Homecoming The Zendaya is Mary Jane thread

[X Knight]

I'm not judging anything based on set pics, because that's dumb. There's certainly room for a more faithful approach to the character. They're in high school. Maybe later in her life she gets a modelling gig and has something of a makeover, with red hair. I will admit that she looks more like MJ in some other pics than this one but I'm going to wait and see. I think there's potential.

but see.......that's not the character.

MJ should not have to get a makeover to become a hot model later in life. MJ and makeover should never be in the same sentence.......lol.

MJ is supposed to be a natural red head who's already hot.

does Peter start out as a handsome jock/athlete who becomes a science nerd later in life? Technically, he could. but then that wouldn't be the character.

 

[Chip Chipperson]

lets all just take a pill of the chill variety, shall we?

 

[Web-Head]

I was starting to warm up to Zendaya as MJ, but now that it's supposedly happening...meh.

 

[TheVileOne]

Because Hair dye exists? lol

So you want her to have the trademark red hair through a dye job?

 

[Mad Ones]

but see.......that's not the character.

MJ should not have to get a makeover to become a hot model later in life. MJ and makeover should never be in the same sentence.......lol.

MJ is supposed to be a natural red head who's already hot.

does Peter start out as a handsome jock/athlete who becomes a science nerd later in life? Technically, he could. but then that wouldn't be the character.

I don't define MJ by her good looks or by being a model. I'm down for some character development.

 

[PeterBenParker]

and that has become my problem with this film. It's gone beyond the Zendaya/MJ thing.

outside of Tom being perfect casting for Peter, and Keaton playing the villain, NONE of the casting choices have inspired confidence in me.

I'm hit-and-miss myself. I love Martin Starr so that's a big plus. Like LMG from what I've seen of him. Hannibal Buress has annoyed me but since he's only a coach (according to the leak), he could be tolerable.

it's either way too many people ( especially on the bad guy side ) or the rest simply don't resemble their comic counterparts in any recognizable way.

Not concerned about the bad guys. Then again, I was not concerned about SM3 and TASM2 and look how the those films turned out for the majority (I'm in the minority).

Comic book accuracy, in terms of visuals, is definitely amiss here for sure but like you and I've debated before, I've always been one for the characterizations/personalities done right.

That said, I have my own fears of this Peter Parker being a bit too much like Miles Morales with dependency and naive attitude, along with sporting a best friend (not named Harry) but rather Ned Leeds (Ganke) which seems to be an odd choice. There's also the billionaire character who shall not be named because I've annoyed so many people bringing my grievances up.

Seems like while everyone is raising their issues over other characters, my number issue is the main character. At least I know that if they get him right, the rest will fall into place.

my interest in this film has dropped markedly.

I'm on the cautiously optimistic side, myself. Waiting on the film to relieve my poor, fanboy heart or cement my fears. Either way, keep your head up 'cause I'm sure you were one of the ones overjoyed with Spidey being with Marvel Studios and as it's always said, they can do no wrong at the end of the day.

I mean, look at the supporting cast in SSM. That was diverse. You had whites, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians. And yet, none of the major characters were changed and more importantly, they all acted and looked like their comic characters.

I know you're just using it as an example, but this was never going to be SSM. That ship sailed the moment it was cancelled and was used sparsely in TASM series.

It'd be nice if they applied that template to the series, but I highly doubt it -- especially nowadays with the set photos and stuff. Ultimate Spider-Man comics, cartoon, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, Amazing Fantasy 15 (and up), and a bunch of the Marvel Studios flair is what this film is comprised of at the moment..for better or worse.

 

[Matt]

Changing the race of a major character isnt a minor change

Yes it is. Unless you believe a human being or character is defined by their skin color and that all (or any) traits are impacted by the color of one's skin, its minor.

That said....who is Zendaya and why doesn't she have a last name?

 

[PeterBenParker]

I was starting to warm up to Zendaya as MJ, but now that it's supposedly happening...meh.

Well, you were the one to state, "She's not MJ, guys." so I guess that response is expected somewhat.

Anyway, sorry about not getting Kat as MJ, dude. I know it's a bummer for ya.

 

[Mad Ones]

Yes it is. Unless you believe a human being or character is defined by their skin color and that all (or any) traits are impacted by the color of one's skin, its minor.

That said....who is Zendaya and why doesn't she have a last name?

I love this post lol

 

[PeterBenParker]

That said....who is Zendaya and why doesn't she have a last name?

Zendaya is a young up-and-coming actress who has got her start on Disney's K.C. Undercover. Her last name is Coleman, but she's typically referred to as just "Zendaya" due to her also being an artist.

 

[Web-Head]

Well, you were the one to state, "She's not MJ, guys." so I guess that response is expected somewhat.

Anyway, sorry about not getting Kat as MJ, dude. I know it's a bummer for ya.

Yeah, we'll see. I just don't like the way Michelle has been described bc that's not really MJ

 

[Matt]

Zendaya is a young up-and-coming actress who has got her start on Disney's K.C. Undercover. Her last name is Coleman, but she's typically referred to as just "Zendaya" due to her also being an artist.

Ah, I see. I like Good Luck, Charlie. That's the one my daughter watches.

.........God, I feel old.

 

[harryoscop]

I'm happy for you, PBP. I know you've been an advocate for Zendaya a while now. Glad to see you getting what you want for a change.

 

[TheVileOne]

Zendaya is a young up-and-coming actress who has got her start on Disney's K.C. Undercover. Her last name is Coleman, but she's typically referred to as just "Zendaya" due to her also being an artist.

Her big break was actually Disney's Shake It Up, which predates K.C. Undercover.

http://disneychannel.disney.com/shake-it-up

 

[X Knight]

I'm hit-and-miss myself. I love Martin Starr so that's a big plus. Like LMG from what I've seen of him. Hannibal Buress has annoyed me but since he's only a coach (according to the leak), he could be tolerable.



Not concerned about the bad guys. Then again, I was not concerned about SM3 and TASM2 and look how the those films turned out for the majority (I'm in the minority).

Comic book accuracy, in terms of visuals, is definitely amiss here for sure but like you and I've debated before, I've always been one for the characterizations/personalities done right.

That said, I have my own fears of this Peter Parker being a bit too much like Miles Morales with dependency and naive attitude, along with sporting a best friend (not named Harry) but rather Ned Leeds (Ganke) which seems to be an odd choice. There's also the billionaire character who shall not be named because I've annoyed so many people bringing my grievances up.

Seems like while everyone is raising their issues over other characters, my number issue is the main character. At least I know that if they get him right, the rest will fall into place.



I'm on the cautiously optimistic side, myself. Waiting on the film to relieve my poor, fanboy heart or cement my fears. Either way, keep your head up 'cause I'm sure you were one of the ones overjoyed with Spidey being with Marvel Studios and as it's always said, they can do no wrong at the end of the day.



I know you're just using it as an example, but this was never going to be SSM. That ship sailed the moment it was cancelled and was used sparsely in TASM series.

It'd be nice if they applied that template to the series, but I highly doubt it -- especially nowadays with the set photos and stuff. Ultimate Spider-Man comics, cartoon, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, Amazing Fantasy 15 (and up), and a bunch of the Marvel Studios flair is what this film is comprised of at the moment..for better or worse.

I know you were the one who said that characterization/personality is most important - as long as they get the spirit/essence of the character right.

and that's my problem here.

they are not only changing the race of MJ ( ok fine ) but are also seemingly changing the character itself - going from reserved, frumpy plain Jane to super hot Jane.

and that's just not the character.

how you dress and style yourself reflects your personality.

the ultra conservative "plain Jane" look they are going for suggest a deeper change to the character beyond just the race change.

wild, party girl, free spirit MJ would never dress like the set pics. even nerdy smart Ultimate MJ wouldn't dress like that.

a plain girl who undergoes a dramatic makeover to transform into a stunning beauty is NOT MJ, regardless of what her race is. At least not the MJ that I know and love and want to finally see on film.

 

[PeterBenParker]

I'm happy for you, PBP. I know you've been an advocate for Zendaya a while now. Glad to see you getting what you want for a change.

Thanks, buddy.

Now if only Mr. Harrington can actually be revealed to be Mr. Beck.

Her big break was actually Disney's Shake It Up, which predates K.C. Undercover.

http://disneychannel.disney.com/shake-it-up

Oh, cool. Well, either way -- Disney!

 

[Gee]

All this hate, which reminds me of Woodley's not too long ago, because of an "exclusive scoop" from El Mayimbe...

 

[DigificWriter]

One would think, if this whole "Zendaya is Mary Jane" thing had any validity, that the other 'trades' - Variety, Deadline, and The Hollywood Reporter - would've reported on it as well with their own independently corroborating sources, and to my knowledge they haven't, which really makes me doubt the entire thing and question the wisdom of changing the title of this thread.

 

[PeterBenParker]

I know you were the one who said that characterization/personality is most important - as long as they get the spirit/essence of the character right.

and that's my problem here.

they are not only changing the race of MJ ( ok fine ) but are also seemingly changing the character itself - going from reserved, frumpy plain Jane to super hot Jane.

and that's just not the character.

how you dress and style yourself reflects your personality.

the ultra conservative "plain Jane" look they are going for suggest a deeper change to the character beyond just the race change.

Well, if the Comic-Con footage is anything to go off, she's definitely not reserved. In fact, she's pretty hot-and-cold with Peter (which is assumed to be because she has feelings for him while he's gaga over Liz) so you're right either way, she isn't the "look at me, I'm the life of the party" type everyone (including myself) associates her as but Peter Parker isn't exactly..well, Peter Parker (at least the one that I know) either so I guess this is just a situation where you either take it, leave it, or question-it-pursue it when it's time for the film.

Of all my doubts/concerns with the series, this is one I never have had and will definitely be giving 'em the benefit of the doubt.

Just keep your head up, dude. All I can really tell you.

 

[X Knight]

Well, if the Comic-Con footage is anything to go off, she's definitely not reserved. In fact, she's pretty hot-and-cold with Peter (which is assumed to be because she has feelings for him while he's gaga over Liz) so you're right either way, she isn't the "look at me, I'm the life of the party" type everyone (including myself) associates her as but Peter Parker isn't exactly..well, Peter Parker (at least the one that I know) either so I guess this is just a situation where you either take it, leave it, or question-it-pursue it when it's time for the film.

Of all my doubts/concerns with the series, this is one I never have had and will definitely be giving 'em the benefit of the doubt.

Just keep your head up, dude. All I can really tell you.

the "hot-cold" attitude towards Peter bugged me too - again, that doesn't sound like MJ.

and I'm trying to keep my head up but it's becoming increasingly hard to do so.

 

[harryoscop]

Well, if the Comic-Con footage is anything to go off, she's definitely not reserved. In fact, she's pretty hot-and-cold with Peter (which is assumed to be because she has feelings for him while he's gaga over Liz) so you're right either way, she isn't the "look at me, I'm the life of the party" type everyone (including myself) associates her as but Peter Parker isn't exactly..well, Peter Parker (at least the one that I know) either so I guess this is just a situation where you either take it, leave it, or question-it-pursue it when it's time for the film.

Of all my doubts/concerns with the series, this is one I never have had and will definitely be giving 'em the benefit of the doubt.

Just keep your head up, dude. All I can really tell you.

True

 

[Web-Head]

https://***********/JamesGunn/status/766479791054655488

 

[Jekecy]

https://***********/JamesGunn/status/766479791054655488

Ugh, are we going to have another year of needless sociopolitical arguments back-and-forth? I'm already seeing it.

I'm deciding to support this supposed casting decision for now, but I won't at all begrudge anyone for not doing so, especially when I consider source fidelity (even for physical characteristics) an absolutely warranted preference.

Every other topic constantly gets boiled to down to racism or sexism these days.

 

[Web-Head]

I was more so posting it bc people are thinking it's more confirmation

 

[PeterBenParker]

https://***********/JamesGunn/status/766479791054655488

Check out Dan Slott, too.