If you’ve seen Spider-Man: Homecoming, then you’re well aware of how impressive Peter Parker’s first solo outing within the confines of the Marvel Cinematic Universe truly was. So, it really comes as no surprise that there were more than a few talking points for moviegoers to mull over upon leaving theaters.
Personally, one thing that I couldn’t get out of my head was the “twist” involving Zendaya’s character of Michelle, whom we learned in the film’s final moments prefers to go by “MJ.” Upon witnessing the reveal, I couldn’t help but compare it to the Robin twist offered up by The Dark Knight Rises five years ago.
When speaking with Den of Geek, Marvel Studios’ own Kevin Feige was quick to offer insight into this “new” character:
“In setting up this will be a very different thing, she’s not Mary Jane Watson, that’s not who the character is. But giving her the initials that remind you of that dynamic certainly is intriguing about what could go forward.
“Clearly, she says she’s not obsessed with him, she’s just observant. But she’s there. And to have fun with that while at the same time having it be different characters that can provide a different dynamic [is the point].”
Now, let’s be real here: We’re assuming this production was made by a group of sober adults who are well-versed in the source material. That said, giving a character the initials of Peter’s greatest love in the comics is no accident, nor is it merely a fun little nod. I’m pretty sure all involved knew what they were doing here.
Feige had this to add:
“Peter’s had a lot of friends over the years in the comics, and a lot of schoolmates and characters he’s interacted with. It wasn’t just Mary Jane Watson; it wasn’t just Gwen Stacy; it wasn’t just Harry Osborn. So we were very interested in the other characters, and that’s where Liz came from and that’s where the version of the character Michelle came from.”
While what he said has validity to it, the fact of the matter is that with Spider-Man: Homecoming being the second time the Webhead has been rebooted on film, it’s getting increasingly harder to offer different takes on the character and his supporting cast. Thus, the filmmakers have probably realized that their predecessors have already burned through several of Peter’s other love interests. So, with Mary Jane Watson and Gwen Stacy already having been adapted – not to mention Sony having other plans for Felicia Hardy – Marvel is going to have to get creative.