The Heartbreaking End for MJ in Spider-Man
Spider-Man: No Way Home delivered an emotional gut punch when Peter Parker (Tom Holland) made the agonizing decision to have Doctor Strange wipe the world’s memory of his alter-ego Spider-Man. This meant his loved ones, including his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya), forgot he even existed. It was a tragic ending to Peter and MJ’s blossoming romance after three films of build-up.
Their separation was made even more heartbreaking considering the fantastic chemistry between Holland and Zendaya. The two young actors imbued Peter and MJ’s relationship with authenticity and charm that made audiences invest deeply in their future together. To have that ripped away was devastating.
Zendaya Rumored Return Provides Hope
However, hope may not be lost for this beloved couple. Strong rumors indicate Zendaya will be reprising her role as MJ in the upcoming Spider-Man 4 alongside Holland’s Peter Parker. While plot details are still under wraps, Zendaya’s involvement suggests MJ could finally get a redemptive arc.
One possibility is that Peter crosses paths with MJ again, and their yearned-for connection gradually helps restore her memories of him and their relationship. This would provide an immensely satisfying emotional payoff after the tragedy of their earlier separation.
Breaking the MCU Tragic Girlfriend Trend
Sadly, the MCU has developed a pattern of putting its heroes’ love interests through the wringer with oftentimes tragic fates. Peggy Carter’s (Hayley Atwell) endless wait for Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Wanda’s (Elizabeth Olsen) loss of Vision (Paul Bettany), and Jane Foster’s (Natalie Portman) break-up with Thor (Chris Hemsworth) are just a few examples.
If Spider-Man 4 can reunite Peter and MJ for a long-awaited happy ending, it would buck this unfortunate trend. Zendaya and Holland’s off-screen chemistry plus fans’ clear affection for their pairing provides the perfect opportunity. The film could deliver the wish-fulfillment of these two characters finally overcoming adversity together.
MJ getting her memories back and a happily-ever-after with Peter would be immensely cathartic for audiences. It would show that sometimes, the MCU’s heroes can have their love prevail after all. Zendaya’s rumored Spider-Man 4 return provides hope that this beloved couple may finally break the tragic girlfriend mold.