Spider-Man Fans Split Over Zendaya’s Future in the MCU
After Spider-Man: No Way Home, the fate of Zendaya’s MJ has fans divided. Some want her back, while others argue her story should end. The debate heats up as new theories and casting rumors swirl around Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
When Spider-Man: No Way Home wrapped up, audiences were left reeling. The world, including Peter Parker’s closest friends and his girlfriend MJ, no longer remembered who he was. Zendaya’s portrayal of MJ had become a fan favorite, but now, with the slate wiped clean, the question of her return has sparked heated debate among fans as Spider-Man: Brand New Day approaches.
Debate Over MJ’s Return and New Love Interests
Some fans are eager to see how MJ could be reintroduced, while others feel the emotional ending of No Way Home should remain untouched. Theories have been circulating online, especially after speculation about Sadie Sink’s mysterious role in the upcoming film. One popular theory suggests Sink could play Jean Grey, who briefly becomes Peter’s love interest before helping restore MJ’s memories. As one fan put it,
Sadie Sink is Jean Grey, and she will be a brief love interest for Peter Parker. Peter will end the relationship with Jean because he still loves MJ, and Jean will find a way to restore MJ’s memories of Peter by the end of the film.
Despite the buzz, many are skeptical. The idea of Jean Grey, a character with little romantic history with Peter in the comics, stepping into this role doesn’t sit well with everyone. Some argue that introducing mutants from the X-Men universe into Spider-Man’s world feels forced, while others suggest that if a new love interest is needed, characters like Gwen Stacy or Kitty Pryde would make more sense.
Fan Reactions and Theories
Social media has been flooded with opinions. Some fans are adamant that MJ’s story should end, allowing Peter to move forward and explore new relationships. One user commented,
Nooo… this should not happen, first of all It'll ruin that perfect ending that we got in NWH and secondly they should end MJ's story and introduce someone new, Like sadie playing either Gwen Stacy or other love interests that peter had in comics.
Others question the logic of bringing in Jean Grey at all, pointing out the lack of significant comic book connections.
Nope. She won't be Jean Grey. You won't see any of the new cast of X-men until after Doomsday/Secret War does the soft reboot and introduces the entire group that will serve as the first team. Jean Grey has no comics connection to Spider-man and wouldn't make any sense to use.
The debate continues, with some suggesting that Kitty Pryde, who actually dated Peter in the Ultimate Spider-Man comics, would be a more fitting addition.
Weighing the Future of Zendaya’s MJ
As the discussion rages on, the heart of the matter is whether Zendaya’s MJ should return or if her arc should close. At the end of No Way Home, Peter made a promise to MJ that he would find her again. The emotional weight of that final coffee shop scene, where she doesn’t recognize him, left a lasting impression on viewers. With Peter now isolated, having lost not only MJ but also his best friend Ned and Aunt May, some believe that bringing MJ back could offer him a glimmer of hope.
On the other hand, many argue that for Peter’s story to grow, he needs to let go of the past and embrace new beginnings. Introducing fresh characters could allow the franchise to evolve, but the pain of Peter’s sacrifice still resonates. Whether Zendaya’s MJ returns or not, the anticipation for Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to build.
What’s Next for Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The upcoming film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and featuring a cast that includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Sadie Sink, and others, is set for release on July 31, 2026. As fans wait to see what direction the story will take, the debate over MJ’s fate remains one of the most talked-about topics in the Spider-Man fandom.