A familiar "Spider-Man" character is about to debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The latest rumor claims the sequel to this year's "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is introducing Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker's greatest love until her death in "The Amazing Spider-Man #121" in 1973.
Omega Underground has obtained a leaked audition tape for Marvel's "Spider-Man 2" and it features an unknown French actress with the stage name Louna acting as Gwen Stacy. Although the character is originally a blue-eyed blonde American like Emma Stone and Bryce Dallas Howard's portrayal, it seems that the studio is altering a few things about her next big screen counterpart.
The actress does not only have dark hair, she speaks with an obvious French accent, too. The publication speculates the studio may be changing her origin, possibly turning her into a foreign exchange student from Europe instead.
While it remains to be confirmed, this is actually not a surprising move. Jon Watts, who directed "Homecoming," has notably changed both MJ (Zendaya) and Ned's (Jacob Batalon) ethnicity in the film in a bid to diversify the cast and present something new at the same time.
Ned, aka Peter's "guy in the chair," is supposed to be a blonde-haired Caucasian, while MJ is originally a red-haired Caucasian in the comics. However, the former was depicted as a Hawaiian-American, while the latter is of mixed-ethnicity as well. Should the recent report be accurate, Marvel may be taking the same approach with Gwen Stacy.
As to what her story arc will be remains unknown, but Screen Rant predicts it may be mostly based on the comics where she and Mary-Jane vie for Peter's heart. Although Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige already confirmed that Zendaya's MJ is not Mary Jane, her initials tease she will likely become much more than a friend to Peter like Kirsten Dunst's Mary Jane in the Sam Raimi trilogy.
Whatever the case is, Gwen Stacy will not debut alone in the MCU. A scene from the audition tape includes a conversation with her father, George Stacy, suggesting the police captain will appear, too.
The sequel to "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is set to premiere on July 5, with Tom Holland in the lead and Watts at the Helm.
