A Spider-Man: Brand New Day star has officially ruled out the most-hated character theory about him. Eman Esfandi, who plays MJ’s new boyfriend, has reacted to speculation surrounding his mystery role.
Marvel has not officially revealed the name of the character Esfandi plays in Spider-Man 4. This led fans to connect him to Paul Rabin, a widely disliked character from the comics. However, the American actor has pushed back against the theory, saying he is not playing Paul.
Responding to the theory on X after fans began debating his role, Esfandi wrote, “I am not, never have been, and never will be ‘Paul.’ To those of you I saw in the comments defending my honor and saying I’d never accept that role… thank you and MTFBWY????”
It is noteworthy that Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s official credits reportedly identify Esfandi’s character only as ‘The Boyfriend.’
Why Paul Rabin remains one of Marvel’s most divisive Spider-Man characters
Paul Rabin made his first appearance in Zeb Wells’ The Amazing Spider-Man run in 2022. He was introduced as MJ’s new partner after she became separated from Peter Parker during a multiverse-related storyline.
Peter and MJ were transported to an alternate Earth during the Emissary storyline. MJ remained in the alternate reality with Paul for four years before returning to Peter’s world, while Peter returned earlier.
During those years, MJ and Paul began a relationship and adopted two children together. That development upset many readers, especially because Peter and MJ remain one of Marvel’s best-known couples.
Many readers criticized Paul for more than just his relationship with MJ. They viewed the character as a way for Marvel’s writers to keep Peter and MJ apart rather than giving him a purpose of his own.
Later, Paul’s comic storyline revealed his connection to the Emissary, Benjamin Rabin. This further connected him to the supernatural and multiverse elements of the Spider-Man storyline. Still, most readers remember him mainly because of his connection to MJ.
Meanwhile, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is breaking box office records since its release in theaters. The Tom Holland film has already grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide.
