Sony Pictures Launches Production on ‘Spider-Man 4’ Amidst Massive Crowd Turnout in Queens

Principal photography for the highly anticipated fourth installment of the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise officially commenced this Friday in New York City, marking Tom Holland’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after a four-year hiatus. Production crews established a sprawling perimeter in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens late Thursday night, shutting down a six-block radius along 30th Avenue to accommodate high-speed stunt work and exterior dialogue scenes. Confirmed set logs indicate that director Destin Daniel Cretton called “action” on the first take at 7:15 AM Friday, targeting a theatrical release date of July 24, 2026.

The physical footprint of the production has already generated significant economic activity for the borough, though not without logistical friction. The NYPD deployed approximately 120 officers to manage a swelling crowd of onlookers that grew to an estimated 2,500 people by Saturday afternoon. City officials report that Sony Pictures has paid $3.2 million in permit fees for the three-week location shoot, a figure that includes compensation for local businesses forced to close during daylight hours. “It is chaotic, but the compensation package covers our overhead for the month,” stated Elena Ricci, owner of a bakery on 31st Street that has been transformed into a fictional bodega for the film.

Leaked images from the set on Saturday confirmed the return of Zendaya, putting an end to months of speculation regarding her character’s involvement following the memory-wipe conclusion of ‘No Way Home’. The actress was photographed filming an emotional scene outside a coffee shop set, appearing alongside Holland in a snowy, winter-themed setting. This narrative setting aligns with rumors that the film will tackle the immediate aftermath of the “Devil’s Reign” storyline established in recent Disney+ narratives, grounding the hero in a grittier, street-level conflict.

Industry analysts estimate the production budget for this installment sits at $225 million, a slight decrease from the $250 million spent on the multiverse-centric predecessor. This recalibration reflects a broader studio trend toward managing costs, though the allocation for practical location work in New York—notorious for being the most expensive filming jurisdiction in North America—suggests the savings are coming from a reduction in digital environments. The production is operating under the working title “Bluebird” to deter paparazzi, though the sheer scale of the crane equipment visible from the Triborough Bridge has made secrecy impossible.

The start of filming comes at a crucial juncture for Sony Pictures, which is looking to stabilize its superhero portfolio following the mixed reception of its 2025 spinoff slate. With ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ wrapping production in London just yesterday, the scheduling suggests a tight coordination between Sony and Disney to ensure Holland’s availability for reshoots on the ensemble film later this winter. Filming for ‘Spider-Man 4’ is expected to move to soundstages in Atlanta by mid-January, with principal photography scheduled to conclude in April 2026.