Spider-Man: Brand New Day swung its way to the theaters on July 31, and the internet is buzzing with each and every mind-blowing detail of the movie as moviegoers hail the movie as the best Spider-Man film of all time. Among the plethora of theories and Easter eggs dissected on the internet is the theory that Ned Leeds, Peter’s former best friend, knows the real identity of Spider-Man.

It can be quite a discussion as to whether he remembers Peter and, if so, then how, and how many people other than him know about his secret identity. 

It is difficult to ascertain whether Ned actually knows who Spider-Man is behind the mask, but the movie did end with Peter reconnecting with Ned. In the last scenes of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Peter approaches Ned at a bodega and introduces himself. Naturally, their exchange develops into the clandestine handshake that was first used in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Then, in what seems to be a true moment of recognition, Ned yells, "Peter!"

The breakthrough in Doctor Strange's spell might be explained by Ned's innate magical skills. Ned had no official instruction when he used a sling ring in No Way Home. It is possible that the handshake worked similarly to using muscle memory to perform a spell. Furthermore, it is also important to note that Peter spent the most time with Ned of all the people in the world. 

However, the fact remains that Ned does not fully remember who Peter actually is; all he feels right now is a strange connection to him. He only remembers the secret handshake and his name and nothing else, or at least that is what the movie has led the audience to believe. Anyhow, the ending of the movie does depict Peter hanging out with Ned and MJ, suggesting that it might be the beginning of their friendship once again.

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So if Ned does not actually have any clue about the connection between Peter Parker and Spider-Man, then who does?

Spider-Man: Brand New Day pretty much makes it clear that Frank Castle (The Punisher) and Jean Grey have learned about Spider-Man’s secret identity as Peter Parker. He worked closely with Punisher in the film, so that was bound to happen; however, he himself revealed his identity to Jean in an attempt to calm her down and gain her trust.  

Another possible character who knows about his secret identity might be MJ, which is not quite clear in the movie. In a scene, she did call out to him as Peter, giving him a momentary hope, but her bewilderment and complete lack of knowledge afterwards as to why she yelled that name squashed all hope. This mystery will probably be explored more in the next Spider-Man movie.

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Do you think MJ knows deep down about Peter? Share your thoughts.