Both on the page and on the screen, frequent Spider-Man love interest Mary Jane Watson has always been portrayed as a white girl with red hair. But Marvel and Sony are changing that up for the upcoming “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”
It’s been known for months that Zendaya had been cast as the female lead in the film. However, according to The Wrap, she will be taking on the famous role of Mary Jane, making her the first African American to do so.
The Wrap reports that two sources have come across the script’s most recent draft in which Zendaya is strongly hinted to be MJ. Kirsten Dunst formally played the role in the original trilogy spanning from 2002-07 alongside Tobey Maguire.
Zendaya has made her name with popular Disney projects (“Shake It Up!,” “K.C. Undercover”) and will headline along with British actor Tom Holland, who made his Marvel debut as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in May’s “Captain America: Civil War.” She was initially cast back in March to play a “key role” known then only as Michelle. Since The Wrap’s report, neither Sony or Zendaya’s camp have made any official statements.
Also starring in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” are: Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei, Donald Glover, Bokeem Woodbine, Jacob Batalon, Laura Harrier, Tony Revolori and Tyne Daly.
The film will hit theaters on July 7, 2017.