What's Inside?
- Martin Jones III reprises Tombstone from Spider-Verse, marking his live-action debut in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
- Tombstone’s unbreakable skin and superhuman strength make him a formidable addition to Spider-Man’s expanding rogues’ gallery.
- The film explores Spider-Man’s criminal underworld, featuring iconic villains including Scorpion, while Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker.
Marvel fans are in for a thrilling update as Spider-Man: Brand New Day expands its star-studded lineup. Alongside Tom Holland reprising his role as Peter Parker and Mark Ruffalo returning as Bruce Banner, the upcoming film has officially cast a major villain making his live-action debut. Martin Jones III will portray Alonzo Lincoln, better known as Tombstone, bringing a fan-favorite comic book adversary from the page to the screen.
Martin Jones III Steps Into Tombstone’s Shoes
Deadline reports that Martin Jones III, who previously voiced Tombstone in the acclaimed Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, will now bring the character to life in Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures’ latest MCU installment. While the studios have not released an official statement, Jones’ casting marks a significant addition to the franchise.
Jones is no stranger to portraying formidable comic book villains. He gained recognition for his role as Tobias Whale in The CW’s Black Lightning, a series connected to the Arrowverse. His ability to combine physical presence with nuanced performances makes him an ideal choice to embody Tombstone, a character notorious for his intimidating strength and criminal influence.
Who Is Tombstone?
Tombstone first appeared in Web of Spider-Man #36 in 1988, created by Gerry Conway and Alex Saviuk. Born Alonzo Lincoln in Harlem, he was a childhood friend of Robbie Robertson, Peter Parker’s colleague. Over the years, Tombstone has earned a fearsome reputation as one of New York’s most ruthless gangsters. His striking albino appearance is more than just a visual quirk—due to a mutagenic reaction to an experimental gas, Lincoln’s skin is unbreakable, and he possesses superhuman strength capable of overpowering opponents with ease.
This complex combination of brains, brawn, and brutality has made Tombstone one of Spider-Man’s more nuanced villains, providing a fresh counterpoint to the classic rogues’ gallery dominated by the likes of Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus.
Martin Jones III: From Music to Marvel
Before stepping into the Marvel Universe, Martin Jones III, known by his stage name Krondon, made waves as a member of the hip-hop group Strong Arm Steady. He later released solo music and transitioned into acting, debuting on NBC’s legal dramedy Harry’s Law in 2011. Since then, his career has spanned multiple comic book adaptations, streaming series like Halo, and feature films, including the 2025 action movie Shadow Force.
His journey from music to acting, and now to a key MCU role, demonstrates both versatility and an understanding of character-driven storytelling—a vital skill for portraying a villain as layered as Tombstone.
What This Casting Means for Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Adding Tombstone signals that Spider-Man: Brand New Day is exploring more of Spider-Man’s criminal underworld, focusing on formidable but less mainstream villains. It remains unclear whether Tombstone will serve as the central antagonist, especially with Michael Mando returning as Mac Gargan, a.k.a. Scorpion.
Importantly, bringing in the same actor who voiced Lincoln in Spider-Verse gives fans continuity in tone and performance, though it doesn’t indicate a direct crossover with the animated universe. Instead, it highlights Marvel’s commitment to bringing compelling versions of its characters to life, honoring both longtime fans and newcomers.
As Tom Holland prepares to resume filming following a recent injury, excitement is building for Phase 6 of the MCU. With Jones joining an already remarkable ensemble, Spider-Man: Brand New Day promises to deliver fresh twists, thrilling action, and new layers to the web-slinging hero’s story.
