When Tramell Tillman joined the cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, fans buzzed with speculation about his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Was he Norman Osborn? Kang the Conqueror? A new Spider-Slayer?
The Secret’s Out
“I didn’t tell anybody that I was a part of Spider-Man until the news was released,” Tillman reveals to Polygon. “I remember it was in August of 2025, when the news was announced, and everyone was asking me who I was playing. And I said, ‘I cannot tell you. I am so sorry.’”
Now that the secret is out, Tillman is ready to discuss his character, Bill Metzger, and the film’s biggest twists. Polygon recently spoke with Tillman about Brand New Day, from Metzger’s motivations to the movie’s most shocking moments.
Was Bill Metzger Justified?
In Brand New Day, Metzger heads the Department of Damage Control and initially partners with Spider-Man (Tom Holland). He later reveals he kidnapped Jean Grey’s sister, experimented on her until she died, and then attempts to do the same to Jean. While Jean is a threat who puts thousands at risk, is Metzger’s attempt to control her justified?
“I think what he did was motivated by his desire to protect the people he served,” Tillman says. “He knew there was a threat out there, and it’s a very dangerous threat, and he needed to get to the bottom of it. He’s the type of person to do what he needs to do in order to protect or preserve the greater good. He did what he needed to do to protect people.”
Where is Metzger Now?
The film ends with a sudden confrontation between Spider-Man, Jean Grey, and Metzger, followed by a cut to a hospital, leaving Metzger’s fate uncertain. So where is the character now?
“He’s on the apology tour,” Tillman jokes. “I don’t know. Probably taking a vacation. He encountered some pretty heavy stuff… Metzger got a front row seat to experience that. So I imagine he’s probably hiding out somewhere trying to recoup.”
What Justin Kuritzkes Brought to the Script
“We talked a little about Metzger’s backstory,” Tillman says. “We both liked the idea that he was married. Him having a family is what helped raise the stakes… That helped to really lock him in; to push him forward.”
Does Tramell Tillman Know What Happens to Bill Metzger in the Comics?
Bill Metzger appears in the X-Men comics, where he’s a radical anti-mutant activist who is ultimately killed by Magneto. Tillman was aware of his comic counterpart but tried not to let it color his performance.
Keeping Secrets
“I’m really good at keeping secrets,” Tillman says. “It’s my superpower… The biggest relief was when I went to the premiere and my team was able to see the character that I was playing.”
The V-Max Twist
Jean Grey’s quest is sparked by the word “V-Max,” which turns out to be the last thing her sister saw before she died. Some fans have called it a letdown. “I didn’t see it as a letdown,” Tillman says. “I thought it was really creative… It does sound like something sinister, but in reality, it was just the last thing Jean’s sister saw.”
Being Part of the X-Men Story
“I’ve always loved X-Men,” Tillman says. “There was always something about the mutants that really appealed to me… Whether or not I’m involved, I don’t know. It would be a childhood dream.”
Updates on Severance Season 3
“We’re currently filming,” Tillman says. “I’m having a great time. It’s really great to be back and see everyone. I can’t wait for people to see the show.”
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is in theaters now.
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