Homecoming The Zendaya is Mary Jane thread

[CaptainWagner]

They are not going to keep repeating characters. Doesn't matter if its in the MCU now and all is well. That's why a black/hispanic chick is the lead actress here. Call it what you want and get with the times. It makes zero box office sense to heavily feature Gwen or MJ. I'm thinking cameos at best until the 4th or 5th film... if we get that far. Zendaya is your Gwen/MJ substitute for the teenage years, and no one is going to complain about her looks this time out.

That's like saying it makes "zero box office sense" to feature Lois Lane in a Superman movie or Alfred in a Batman movie. These characters are key to the story. Secondly, Zendaya is not the "lead actress", she's an important character who's role will grow in future films.

 

[Tilapia]

She's not the lead actress, both Hollywood Reporter and Variety said she'll be a minor character in this movie. And you're basically saying you want them to just throw out YEARS of lore and potential stories with these characters who've been integral to the Spider-Man comics since the 60s just because we've seen them in previous films? Well, let's get something straight here, there are DOZENS of different versions of these characters, many ways to give the GA something fresh.

You can't be serious here. People aren't going to see this movie because the female lead, they're going to see it because of Spider-Man. Like WTF? And as a matter of fact, having MJ in the movie might positively affect the Box-office because of familiarity with the character from the Raimi series. But I don't people will care either way. That's a ridiculous assessment.


Yeah.. No. Marvel wont just ignore Peter's most well-known love interest until the third or fourth film. How about MJ AND Gwen for the teenage years, considering that they've both been featured in teen versions of Spider-Man? How about that? How about not ignoring key characters just for the sake of change and bringing in new ones while retaining some of the old ones? (Like the comics do) That's a much better alternative.

Zendaya was in play for Storm as well. Not some unknown name here that isn't getting traction. She is not gonna be a Flash Thompson or some side character with five minutes of screen time. She's more than likely the love interest even if she's not an actual love interest. We know the love interest won't have a big role in this film anyhow.

It doesn't make BO sense because audiences don't want to keep seeing cliché teenage angsty films about heartbreak and love in Spidey films, unless they can put a different angle on it. Going googlie eyed over the girl and then winning her over with super powers is not going to work for Spidey anymore. You are giving audiences that expectation if you keep repeating those characters, even if it ends up being different. People will dismiss the film before arrival. It worked for Deadpool (the love story) but that's a completely different character and film.

MJ will probably not show up at all here, because that's a multi film commitment. You get her in a small role in the second movie earliest. Even then, I don't see her being a main character until the third movie if that. I think we get at least three Holland solo films, so end of third film where it's implied they end up together, or possibly are together at that point, seems about right. I think they will leave that door open however.

There are plenty of other characters you can explore before MJ and Gwen.

 

[Tilapia]

That's like saying it makes "zero box office sense" to feature Lois Lane in a Superman movie or Alfred in a Batman movie. These characters are key to the story. Secondly, Zendaya is not the "lead actress", she's an important character who's role will grow in future films.

Nonsensical. Love interests are always replaceable. Lois and Alfred meanwhile are our heroes links to humanity and society.
And my point exactly, Zendaya's role will grow. Might be a Gwen subsitute or even MJ substitute. Maybe she goes bad... Gives a girl a role besides damsel in distress.

 

[harryoscop]

Zendaya was in play for Storm as well. Not some unknown name here that isn't getting traction. She is not gonna be a Flash Thompson or some side character with five minutes of screen time. She's more than likely the love interest even if she's not an actual love interest. We know the love interest won't have a big role in this film anyhow.

Except that's exactly the kinda of role the Trades are reporting she'll have ; small role not important in the first solo film. Oh, and Movies>>>>>School plays.

It doesn't make BO sense because audiences don't want to keep seeing cliché teenage angsty films about heartbreak and love in Spidey films, unless they can put a different angle on it. Going googlie eyed over the girl and then winning her over with super powers is not going to work for Spidey anymore. You are giving audiences that expectation if you keep repeating those characters, even if it ends up being different. People will dismiss the film before arrival. It worked for Deadpool (the love story) but that's a completely different character and film.

Except that much needed 'dose of freshness' will already have been achieved when Civil War breaks the box-office and people come out wanting to see more of this version of the character. That's what's going to peak people's interest. You act like people will somehow walked out of the Theater or become heavily disinterested because they see an iconic Spidey supporting player being resurrected for this incarnation. If that's the case, then I guess we should leave integral characters like Lois Lane and Alfred Pennyworth/Thomas/Martha out of all future Superman and Batman films alike... Except that's never happening because of the role both of these characters throughout the comics.

MJ will probably not show up at all here, because that's a multi film commitment. You get her in a small role in the second movie earliest. Even then, I don't see her being a main character until the third movie if that. I think we get at least three Holland solo films, so end of third film where it's implied they end up together, or possibly are together at that point, seems about right. I think they will leave that door open however.

Um, yeah? And the actress will be signed for multiple movies just like Tom and pretty much anyone else who comes into the MCU. I don't see the problem you're trying to aggreviate here. And as far as we know, casting is only just starting up now with the Keaton thing, so your 'MJ won't be in the movie talk' (like her somehow not being able to sign a multi-pic contract, which doesn't make any sense at all) isn't coming from anything factual whatsoever.

There are plenty of other characters you can explore before MJ and Gwen.

Just like there are plenty if ways to re-introduce these characters to the GA. MJ of whom in particular will have not been seen for over ten years by the time the movie comes out.

 

[Dark Raven]

Will people like it if MJ doesn't stand for Mary Jane at all but Michelle Jacinta or something like that instead?

 

[NotSoLongAgo]

Michelle Johnson aka MJ

 

[harryoscop]

And if Zendaya is MJ, i hope they just cal lher Mary Jane

 

[Tilapia]

Except that's exactly the kinda of role the Trades are reporting she'll have ; small role not important in the first solo film. Oh, and Movies>>>>>School plays.
Except that much needed 'dose of freshness' will already have been achieved when Civil War breaks the box-office and people come out wanting to see more of this version of the character. That's what's going to peak people's interest. You act like people will somehow walked out of the Theater or become heavily disinterested because they see an iconic Spidey supporting player being resurrected for this incarnation. If that's the case, then I guess we should leave integral characters like Lois Lane and Alfred Pennyworth/Thomas/Martha out of all future Superman and Batman films alike... Except that's never happening because of the role both of these characters throughout the comics.
Um, yeah? And the actress will be signed for multiple movies just like Tom and pretty much anyone else who comes into the MCU. I don't see the problem you're trying to aggreviate here. And as far as we know, casting is only just starting up now with the Keaton thing, so your 'MJ won't be in the movie talk' (like her somehow not being able to sign a multi-pic contract, which doesn't make any sense at all) isn't coming from anything factual whatsoever.

Just like there are plenty if ways to re-introduce these characters to the GA. MJ of whom in particular will have not been seen for over ten years by the time the movie comes out.

Civil War ain't gonna save Spidey, unless Stark has a role along with other notable Avengers. It's still the sixth Spidey movie in 15 years and has enormous challenges overcoming franchise fatigue.

The way you do that is to not repeat similar love interests and story arcs. Gwen Stacy is a no go. MJ can show up... Down the line. I don't think she'll be involved at all, perhaps mentioned somewhere or someone will be cast as a stand in blink you miss scene.

We had an MJ trilogy. It's not going that route. As a matter of fact, Michelle Janaya or something like that is a more realistic possibility now that it's been mentioned. Zendaya can absolutely pull it off. She could win Homecoming queen in PJ's for goodness sake.

 

[sl500jazz]

The director himself said the Mary Jane comic book series was used as inspiration for the new franchise, so it's likely that she will appear at some point. Even the subtitle "Homecoming" was taken from an arc in that comic book series. And I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Mary Jane is among Spider-man's most iconic/recognizable supporting characters who has (over numerous decades) filled a variety of roles and has had a variety of characterizations. Perhaps, she'll be Peters best friend and confidante ala Ultimate. Or maybe they'll go the silver age route and have her be a spoiler/ foil for the main love interest. I highly doubt they would use her in the same capacity that Raimi used her.

In any case, I wouldn't have much of a problem if Zendaya was actually Mary Jane. The fact that her role will start off small and will expand in future installments does seem reminiscent of MJ's character evolution in the Spidey mythos.

 

[Poppy]

We had an MJ trilogy. It's not going that route. As a matter of fact, Michelle Janaya or something like that is a more realistic possibility now that it's been mentioned. Zendaya can absolutely pull it off. She could win Homecoming queen in PJ's for goodness sake.

And yet we also had 3 Peter's trilogies.

I don't understand your point here.
Zendaya can play a MJ substitute as long as she's not really MJ ?
We don't need MJ in the movie because Zendaya is hot enough...so no need for a 'real mj' (if zendaya isn't mj)?

 

[UltimateWebhead]

The director himself said the Mary Jane comic book series was used as inspiration for the new franchise, so it's likely that she will appear at some point. Even the subtitle "Homecoming" was taken from an arc in that comic book series. And I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Mary Jane is among Spider-man's most iconic/recognizable supporting characters who has (over numerous decades) filled a variety of roles and has had a variety of characterizations. Perhaps, she'll be Peters best friend and confidante ala Ultimate. Or maybe they'll go the silver age route and have her be a spoiler/ foil for the main love interest. I highly doubt they would use in the same capacity that Raimi used her.

In any case, I wouldn't have much of a problem if Zendaya was actually Mary Jane. The fact that her role will start off small and will expand in future installments does seem reminiscent of MJ's character evolution in the Spidey mythos.

That's what I love so much about MJ. She started off as nothing more than something fun--the lively, party girl.

Over the years she went on to develop as a deep, nuanced character, flawed and beautiful. MJ became Peter's best-friend and confidante. The one true love of his life whom was the first to accept his duality.

I would love to see that same type of development here in this upcoming series. MJ is such a wonderful character and deserving.

 

[CaptainWagner]

Nonsensical. Love interests are always replaceable. Lois and Alfred meanwhile are our heroes links to humanity and society.
And my point exactly, Zendaya's role will grow. Might be a Gwen subsitute or even MJ substitute. Maybe she goes bad... Gives a girl a role besides damsel in distress.

Then I'd venture you really just don't understand the characters. Gwen and MJ play specific, unique roles in Peter's life. It's not respectful to the source to just toss them away and replace them with someone else for the heck of it.

 

[harryoscop]

Civil War ain't gonna save Spidey, unless Stark has a role along with other notable Avengers. It's still the sixth Spidey movie in 15 years and has enormous challenges overcoming franchise fatigue.

And Stark likely will have a small role in Spidey's film as well as cameos from other Avengers.

We had an MJ trilogy. It's not going that route. As a matter of fact, Michelle Janaya or something like that is a more realistic possibility now that it's been mentioned. Zendaya can absolutely pull it off. She could win Homecoming queen in PJ's for goodness sake.

So you think some kind of 'MJ' in name only reinvention is more likely than a teen version of classic comic book MJ?:

No, not while Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios have their hands on Soidey.

 

[C Prometheus]

Initially I figured Zendaya would play Felicia or Liz- not because I had any sort of issue with the idea of her playing Mary Jane, but because I've been more of the mind that MJ is probably going to be more prominent than folks seem to be expecting her to be.

After all, the two big comic influences named for Spider-Man: Homecoming were Ultimate Spider-Man and Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane. Both of which feature MJ prominently and as a pretty immediate participant in Peter's life. It'd just seem odd to me for the director to refer to those specific comics if he planned on going the 616 route of introducing MJ to the MCU.

However, thinking more on it, I can definitely see Zendaya as MJ. She seems to have a certain charisma about her that was lacking in Dunst's MJ and probably wasn't there for Woodley's almost-MJ in TASM2. If Marvel wants to open up the role to other ethnicities, I'm game so long as they nail the spirit of the character.

Moreover, going back to my original point on SMH being influenced by USM and SMLMJ, I could see Marvel potentially finding a way to have their cake and eat it too by having Peter interact with MJ before officially meeting her in the classic 616 introduction as Spidey. Not that they would interact much together, but have it so that Peter keeps running into her through out the film as Spidey (without ever knowing her name) and keeps having Aunt May talk to him about going with "Miss Wonderful Personality" to the Homecoming dance.

Then at the end of the film, Peter rushes back to the house to get ready for the Homecoming dance and gets set up by Aunt May to go with MWP and discovers at the very end it's been MJ all along.

That'd be a good way of balancing out those influences, I think, no?

 

[Tilapia]

And yet we also had 3 Peter's trilogies.

I don't understand your point here.
Zendaya can play a MJ substitute as long as she's not really MJ ?
We don't need MJ in the movie because Zendaya is hot enough...so no need for a 'real mj' (if zendaya isn't mj)?

I said the former... never remotely the latter. But yes, the latter could be implied. Never for a second did I say MJ will be left out of this series. If I were directing, she would have a very minor role in films 1-2 if at all (Webb left her out as well).

Also, there is a reason they went with the exotic look for the 'love interest' as well. They don't want to keep rehashing the pretty white girl next door, although it's probably just a move to add diversity in Parker's life. Again, box office implications...

This trilogy isn't going to be just about a young man embracing his powers and growing as an adult. This will be more of your spectacle series. What ASM 2 tried to be on its own and beyond. I think Sony is going to be looking for more and more tie ins and spinoff material. You have the MCU at your disposal to achieve this, so it's purely a business decision to take advantage.

Ultimately, I think we are eventually getting the Sinister Six film plus spin offs. This 2017 film is just going to be a filler for the main event. That's not to say this means the movie will automatically be bad. Sony WANTS the expanded universe so solos will be inclined to lose a step here and there. This logically means the love interests will be marginalized and not featured heavily (think Captain America trilogy). It's not going to be about Peter getting the girl or losing the girl. It's going to be about Parker coming into his own in the greater Marvel universe

I feel MJ will be involved at some point. Zendaya might be your MJ, but I'd be surprised if that's the case. I feel Zendaya is going to be some blend of Black Cat/Gwen/MJ. I expect her to be Peter's primary female companion for the next 2-3 films. There is just something about this casting that gives me that disposition. I want to portend fans in the event Mary Jane is somehow marginalized or completely absent for a while.

 

[PeterBenParker]

Initially I figured Zendaya would play Felicia or Liz- not because I had any sort of issue with the idea of her playing Mary Jane, but because I've been more of the mind that MJ is probably going to be more prominent than folks seem to be expecting her to be.

After all, the two big comic influences named for Spider-Man: Homecoming were Ultimate Spider-Man and Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane. Both of which feature MJ prominently and as a pretty immediate participant in Peter's life. It'd just seem odd to me for the director to refer to those specific comics if he planned on going the 616 route of introducing MJ to the MCU.

However, thinking more on it, I can definitely see Zendaya as MJ. She seems to have a certain charisma about her that was lacking in Dunst's MJ and probably wasn't there for Woodley's almost-MJ in TASM2. If Marvel wants to open up the role to other ethnicities, I'm game so long as they nail the spirit of the character.

Moreover, going back to my original point on SMH being influenced by USM and SMLMJ, I could see Marvel potentially finding a way to have their cake and eat it too by having Peter interact with MJ before officially meeting her in the classic 616 introduction as Spidey. Not that they would interact much together, but have it so that Peter keeps running into her through out the film as Spidey (without ever knowing her name) and keeps having Aunt May talk to him about going with "Miss Wonderful Personality" to the Homecoming dance.

Then at the end of the film, Peter rushes back to the house to get ready for the Homecoming dance and gets set up by Aunt May to go with MWP and discovers at the very end it's been MJ all along.

That'd be a good way of balancing out those influences, I think, no?

 

[Tilapia]

If they are going ultimate, then yeah, Michelle/Zendaya now and MJ later wouldn't make sense... unless Michelle is MJ. But I don't think they stick to Ultimate and the childhood love interest.

Prometheus' idea seems pretty decent though. Maybe Michelle cancels on him, or he cancels on Michele for Homecoming Dance because of Spidey duties. Then comes back home the next morning and wham, there is real MJ having breakfast with Aunt May. Sets up the second movie.

Expanding Zendaya's role in the future seems problematic with this unless of course she is some anti-hero or reoccurring foil for Parker/Spidey. It would seem... over complicated.

 

[BarryAllen]

I don't want her to be Mary Jane.

I'd be fine with her being Liz Allen.

 

[NotSoLongAgo]

Maybe she's Glory Grant?

 

[Poppy]

What about Betty Brant ? I could definitely see this espacially because Zendaya looks a bit older than Tom.

It would explain her having a minor role here , maybe the buggle will be more explored in the second installment.

I still rather have her as Felicia (espacially after wathing some of her show) but that would be cool too.

 

[Tilapia]

What about Betty Brant ? I could definitely see this espacially because Zendaya looks a bit older than Tom.

It would explain her having a minor role here , maybe the buggle will be more explored in the second installment.

I still rather have her as Felicia (espacially after wathing some of her show) but that would be cool too.

Why would 'Michelle' be a code name? What is she, Talia Al Ghul in secret? League of Spidey Killers? The Hand? She's probably an original character or an MJ subsitute.

Since they cast another young attractive black actress, they are either switching races or creating more original characters. These are the high school years so there is always time to bring in the familiar names in the college years.

I'm suspecting that the black chick they just cast could be a race change or another original character. Revolori's character and Ms. Harris will be BFFs of Parker, trying to bring Pete home for Homecoming.

 

[Poppy]

Why would 'Michelle' be a code name? What is she, Talia Al Ghul in secret? League of Spidey Killers? The Hand? She's probably an original character or an MJ subsitute.

Like...Don't you know how Marvel works....at all?

 

[Tilapia]

Like...Don't you know how Marvel works....at all?

I don't recall them doing anything as such in the past, besides some casting calls prior to a person actually being cast. Can you recall an example for me? I tend not to follow productions this early, but the recent casting has caught my interest.

 

[guyisnotcool]

Funny enough but apparently Zendaya is a model.

 

[PeterBenParker]

Funny enough but apparently Zendaya is a model.

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