Yesterday rumors started to circulate that Disney star Zendaya Coleman has landed the role as Mary Jane Watson in the upcoming “Spider-Man: Homecoming” film.
While some were excited for the actress, others were upset that she landed the role of Mary Jane, who is traditionally white and a red head. If rumors of her role are true, Zendaya who is half black will be breaking Marvel barriers.
If you all can remember, Michael B. Jordan faced the same racial backlash when he landed the role as Johnny Storm in the 2015 remake of “Fantastic Four”.
According to The New York Daily News, “Guardians of the Galaxy” director, James Gunn commented on people’s disapproval of her possible role as Mary Jane. He said, “People get upset when something they consider intrinsic to a comic book character changes when adapted for a film. I get this. I do not believe a character is the color of his or her skin.”
He continued, “When Michael B Jordan was cast as Johnny Storm I didn’t understand the uproar. Yesterday, a rumor broke out that the character of Mary Jane was being played by a young black woman, Zendaya, and all hell broke out on the Internet (again).”
“For me, if a character’s primary attribute – the thing that makes them iconic – is the color of their skin, or their hair color, frankly, that character is shallow and sucks. For me, what makes MJ MJ is her alpha female playfulness, and if the actress captures that, then she’ll work.”
You can read his entire statement here: https://www.facebook.com/jgunn/posts/10153548508766157
Roommates what are your thoughts?
TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94 on Instagram & Twitter
