The latest casting report for Spider-Man 4 only makes me more confident that Zendaya’s MJ will be replaced in the anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. Tom Holland’s Spider-Man trilogy is my second favorite in the MCU, only losing to Chris Evans’ Captain America trilogy when it comes to solo franchises. Zendaya’s MJ and Jacob Batalon’s Ned Leeds were very important to the success of the MCU’s Spider-Man movies. The characters became the main relationships Holland’s Peter Parker has had in the franchise, with his best friend and girlfriend always being there for Peter.

Thankfully, Holland wants to continue being Spider-Man for many more movies, which I find exciting. However, that means the MCU’s Spider-Man franchise will have to go through major changes over the years. You cannot have Peter left in a corner with only his high school friends. He has to grow in new ways as he matures and becomes one of the franchise’s most experienced heroes. Because of that, I don’t think Zendaya’s MJ will have nearly as big of a role in the MCU’s slate of projects as she has had in the past, as Michelle will likely be replaced.

Zendaya’s MJ Will Reportedly Return In Spider-Man 4 With A Twist

The Marvel Actress Has Already Read The Movie’s Script

Spider-Man 4‘s story is being kept a secret at the moment. However, at least two actors know everything that is going to happen in the MCU film. That is because Holland revealed that he and Zendaya had read the movie’s script and loved it so much that they bounced around the room with enthusiasm. When I first read this, I was surprised. The reveal makes it seem like MJ could play a big role in the film. However, Zendaya’s MJ will reportedly have a minor role in Spider-Man 4, which makes a lot of sense.

Spider-Man: No Way Home‘s ending put MJ and Peter Parker on very different paths. The whole world forgot who Peter was due to Doctor Strange’s spell. Spider-Man was originally going to remind MJ of their relationship and history together. However, upon noticing a bruise on her forehead, Peter chose not to tell her the truth and let MJ forget him. He wanted to protect her, even if it meant they would never return to what they were. I found that decision to be one of the MCU’s most emotional, so walking it back in Spider-Man 4 would have been disappointing.

Sadie Sink’s Spider-Man 4 Casting Makes Replacing MJ Very Likely

The MCU Movie Will Have A New Female Lead

I was ecstatic to finally get Spider-Man 4 casting news recently after having waited so long for it. Sadie Sink has reportedly joined Spider-Man 4 in a significant role. Her character is being kept under wraps at the moment. However, the initial report of her casting suggested the main theory for who she could play was X-Men’s Jean Grey, who Sink had been rumored for months prior. Another possible character is Mary Jane Watson. The latter would cement that Zendaya’s MJ is being replaced in the movie, as Michelle Jones currently occupies Mary Jane’s role in the MCU’s Spider-Man franchise.

Sink is only 22 years old, which means the actress could stay in the MCU for a very long time. While she did not reveal what her role was, Sink would love to go on a 10-year MCU journey. That makes it likely that even if she does not play Mary Jane, Sink’s new MCU character will take over the role Zendaya’s MJ has had in the Spider-Man franchise so far, becoming the female lead for a possible new Spider-Man MCU trilogy. The actress’ Stranger Things background shows how Sink can handle the pressure of major franchises with ease.

Spider-Man 4’s New Casting Update Is Not The Only Sign Zendaya’s MJ Will Be Replaced

Things Are Not Looking Good For MJ’s MCU Future

Spider-Man 4 has other signs that point to Zendaya’s MJ not going back to the level of importance she had in the MCU’s first Spider-Man trilogy. Gwen Stacy is Peter Parker’s second most famous love interest in the comics, and the character matches some known details from the film. The same report that claimed MJ would have a reduced role in Spider-Man 4 said Marvel would cast new classmates for Peter. Tom Holland’s MCU hero will now be in college, which is where he met Gwen for the first time in the comics.

The movie’s working тιтle, Blue Oasis, might also be a reference to Marvel Comics’ ‘Spider-Man: Blue,’ which focused on Peter and Gwen’s emotional relationship. Black Cat is another love interest that has long been rumored for Spider-Man 4. No Way Home set up a street-level story that would be perfect for bringing in Felicia Hardy, who lives the same double life Peter does, which they could bond over. Whether it is with Sink’s mystery character or another possible love interest, the pieces are there for MJ to never remember Peter and be replaced in Spider-Man 4 and beyond.

All Announced Upcoming MCU Movies

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  Thunderbolts*

  Release Date

  
  May 2, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Fantastic Four: First Steps

  Release Date

  
  July 25, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Doomsday (2026)

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
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  MCU Spider-Man 4

  Release Date

  
  July 24, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Secret Wars

  Release Date

  
  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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