Zendaya’s MJ to Have a Minor Role in Spider-Man 4

Zendaya’s portrayal of MJ in the MCU’s Spider-Man franchise has been a fan favorite, but her presence in Spider-Man 4 will reportedly be significantly reduced.

Why Zendaya’s Role is Shrinking

Insider Jeff Sneider revealed that Zendaya’s MJ will have a “severely reduced” role in Spider-Man 4. While she is confirmed to appear in the movie, the primary reason for her smaller part is her packed schedule.

Zendaya is committed to:

HBO’s Euphoria (shooting from February to July 2025)
Dune: Messiah (filming from September 2025 to January 2026)
With Spider-Man 4 scheduled to shoot from June to October 2025, Zendaya’s availability is limited to August, leaving her with minimal time to contribute to the project.

Following the heartbreaking conclusion of Spider-Man: No Way Home, MJ no longer remembers Peter Parker due to Doctor Strange’s spell. Peter, in turn, chose to let MJ live a normal life, sacrificing his happiness in the process.

This story development provides a narrative reason for MJ’s smaller role, as Spider-Man 4 will explore Peter’s solitary journey and the challenges of balancing his responsibilities as Spider-Man without MJ by his side.

Producer Amy Pascal hinted that the film will tackle Peter’s “hardest decision”—choosing to give up being Peter Parker entirely.

Although MJ’s role in Spider-Man 4 will be minor, this is likely a temporary shift. Zendaya’s chemistry with Tom Holland, both on-screen and off-screen, remains a vital part of the franchise’s appeal.

Additionally, hints in the No Way Home script suggested MJ’s eventual rediscovery of her memories of Peter, potentially setting up a significant arc for her in Spider-Man 5 and beyond.

Zendaya’s Rising Star Power
Zendaya’s career continues to soar:

Her performance as Chani in Dune: Part II expanded her role, setting the stage for her to shine further in Dune: Messiah.
Euphoria remains a cultural phenomenon, with Zendaya’s portrayal of Rue earning critical acclaim.
Her star power is expected to only grow, ensuring she remains a central figure in Hollywood and the MCU.

What to Expect from Spider-Man 4

With Zendaya stepping back, Spider-Man 4 will likely focus on Peter Parker’s personal growth and the introduction of new characters and challenges. This includes the rumored debut of Gwen Stacy or Black Cat, symbiotes, and potentially Sacha Baron Cohen’s Mephisto.

While MJ’s reduced presence is bittersweet, it opens the door for a deeper exploration of Peter’s journey, ensuring the story remains fresh and compelling.

What are your thoughts on Zendaya’s smaller role in Spider-Man 4? Let us know how you feel about this shift in the franchise!