Marvel legend Stan Lee recently weighed into the discussion of Disney star, Zendaya, playing the role of Mary Jane in the forthcoming "Spider-Man: Homecoming." The creator slams the reactions of many outraged fans by announcing that if the actress is as good as he hears she is, then he believes she could portray the character well.
Lee said that there was nothing wrong about changing the characters from page to the screen. He further said via the Toronto Sun that he supports Zendaya taking on the role of the character he created more than fifty years ago with Steve Ditko and John Romita. The creator approves of the actress after hearing many great things about her and is anticipating how she would bring Mary Jane to life in "Spider-Man: Homecoming."
Controversies involving a comic-book character often happen when studios decide to change their race during the film adaptation. When news circled that Zendaya, known for her roles in several Disney shows, was casted as Peter Parker's love interest in "Spider-Man: Homecoming," fans were outraged. It was almost the same reaction when the studio announced Idris Elba as Heimdall in "Thor" or Michael B Jordan as the Human Torch in the reboot of "Fantastic Four."
Zendaya will be the second actress to portray Mary Jane after Kirsten Dunst's who originally played the role in Sam Rami's "Spider-Man" franchise. The Wrap reported that Shailene Woodley was tapped by Marvel to play the role, but the actress was later cut out of "Spider-Man: Homecoming." The reason for her removal was not revealed.
"Spider-Man: Homecoming" is slated to be released on Jul 7, 2017.
