think changing writers mid-production improves the final movie?