'Spider-Man: Homecoming' News: Zendaya Cast As 'Mary Jane Watson.' Director James Gunn Reacts To The Backlash. [VIDEO]
ByA big reveal has been unleased on the internet, and their seems to be more than enough backlash that goes with it, enough to fill the void of the silence left by the reboot of "The Ghostbusters." According to a report by The Wrap, actress Zendaya has been cast for the role of iconic Spider-Man flame, Mary Jane Watson, for the upcoming Marvel film, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" which will be out next year.
Although Zendaya's part in the upcoming superhero movie remained a mystery, rumors have pointed out that she may very well take on the role of Marvel's famous red-head with a feisty attitude. The confirmation from The Wrap however, brought out mixed reactions, as some fans while not having any problems regarding Zendaya being added to the list of cast for "Homecoming," they do seem to be disappointed about who she is going to play.
There are some fans that seem to be delighted with the confirmation, there are some fans that displeased with the choice and brought with them unecessary backlash. The backlash seem to come from the viewpoints of fans that Mary Jane Watson should remain a white redhead like what she was in the comics, and in the Sam Raimi "Spider-Man" films, as was played by actress Kirsten Dunst.
Comments about race have floated online, like a fan asking if Martin Luther King should be played by a white actor in a movie, since the have already cast a black actress for Mary Jane. There are some that does not base their disappointment with the casting on race, but rather the quality of actress that Zendaya is. Some fans are saying that they don't mind MJ being portrayed by a black woman. They just feel that Zendaya is lacking in terms of acting chops.
According to The Mary Sue, director James Gunn, who have helmed the 2014 surprise Marvel hit, "Guardians of the Galaxy," and its upcoming sequel, "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2" gave his ten cents about this issue by tweeting out, "If you're complaining about the ethnicity of Mary Jane your life is too good," as an answer to a fan's question about what he thinks about the casting choice.
Zendaya will be starring alongside actor, Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Homecoming," and is set for a July 7, 2017 release date.
Video Courtesy of Collider.