Movie-making is an intricate process filled with revisions, tweaks, and sometimes, complete overhauls. The blockbuster success of Sony and Marvel Studios' 2021 film,Spider-Man: No Way Home, is no exception. Recently unveiled concept art fromSpider-Man: No Way Home - The Art of the Movieartbook offers fans a tantalizing glimpse into what might have been for one of the film’s central characters:Zendaya’s portrayal of MJ.
In an alternate take on the story, the final battle ofSpider-Man: No Way Homewas set to play out atop the Statue of Liberty. Concept art reveals MJ donning Doctor Strange’s Cloak of Levitation, which would have granted her the power to fly around the statue. This image (viaThe Direct) also captures the astounded reaction of Ned Leeds, played by Jacob Batalon, as he watches MJ wield the cloak.
The scene would have been a notable deviation from the final cut, where it’s Ned who employs the cloak’s powers. The alteration undoubtedly would have lent a fresh dynamic to the film’s climax. Interestingly, the book features other fascinating scrapped concepts, such as Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin sporting an Iron suit, Spider-Man’s symbiote suit, and an epic battle between Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus.
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MJ’s Superhero Evolution: The Creative Process Behind Her Role in Spider-Man: No Way Home
The idea of MJ as a superhero isn’t entirely new. In a candid interview from December 2021, both Zendaya and Tom Holland reminisced about producers' plans to elevate MJ to superhero status. Holland recalled, “They were trying for a while though, do you remember that?” Zendaya, who expressed contentment with MJ’s super-powerless existence, concurred. Her perspective is rooted in the belief that MJ’s strength lies in being part of a team.
As Zendaya puts it:
“Spider-Man saves the world, but he needs help, y’know? He cannot do it on his own, at the end of the day he’s just a young person trying to figure it out, that’s where Ned and MJ come in and they try to help him figure it out. They’re all very smart kids, let’s not forget. They put their brains together, and they’re there for each other, and they support each other, so I’m totally fine with being part of a team.”
The connection between MJ and Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is severed when her memories are erased by Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), ending their relationship. The subplot involving MJ and the Cloak of Levitation’s omission significantly influences the movie’s final battle dynamics, including the poignant moment Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man redeems himself by saving MJ.
It’s captivating to ponder how this version of events would have resonated with audiences. While the final cut achieved great success, these fascinating glimpses into the creative process remind us of theartistic choices that shape our favorite films.
Spider-Man: No Way Homedemonstrates the fluidity of the cinematic craft, where concepts are explored, embraced, and sometimes discarded. The recently unveiled concept art provides a fascinating look into the film’s evolution, enriching our appreciation for the collaborative effort involved in bringing a blockbuster to life.
Fans can enjoy the film as it was realized, streaming now on Starz, while still cherishing the creative paths not taken in theSpider-Mansaga.
