Zendaya’s Michelle Jones-Watson has been in every live-action Spider-Man film since Spider-Man: Homecoming. While there was some initial backlash over Zendaya’s casting (mostly due to the color of her skin, via NBC News), the character has been quickly embraced by the fans. With Zendaya’s talent, star power, and her chemistry with Tom Holland, it has come at no surprise that fans want to see her in the next Spider-Man film. But with how the trilogy just ended, would MJ’s return really be right for the upcoming Spider-Man 4?

A new Spider-Man trilogy has already entered development at Sony and Marvel Studios. As reported by Deadline, the producers at Sony want Zendaya to return. However, it might be wise to keep Peter Parker and MJ separated a bit longer before bringing them back together. Here’s why Zendaya’s MJ should not appear in the fourth MCU Spider-Man film.

Peter Needs to Face the Consequences After No Way Home

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Peter Parker was in for a rude awakening all throughout Spider-Man: No Way Home. While Aunt May was the only one who died, Peter still lost all the people closest to him when they forgot about his existence as a result of Doctor Strange’s spell. MJ was one of those people, and their romantic relationship, or any kind of relationship, came to an end. Despite MJ telling Peter to find her, Peter decided to leave her alone after realizing that it was the best way to keep her safe. As said by Aunt May in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2, “Sometimes to do what’s right, we have to be steady and give up the thing we want the most. Even our dreams.”

The life of Spider-Man has consistently put people in harm’s way. As far back as Spider-Man: Homecoming, Liz’s father, the Vulture, threatened to kill Peter and everybody he loved. Then, during Spider-Man: Far From Home, Mysterio was present at nearly all the destinations on Midtown’s summer trip to Europe. Had Peter failed to defeat either of those villains, MJ would have died. She also would have died had Peter-3 (Andrew Garfield) not saved her in No Way Home.

As Peter has been portrayed to be someone who is very caring, it would be out of character for him to reunite with MJ so soon. With more Spider-Man films on the way, Spider-Man will only be thrown into more danger. It doesn’t make sense for Peter to attempt to rekindle his relationship as he faces new and deadlier foes. From a narrative standpoint, it would be ideal for Peter to fully feel the consequences of the life he has chosen to lead.

Zendaya Has Already Been in Every MCU Spider-Man Movie

     Marvel Studios, Sony Pictures

After appearing in every Spider-Man film in the MCU thus far, it might be time to explore Holland’s Peter Parker without MJ in his life. MJ was a central focus in Far From Home and No Way Home, and it would be interesting to see Peter try to move on from her in an upcoming sequel. Both Peter and MJ were 17 or 18 at the end of the Homecoming trilogy, so they still have a lot of growing up to do when they are not around each other. Without MJ, Happy, May, or Ned, Peter has been put in a brand new situation where he has to figure out who he is for himself. If Sony and Marvel Studios were to immediately send Peter back to the people he is familiar with, that would be a mistake.

Spider-Man has often operated alone in the Marvel Comics, being portrayed more as an individual hero than a permanent member of any specific team. However, during his time as a hero, he has received much needed guidance and support from his friends. If Zendaya’s MJ did not return for Spider-Man 4, her absence would be strongly felt by both Peter and the audience. That kind of response is something you want when telling a story about moving on and forging new beginnings.

MJ is Endgame, But There Are Other Characters in Peter’s Life

Not counting Liz Allan (who was Peter’s Homecoming date, but not officially his girlfriend), MJ was Peter’s first love. While MJ and Peter had an epic romance, their relationship did not last half a year before they were separated. Of course, we in the real world know that MJ is Peter Parker’s true love and that she later became his wife. But Peter has also gained a reputation for being a ladies’ man amongst the comic book community. Since the MCU has never been a direct adaptation of the comics, one should not expect the MCU Peter to necessarily date the same women his comics counterpart did.

With that being said, since MJ and Peter have been separated in the MCU, it is possible that they will pursue other romantic interests. The status of a film or television series based on possible love interest, Felicia Hardy, a.k.a. Black Cat, has remained unknown. Sony has also been working on a series titled Silk: Spider Society, which centers on a character that has been linked to Spider-Man in the past. Both Black Cat and Silk are directly involved in the superhero world, making it easier for Peter to potentially date them. It’s unclear if Sony wants to go this route, but if not, they shouldn’t be eager to rush a Peter and MJ reunion too soon.