If you’re a fan of black girl magic, then you’re going to gush over this news. In March, 19-year-old actress Zendaya was confirmed to star in an unspecified role in Sony and Marvel’s reboot of Spider-Man alongside actor Tom Holland, who stars as a young Peter Parker. And it looks like the young Spidey is down with the swirl.
According to The Wrap, Zendaya, 19, will star as Mary Jane Watson, Peter Parker’s best-known love interest and once brought to the big screen by actress Kirsten Dunst in the first three Spider-Man films. This indeed is some exciting news, but keep in mind that the role has not been confirmed by Sony Pictures, Marvel Studios or Zendaya herself, notes ComicBookResources.
Despite this news not yet being confirmed, we’re still going to chalk this up as a monumental move for black culture. Zendaya would be the first black Mary Jane in the history of Spider-Man, which is a progressive step in the Marvel Cinematic universe. This is definitely something worth celebrating, as Mary Jane’s history in the Marvel universe is a long as Spidey’s.
During the San Diego Comic Con, Zendaya made her first-ever appearance with her Spider-Man: Homecoming cast.
Although we’ve been witnessing the “glo’ up” of Zendaya over the years, this is her first major role in a feature film. The fashion chameleon spoke on her inexperience in films on the Ellen DeGenerous show.
“When it comes to the acting space, I’m basically unknown,” She told Ellen. “I’ve never been in a real movie before, so I had to start from the bottom like everyone else and audition, audition, and breakdown those walls because a lot of people do have a preconceived notion of who I am based off the previous things I’ve done.”
Zendaya is no stranger to hard work and consistency though. The Disney Channel vet is star of the series Shake It Up and K.C. Undercover. And while many girls her age are well in to college, worrying about midterms, Zendaya went on to become the star and co-producer of her own show (K.C. Undercover). She’s also released new music, a new shoe line and has become the new face of CoverGirl.
In other news, the star and creator of the new FX series Atlanta, Donald Glover is also starring in the Spider-Man reboot. His role is unspecified as well, but he’s rumored to play Miles Morales.
Directed by John Watts, Spider-Man: Homecoming will be released on July 7, 2017.
