Since her first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #42, Mary Jane Watson not only captured the attention of Peter Parker, a photographer for the Daily Bugle by day and web-slinging superhero by night, she captured the hearts and minds of comic book fans everywhere. Initially introduced as a bit character part of a running joke, Mary Jane took the form of Peter Parker's mysterious neighbor. Mysterious in that Parker's Aunt May kept trying to set him up on a date with elusive Mary Jane. Originally mentioned in The Amazing Spider-Man #25 (1965), it wasn't until 1966, in issue 42, when Mary Jane was finally printed in her all her ginger glory.
Now, I'm not an avid comic book reader, but I am an avid media consumer and I have seen all of the big film adaptations of Spider-Man including Sam Raimi's trilogy with Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, Marc Webb's Amazing Spider-Man and its sequel starring Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland's brief introduction as the newest Spider-man in Captain America: Civil War. While there have been differing opinions on the previous adaptations, Tom Holland's recent performance has received generally positive reception with most people looking forward to John Watt's Spider-Man: Homecoming, myself very much included.
One of the main reasons people are so excited to see this new version of Spider-Man is due to Tom Holland's teaser performance in the newest installment in the Avengers franchise. Unlike previous cinematic universe Spider-Mans Tom Holland portrays a kid. A kid in the middle of high school, who's life gets turned upside down because gosh darn it with great power comes great responsibility. Previous Spider-Mans have looked, at least aesthetically speaking, out of character. Peter Parker is a teenager and both Garfield and Maguire were over 25 when they started as the high school student. Tom Holland is twenty years old and barely looks it. He's a fresh face with a certain boyish charm and it's his portrayal in Civil War that initially garnered the project some buzz.
One of the most persistent fan theories regarding this project involves Mary Jane. Will she be in it? Won't she? If she is who would even play her? Someone expected? Someone unexpected? According to Marvel Studios, the answer to those questions is "no comment." Yet, reputable Hollywood news source The Wrap knows all.
Two days ago, The Wrap posted an article confirming reports that not only Mary Jane Watson will be in the movie, but Disney star Zendaya will be portraying her. Although this revelation has created an internet firestorm, it conflicts with information officially released by Sony. While Zendaya has been confirmed as a cast member, her role was undetermined until a Comic Con interview featuring director John Watts and other cast members hit the YouTubes a few weeks ago. When asked what their official characters were in the film, Watts quickly ran through cast list citing Zendaya's role as Michelle Gonzales who is another comic book universe character and potential love interest.
While Marvel Studios and Sony have yet to confirm anything, the rumors have been flying and the trolls have come out in full force. Many people are not particularly happy with the idea of Mary Jane being portrayed by a black actress.
Their main argument against a black Mary Jane is that it's simply inaccurate because Mary Jane has always been portrayed as a white, redhead. Ah yes, the old that's the way it's always been, so that's the way it should always be an argument. Funny I thought it was 2016, but then it wouldn't really be America if there wasn't some sort of instant hesitation when a black actor or actress scored a prominent role.
