Is Zendaya’s MCU role nearing its end?
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, introduced in Captain America: Civil War (2016), has become one of the MCU’s defining characters. Under Jon Watts’ direction, the trilogy—Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)—redefined Peter Parker’s journey from a bright-eyed teen to a seasoned hero who shoulders the heavy burden of responsibility.
The trilogy’s emotional peak comes in No Way Home, where Peter sacrifices his identity to save those he loves, including Michelle “MJ” Jones (Zendaya). Now, Holland is set to return in Spider-Man 4, hitting theaters in July 2026. Despite previously suggesting he’d step away from the role before turning 30, Holland confirmed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that the next installment is officially moving forward after delays caused by Hollywood strikes.
Producer Amy Pascal has teased that the fourth film will explore Peter’s decision to fully embrace being Spider-Man at the expense of his life as Peter Parker. “We have to deal with the fact that he decided being Peter Parker was too hard,” Pascal shared with Deadline.
However, reports indicate that Zendaya’s MJ will take on a much smaller role in the upcoming movie. According to insider Jeff Sneider (via The Direct), her appearance will be “severely reduced” due to scheduling conflicts with her other high-profile projects, including Euphoria Season 3, Dune: Part Three, and a Christopher Nolan film, which also stars Holland.
With Zendaya’s reduced screen time, the door may open for the introduction of Gwen Stacy. The movie’s working title, “Blue Oasis,” appears to nod to Jeph Loeb’s “Spider-Man: Blue” comic series, which recounts Peter’s first love with Gwen in a heart-wrenching tale. While Marvel has not confirmed Gwen’s inclusion, her arrival could be a significant development for Peter’s story, and fans have already discussed Sydney Sweeney for the role.
Releasing just two months after Avengers: Doomsday (2026), Spider-Man 4 is expected to tie into the fifth Avengers film. Holland’s Spider-Man is rumored to appear alongside Robert Downey Jr. as Victor Von Doom and Chris Evans, who may return as a Nomad version of Steve Rogers.
Before Spider-Man 4, Marvel’s Phase Five will conclude with Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* in 2025, leading into The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which kicks off Phase Six. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige also recently confirmed that Black Panther 3 is in development, marking another milestone for the MCU.
How do you feel about Zendaya’s reported smaller role in Spider-Man 4? Could this mark the end of her time in the MCU? Let us know in the comments!
