Anya Taylor-Joy Rumored for Spider-Man 4: Amy Pascal Responds
As speculation swirls about Spider-Man 4, producer Amy Pascal addressed rumors of Anya Taylor-Joy joining the cast, potentially as Felicia Hardy, aka Black Cat. While Tom Holland’s Peter Parker is confirmed to return, much of the film’s details remain tightly under wraps.
At a recent press event, Pascal clarified that the project isn’t yet in its casting phase but praised Taylor-Joy’s talent, stating:
“She would be fantastic. She’s amazing, [but] we’re not quite at that stage yet. There’s a lot of fantastic female characters, but I can’t talk about all this.”
What Do the Rumors Suggest about Anya Taylor?
The buzz began when film scooper DanielRPK mentioned Taylor-Joy as a potential candidate for Spider-Man 4. While he didn’t specify her role, fans quickly theorized she could portray Black Cat, one of Spider-Man’s most iconic love interests and anti-heroes.
Additionally, reports indicate the fourth installment might introduce Gwen Stacy as Peter’s college-era romantic lead, possibly stepping in for Zendaya’s MJ, whose screen time is expected to be reduced due to scheduling conflicts.
The film’s rumored working title, “Blue Oasis,” might nod to Spider-Man: Blue, a comic arc focusing on Peter’s emotional reflections on his relationship with Gwen Stacy.
The Case for Black Cat in Spider-Man 4
Black Cat, aka Felicia Hardy, is a legendary Spider-Man character first introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man #194 (1979). A skilled cat burglar with a complicated moral compass, Felicia has a history of being both a foe and a love interest for Peter Parker.
A Romantic Rival: With MJ unaware of Peter’s existence post-No Way Home, Black Cat could emerge as a thrilling and complex addition to Peter’s personal life. Unlike MJ or Gwen, Felicia is often drawn to Spider-Man’s heroic persona rather than Peter Parker himself.
A New Dynamic: Black Cat’s morally ambiguous nature could challenge Peter’s worldview, especially as he navigates adulthood and a more grounded story.
While Felicia Hardy has appeared briefly in live-action (The Amazing Spider-Man 2), she has never fully donned the Black Cat persona on-screen, leaving plenty of room for a fresh interpretation.
Zendaya’s Smaller Role and Gwen Stacy’s Introduction
Zendaya’s MJ is reportedly taking a backseat in Spider-Man 4, paving the way for Peter to meet new characters in college. This opens the door for Gwen Stacy to join the narrative, potentially setting up a love triangle dynamic reminiscent of the comics.
What’s Next for Spider-Man 4?
As Spider-Man 4 continues to build hype, here’s what fans can anticipate:
A New Female Lead: Whether it’s Black Cat, Gwen Stacy, or another iconic character, Peter’s world is set to expand.
A Grounded Storyline: The film will reportedly explore Peter’s post-No Way Home life, grappling with the isolation caused by Doctor Strange’s spell.
Legacy Characters: Hints suggest Spider-Man 4 will lean into nostalgia while forging new paths, with beloved characters potentially making appearances.
While Amy Pascal remains tight-lipped about specifics, her acknowledgment of “fantastic female characters” hints at exciting possibilities. Whether Anya Taylor-Joy joins the cast or not, Spider-Man 4 is shaping up to be a significant chapter in the MCU.
What do you think? Would Anya Taylor-Joy make a great Black Cat, or is there another character you’d like her to play?
