Marvel Comics may not always agree with what happens in the MCU, but it sure enjoys riding on its coattails. Mary Jane Watson’s powers are a new example of potential synergy from the comics.
It was reported years ago that Sony Pictures was working on a film based on the character Jackpot. While Jackpot was not MJ in the comics, readers, and Spider-Man mistook her for her due to her red hair, alias, and use of the word “tiger” in her vernacular.
In terms of MJ in the MCU, Tom Holland stated in an interview that Sony had been “trying for a while” to give Zendaya’s character powers. It did not happen, much to the relief of fans and the actress, who stated that she is “actually really happy with MJ” as she is.
However, in recent comics, MJ has gained powers, which could (and probably will) mean nothing, but who knows what might be adapted from the comics in the next ten years.
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MJ Wins the Superpower Lottery
The first issue of “Mary Jane Watson and Black Cat” (2022) #1, written by Jed MacKay and illustrated by Vincenzo Carratù, reveals that MJ has gained superpowers. In her attempt to save MJ from the latest comic event disaster, Black Cat witnesses Mary Jane Watson using these powers to defend her new family.
This issue, as expected, does not explain where she got these new abilities, but MJ does, thankfully, explain how they work to Felicia Hardy and readers. Mary Jane Watson is given the opportunity to “spin” and “pull” for a new set of powers, but the powers she receives are entirely dependent on luck.
So, while the origin of her powers isn’t shown in the issue, the cover by J. Scott Campbell appears to give it away. On it, Mary Jane Watson is seen wearing a techno wristwatch that displays a slot machine hologram, which is most likely where her powers originate.
What about the possibility of this happening to MJ in the MCU? It’s unlikely, but Sony has approved sillier things in this franchise.
Would Sony Pictures Take the Risk?
As previously stated, current Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski stated that the comics are “10 years ahead” of what audiences see on the big screen. Not everything, of course, but it corresponds to the appearance of newer characters such as Kamala Kahn in Ms. Marvel, who first appeared in 2012.
Would Sony Pictures, on the other hand, consider bestowing superpowers on Michael Jackson in the next ten years? Holland did mention that they tried, but failed, to push that in the MCU, so it’s not impossible.
It wouldn’t be the first dubious decision Sony has made or attempted to make with the franchise. After all, films based on characters such as El Muerto and Hypno-Hustler are on the way.
Fans will be able to see one superpowered variant of Mary Jane Watson when Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse hits theatres on June 2, 2023.
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