Marvel has finally unveiled that actress Zendaya will play Mary Jane Watson in the upcoming "Spider-Man: Homecoming" film.
Zendaya will play Peter Parker's love interest Mary Jane Watson, The Wrap reported. Initially, her role was kept under wraps until it was reported that she will play a character named Michelle. Apparently, she will indeed be named Michelle in the film until she finally invites Peter to call her "M.J." in a revealing twist, Vulture reported. The role has been famously brought to the big screens with Kirsten Dunst in the original Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" trilogy starring Toby Maguire.
Zendaya is an unusual choice for the role since Mary Jane Watson has been traditionally portrayed as a red headed white girl, both in the comic books and in the movies. However, Marvel is setting the trend on giving different film casting interpretation on the comic book equivalent of Marvel characters.
"Spider-Man: Homecoming" director Jon Watts explained the need to diversify the casting for the film.
"Peter Parker goes to high school in Queens, and Queens is one of the most diverse places in the world. So I just wanted it to reflect what that actually looks like," he said.
The new "Spider-Man" film will be set within the Marvel Cinematic universe after Sony forged a deal with Marvel. The character debuted in "Captain America: Civil War" with Tom Holland as Peter Parker.
Alongside Holland, Zendaya will also join actors Donald Glover, Jacob Batalon, Laura Harrier, Tony Revolori and Michael Keaton. Robert Downey Jr. and Marisa Tomei will reprise their roles as Tony Stark and Aunt May, respectively.
"Spider-Man: Homecoming" opens on July 7, 2017.
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