Tramell Tillman isn’t ready to reveal his cards about joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Emmy-winning “Severance” star teased his upcoming role in Sony and Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” on the red carpet at Thursday night’s TIME100 Next Gala, deflecting questions about playing a potential villain with characteristic mischief.
“Who says I’m playing a villain? Who says that? Where’d you get that from?” the actor told Variety with a sly smirk when asked about reports he’d been cast as an antagonist opposite Tom Holland’s web-slinger. “I can’t say too much about that. I am enjoying my time filming ‘Spider-Man.'”
That non-denial denial confirms what fans suspected following Variety’s August report: Tillman is definitely in the movie, he’s having a blast, and he’s not about to spoil Marvel’s closely guarded secrets. Given his ability to make audiences deeply uncomfortable as the ever-smiling, ever-sinister Seth Milchick in “Severance,” the prospect of him playing a Spider-Man villain is tantalizing—even if he won’t officially confirm it.
From Emmy Glory to Marvel Universe
Tillman was honored Thursday night in New York City alongside other breakout talents, including Tate McRae, Jonathan Bailey, Lainey Wilson, Jack Quaid, Damson Idris, Monica Barbaro, and Teyana Taylor. The recognition comes just months after Tillman made history by becoming the first Black actor to win an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for his chilling portrayal of middle management nightmare Seth Milchick.
During the gala, Tillman delivered one of the evening’s most powerful moments by connecting his Emmy win to his grandparents’ legacy of civil rights activism in Virginia.
“In 2025, the grandson of James and Pearl Hill won an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series,” Tillman said to the star-studded crowd. “I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
The statement captured both the weight of representation and the personal significance of his achievement—not just winning television’s highest honor, but doing so for playing one of TV’s most unsettling villains with nuance and humanity.
Why Tillman Would Make a Perfect Spider-Man Villain
For those unfamiliar with Tillman’s work on “Severance,” his performance as Milchick provides a masterclass in understated menace. He plays a middle manager at the mysterious Lumon Industries who oversees “severed” employees—workers whose memories are split between their work and personal lives. Milchick is unfailingly polite, relentlessly cheerful, and absolutely terrifying.
Tillman makes Milchick menacing not through overt threats but through his complete adherence to corporate culture and his willingness to deploy psychological manipulation with a smile. He’s the kind of villain who congratulates you warmly while destroying your life—a far cry from typical comic book bad guys who monologue about world domination.
That sophistication is exactly what modern Marvel villains need. The MCU’s best antagonists—Killmonger, Thanos, Mysterio—work because they believe they’re right and make the audience understand their perspective, even while disagreeing with their methods. If Tillman brings even a fraction of Milchick’s chilling politeness to Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery, he’ll be instantly memorable.
The casting also fits Marvel’s recent pattern of recruiting critically acclaimed dramatic actors for villain roles: Jake Gyllenhaal as Mysterio, Michael Keaton as Vulture, Jonathan Majors as Kang (before his legal troubles). These aren’t action stars—they’re performers who can make you sympathize with characters doing terrible things.
An Evening Celebrating Breakout Talent
While Tillman’s Spider-Man coyness dominated red carpet conversation, the TIME100 Next Gala celebrated numerous rising stars across entertainment and beyond.
Tate McRae kicked off the evening by debuting an acoustic version of her latest single “Tit For Tat” before the assembled crowd. The pop star has experienced a meteoric rise over the past year, transitioning from promising newcomer to bona fide chart-topper.
Following McRae’s performance, honorees took turns raising their glasses to the values that inspire them. Jonathan Bailey, the “Bridgerton” and “Fellow Travelers” star, delivered a toast to human connection that was both earnest and delightfully cheeky.
“Right now, we are technically more connected, but in isolation — and I believe we should seize any opportunity to bring people together,” Bailey said. “So, here’s to house parties. Here’s to watching films in cinemas… Here’s to slut dropping in packs, and to meeting in parks.”
Country star Lainey Wilson urged attendees to “stay planted” and “water your roots” in the pursuit of growth—advice befitting someone who spent years grinding in Nashville before breaking through with “Yellowstone” and chart-topping hits.
Fame’s Unexpected Adjustments
For many breakout stars, sudden recognition requires navigating strange new social dynamics. Miles Caton, gaining attention for his role in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” shared how he’s adjusting to being recognized on the streets.
“I’m from New York, so normally when somebody stares at you, it’s like you don’t really know if they have a problem or whatever,” Caton said. “It’s a little interesting to try and see what the vibe is, but most of the interactions have been positive and good vibes.”
It’s a relatable struggle for anyone thrust into the spotlight—suddenly every glance carries potential significance, and what was once paranoia becomes legitimate uncertainty about whether someone’s staring because they recognize you or for typical big-city reasons.
The AI Conversation
Beyond celebrity and achievement, the evening touched on weightier topics. Maggie Kang, co-director of “K-Pop: Demon Hunters” (Netflix’s most-streamed movie to date), discussed the entertainment industry’s reckoning with artificial intelligence.
“It is coming, and we have to kind of face that,” Kang said. “I do think that it could be a tool that can be useful for all forms of art production. There’s just been a lack of communication between the two parties, and I’ve talked to people on both sides, and they kind of feel the same.”
Kang’s perspective is notably pragmatic—advocating for dialogue rather than blanket rejection or uncritical embrace. She admitted feeling conflicted seeing AI-generated versions of her work, particularly live-action renderings of animated characters.
“It’s wild — especially the live-action stuff. I’m like, ‘Ooh, I don’t know if I really wanted to see that,'” she said. “Technology is really incredible, and in its own way, it’s a way for fans to create content that they want to see right away, because animation takes a very long time. But it’s a little weird to see our characters portrayed in a totally different way that we didn’t intend.”
Honorees Brandon Sorbom and Ayana Elizabeth Johnson also highlighted sustainability and climate action, reminding attendees that entertainment breakouts share the list with innovators addressing existential challenges.
What’s Next for Tillman
Beyond his mystery Spider-Man role, Tillman returns to “Severance” for its highly anticipated second season, which has already been filming. The Apple TV+ thriller became a cultural phenomenon, earning widespread critical acclaim and passionate fan theorizing about its many mysteries.
Tillman’s Milchick became a breakout character despite limited screen time—a testament to the actor’s ability to make every moment count. His Emmy win validated what “Severance” fans already knew: he’s delivering one of television’s most memorable performances.
Now, with Marvel added to his resume, Tillman is positioning himself as one of Hollywood’s most compelling character actors. Whether he’s playing a corporate enforcer in a dystopian workplace or (presumably) a Spider-Man antagonist, he brings intelligence, nuance, and that unsettling smile that suggests he knows something you don’t.
The MCU’s Newest Wild Card
While Tillman won’t confirm his villain status in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” the evidence is compelling. Variety’s initial report suggested an antagonist role. Tillman’s coy deflection on the red carpet neither confirmed nor denied the characterization. And frankly, casting him as a hero would be a waste of his particular talents—the man makes middle management terrifying.
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man has faced tech billionaires, alien threats, and multiversal variants of himself. Adding a Tillman villain to that rogues’ gallery—someone who can project menace through politeness, who makes audiences uncomfortable through sheer pleasantness—would give the franchise something it hasn’t quite had before.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is currently in production, with a release date still to be announced. Until then, fans will have to content themselves with speculation and that mischievous smirk Tillman gave on the TIME100 Next red carpet.
One thing’s certain: whatever role he’s playing, Tillman is clearly enjoying himself. And if his “Severance” work is any indication, audiences are in for a treat—even if it’s the kind of treat that makes you deeply uncomfortable while you’re eating it.
The TIME100 Next Gala took place Thursday, October 30, 2025 in New York City. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is currently in production.
