Tramell Tillman had to sign NDAs before learning what his Spider-Man role was

Tramell Tillman has revealed just how tightly Marvel Studios kept his Spider-Man: Brand New Day role under wraps, saying he had to sign nondisclosure agreements before he even met with director Destin Daniel Cretton.

Tillman, who won an Emmy for his supporting role in Apple TV’s Severance, discussed his experience with GQ. The actor had been hoping to join a Marvel movie when his representatives told him that Cretton wanted to meet about Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

According to Tillman, the secrecy surrounding the project began before their conversation. He said the extensive confidentiality requirements were frustrating because he did not initially know how his character would fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Tillman plays Bill Metzger, a comic-book character who opposes the X-Men and is portrayed in the MCU as a government official responsible for helping address the damage caused by superheroes.

The character’s involvement was particularly sensitive because Spider-Man: Brand New Day connects the Spider-Man storyline with the X-Men universe. Tillman’s character appears alongside Sadie Sink’s Jean Grey, making the crossover an important part of the film’s story.

Tillman recalled repeatedly asking Cretton for more information, but the director could reveal only limited details. Cretton reportedly told him that the role was pivotal, leaving Tillman to decide whether to take the opportunity without knowing the full picture.

The actor ultimately accepted the role and developed Metzger with a personality he compared to former U.S. President Barack Obama, describing the character as calm, smooth and confident.

With Spider-Man: Brand New Day becoming the second-fastest film to reach $1 billion at the global box office, Tillman may have an opportunity to return as Metzger in future MCU projects.