Warning: Spoilers for All-New Venom #5 Ahead!
Marvel Comics has recently introduced an intriguing new replacement for Venom, potentially opening the door for a beloved character from the Spider-Man franchise to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The nostalgic wave following the release of *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, which saw the return of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield alongside several infamous villains, left fans yearning for the return of iconic love interests as well. With advancements in the Venom narrative, this could be the perfect moment for Kirsten Dunst to stage a thrilling comeback.
While *Screen Rant* predicted this twist after the first issue, the new role for Mary Jane (MJ) and its implications for the Venom series are both unexpected and exciting moving forward.
If Kirsten Dunst expresses interest, All-New Venom presents an outstanding opportunity for her to make a Venomized return to the Marvel landscape. This bold twist could see MJ revitalized in a fresh, action-packed guise, something Dunst possesses the talent to execute brilliantly.
Potential Comeback: Kirsten Dunst (or Zendaya) as MCU’s All-New Venom
Kirsten Dunst’s portrayal of MJ remains one of the highlights of Sam Raimi’s original Spider-Man trilogy. As fans eagerly anticipate her return before the conclusion of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, her involvement in *All-New Venom*—where Mary Jane is transformed into the symbiote’s latest host—could provide a unique blend of humor and action as she acquires symbiote powers. With a comedic touch that shines in her notable films like *Bring It On* and *Drop Dead Gorgeous*, this new incarnation of MJ would leverage Dunst’s talents effectively.
On the other hand, Zendaya currently holds the role of MJ in the MCU, and given the limitless possibilities of the multiverse, there’s also potential for her to embrace the symbiote. However, considering that MJ’s symbiotic journey might be short-lived in the comics, it may serve Dunst better to represent this transformation on the big screen. Though a role as Venom might seem beneath Dunst, given her acclaimed performances in *Civil War* and *The Power of the Dog*, Marvel could deliver a fitting compensation and allow her to shine once more as MJ in a new capacity.
Marvel Should Empower MJ as Venom, Not Jackpot
Is the Demand for Emma Stone’s Spider-Gwen too Ambitious?
The possibility for Mary Jane to return to the big screen with super-powered abilities has existed for years, and with the current narrative trajectory of Venom, this might be the most promising opportunity yet. Mary Jane has also taken on the role of Jackpot in the comics—a character inspired by one of her classic lines to Peter Parker: “Face it, tiger… you just hit the jackpot.” However, despite a compelling costume design, Jackpot has struggled to gain traction in the comics. Therefore, shifting the focus to MJ’s transformation into Venom could be the more intriguing path forward for her superhero debut in the MCU.
The love interests of Spider-Man have historically played limited roles in action sequences. Nevertheless, Marvel Comics has opened doors for these characters, enabling them to evolve into heroes in their own right. Dunst or Zendaya could adopt the powers of either Jackpot or the All-New Venom symbiote, while Gwen Stacy also transitions into a hero through her identity as Spider-Gwen—a potential concept rumored to be linked to Emma Stone’s reputation stemming from *The Amazing Spider-Man* films. Alongside the possibility of a Dunst-led Venom film, Stone’s existing character may be developed further as Marvel navigates these iconic roles.
Kirsten Dunst’s Iconic MJ Deserves a Spin on the Character’s Venom Era
A New Chapter for Mary Jane Watson as a Superhero
Dunst flawlessly embodied Mary Jane, and she richly deserves the chance to portray the character as she evolves into a new role with Venom. The cinematic landscape offers numerous paths for her return, including a more traditional interpretation influenced by contemporary *Ultimate Spider-Man* comics, but a narrative featuring MJ’s symbiotic adventure would be a captivating spectacle.
With upcoming reveals in the All-New Venom series detailing Mary Jane’s bond with the symbiote, this storyline hints at a complex history. Dunst’s character grappled with her own challenges involving the symbiote in *Spider-Man 3*, and the potential to explore these dynamics further opens the door for a dramatic venture beyond mere cameos. Ultimately, the Spider-Man franchise should endeavour to bring Dunst back into the fold, especially with the exciting possibilities woven into MJ’s Venom transformation, offering an exhilarating opportunity for her MCU debut.
All-New Venom #5 is set to release on April 2, 2025, courtesy of Marvel Comics.