Exciting news for Spider-Man fans and movie buffs alike: Dorchester Prison is buzzing with activity, and it’s all thanks to what appears to be the filming of Spider-Man: Brand New Day! But here’s where it gets intriguing—this isn’t just any filming location. The historic prison, once a site of public executions and now rumored to be haunted, has become a hotspot for blockbuster productions. So, what’s the big deal? Let’s dive in.
Film crews have transformed the grounds of Dorchester Prison into a cinematic hub, with Universal vans parked in the North Square lot and signs guiding the crew to their destination. Filming is set to continue until the end of November, and locals are already buzzing with excitement. The star of the show? None other than Tom Holland, who’s reprising his role as everyone’s favorite web-slinger. Just last month, he was spotted in Basingstoke filming the fourth installment of the franchise, and now Dorchester is getting its moment in the spotlight.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Sony holds the film rights to Spider-Man, Disney owns the character through its Marvel acquisition, creating a complex licensing deal. This means Sony controls live-action Spider-Man films, while Disney handles merchandising and integrates the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It’s a partnership that works—but is it a fair deal for both parties? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
In Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker’s identity was exposed by Mysterio, leading to a thrilling multiverse crossover with Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire reprising their roles. The film ended on a bittersweet note: the world forgot Peter Parker, leaving him to rebuild his life anonymously. And this is the part most people miss—the emotional weight of Peter choosing not to remind MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) of his identity, even though it means losing them. It’s a powerful moment that sets the stage for Brand New Day.
Dorchester Prison isn’t new to the limelight. It’s been a filming destination for shows like Luther, Enola Holmes 2, and The Gold. Notably, it starred in the drama Ruth, where the ‘B Wing Hanging Shed’ was transformed into the cell of Ruth Ellis, Britain’s last woman to be hanged. Disney+ also used the location for the gripping 10-part series Say Nothing, based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s book about Jean McConville’s abduction and murder by the IRA in 1972.
Built in the 1800s and closed in 2014, HMP Dorchester has a dark history—housing criminals, murderers, and even hosting public executions. Today, it’s not just a filming location but also a site for ghost tours, adding an eerie layer to its already rich story.
So, what do you think? Is Spider-Man: Brand New Day shaping up to be another multiverse masterpiece, or will it take the story in a bold new direction? And how do you feel about the Sony-Disney partnership—fair or flawed? Share your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation swinging!
