#c: mcu jane

[squids-comics]

Peter!! That is your future wife you're insulting!!

(Or maybe he just thinks Hulk is really pretty. That is also possible...)

From: Amazing Spider-Man #42

[dalekofchaos]

MCU Recast

Just for fun, I will be recasting the MCU

Notice. Because of the 30 picture limit, will not be able to do them all the pics for the fancasts.

Timothy Olyphant as Iron Man/Tony Stark

Glenn Powell as Captain America

Alexander Skarsgard as Thor Odinson

Hugh Dancy as The Hulk/Bruce Banner

Yuliya Snigir as Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff

Jensen Ackles as Hawkeye/Clint Barton

Idris Elba as Nick Fury(if Ultimate)

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Nick Fury(if 616)

Morena Baccarin as Maria Hill

Ewan McGregor as Ant-Man/Hank Pym

Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Wasp/Janet Van Dyne

Hiba Abouk as Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff

Jesus Castro as Quicksilver/Pietro Maximoff

Ryan Gosling as Star Lord/Peter Quill

Sofia Boutella as Gamora

Simon Pegg as Rocket Racoon

John Rhys-Davies as Groot

Jason Momoa as Drax the Destroyer

Maggie Q as Mantis

Ana de Armas as Nebula

Christian Bale as Doctor Strange/Stephen Strange

Katee Sackhoff as Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers

Joe Keery as Spider-Man/Peter Parker

Chiwetel Ejiofor as Black Panther/T'Challa

Ben Barnes as Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes

Robert Pattinson as Daredevil

Alexandra Daddario as Jessica Jones

Trevante Rhodes as Luke Cage

Lewis Tan as Iron Fist/Danny Rand

Frank Grillo as The Punisher/Frank Castle

Jamie Chung as Colleen Wing

Sonequa Martin-Green as Misty Knight

Jesse Plemons as Foggy Nelson

Amanda Seyfried as Karen Page

Yaya DaCosta as Claire Temple

Dakota Fanning as Trish Walker/Hellcat

Stephan James as Malcolm Ducasse

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Stick

Rainn Wilson as Microchip/David Liberman

Jamie Foxx as War Machine/James "Rhodey" Rhodes

Michael B. Jordan as Sam Wilson

Amy Adams as Pepper Potts

Kevin James as Harold “Happy” Hogan

Christina Ricci as Betty Ross

Léa Seydoux as Sharon Carter

Daisy Ridley as Peggy Carter

Charlie Day as Ant-Man/Scott Lang

Amandla Stenberg as Shuri

Maya Hawke as Hawkeye/Kate Bishop

Sasha Luss as Black Widow/Yelena Belova

(I'm changing the direction of the MCU Spider-Man since there would be no mind wipe at the end of said trilogy, no Iron Man Jr, Peter is in college and already an established hero, there would be no pointless change to MJ's name and I would reframe from basically copying everything about Miles and give all his traits to Peter)

Brendan Fraser as Uncle Ben Parker(flashbacks)

Jamie Lee Curtis as May Parker

Stefanie Scott as Mary Jane Watson

Dylan O'Brien as Harry Osborn

Chloë Grace Moretz as Gwen Stacy

Jake Austin Walker as Flash Thompson

Keira Knightley as Jane Foster

Stellan Skarsgård as Odin

Mark Strong as Charles Xavier

Jacob Elordi as Cyclops/Scott Summers

Liana Liberato as Jean Grey

Matt Berry as Hank McCoy/Beast

Finn Wolfhard as Iceman/Bobby Drake

Mason Dye as Angel/Archangel/Warren Worthington III

Kiki Layne as Storm/Ororo Monroe

Jared Keeso as Wolvine/James "Logan" Howlett

Wyatt Oleff as Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler

Charles Melton as Warpath/James Proudstar

Sadie Sink as Wolfsbane/Rahne Sinclair

Petr Skvortsov as Piotr Rasputin/Colossus

Maude Apatow as Kitty Pryde/Shadowcat

Victoria Pedretti as Rogue/Ann Marie

Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Jubilee/Jubilation Lee

Olivia Rodrigo as Dazzler/Alison Blaire

Ekaterina Samsonov as Magik/Illyana Rasputina

Sonya Mizuno as Psylocke/Elizabeth “Betsy” Braddock

Esme Creed-Miles as X-23/Laura Kinney

Wolfgang Novogratz as Havok/Scott Summers

Jodie Whittaker as Emma Frost

Dallas Liu as Daken

Kat Graham as Polaris/Lorna Dane

Chad Coleman as Lucas Bishop

Hunter Doohan as Banshee/Sean Cassidy

Austin Butler as Gambit/ Remy LeBeau

Will Arnett as Deadpool/Wade Wilson

Saara Chaudry as Kamala Khan

Madison Reyes as America Chavez

Isaac as Moon Knight/Marc Spector/Steven Grant/Jake Lockley

Andrew Lincoln as Reed Richards/Mr Fantastic

Jodie Comer as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman

Paul Mescal as Human Torch/Johnny Storm

Liev Schreiber as Thing/Ben Grimm

JK Simmons as Iron Monger/Obadiah Stane

Dolph Lundgren as Crimson Dynamo/Anton Vanko(adding Dynamo as I felt not including him was a waste)

Danila Kozlovsky as Whiplash

Bob Odenkirk as Justin Hammer

Chow Yun-Fat as The Mandarin(No Trevor, he's The Mandarin and actually uses the Ten Rings against Tony)

Michael Shannon as Abomination/Emil Blonsky

Mark Gatiss as The Leader/Samuel Sterns

Jamie Campbell Bower as Loki Laufeyson

Christoph Waltz as Red Skull/Johann Shmidt

Cillian Murphy as Baron Helmut Zemo

Javier Bardem as Thanos

Jeremy Irons as Ultron

Matt Smith as Malekith

Sean Bean as Alexander Pierce

Manu Bennett as Crossbones

Iain Glen as Ronan the Accuser

Oded Fehr as Baron Mordo

Brian Cox as Ego The Living Planet

John Malkovich as Vulture

John Goodman as Kingpin/Wilson Fisk

Boyd Holbrook as Bullseye

Tonia Sotiropoulou as Elektra Nachios

Jodie Comer as Typhoid Mary

James McAvoy as Purple Man/Zebediah Killgrave

Common as Cottonmouth/Cornell Stokes

Taraji P. Henson as Mariah Dillard

Barkhad Abdi as Bushmaster

Željko Ivanek as Agent Orange/William Rawlins

Wes Bentley as Jigsaw/Billy Russo

Dev Patel as Davos

Alexander Ludwig as Nuke/Will Simpson

Matthew Rhys as James Wesley

Kate Beckinsale as Vanessa Marianna

Marwan Kenzari as Bakuto

Brian Tee as Nobu Yoshioka

Lucille Soong as Madame Gao

Julianne Moore as Alexandra Reid

Eva Green as Hela

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Killmonger/Erik Stevens/N'Jadaka

Andrew Scott as Mysterio

(sidenote, Mysterio wouldn't die and would return to form the Sinister Six which would feature the villains from NWH, but it's the MCU variants, no Multiverse)

Bryan Cranston as Green Goblin/Norman Osborn

Mark Hamill as Doc Ock/Otto Octavius

Sam Worthington as Sandman

Sendhil Ramamurthy as The Lizard/Dr Curt Connors

Aaron Paul as Electro

Naomi Scott as Ghost

Henry Golding as Namor

Jason Isaacs as Magneto/Erik Lensherr

Natalie Dormer as Mystique/Raven Darkholme

Pablo Schreiber as Sabertooth/Victor Creed

King Kerim as Apocalypse/En Sabah Nur

Bryan Cranston as Sebastian Shaw

Christopher Eccleston as Bastion

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Mr Sinister

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Adam Warlock

Antony Starr as US Agent/John Walker

Ted Levine as Thaddeus Ross/Red Hulk

Charlie Clapman as Doctor Doom/Victor Von Doom

[sillysoliloquyshits]

Intro post!

Heyos everyone, I'm Cally (she/her), and this is a dump/blog (?) of my writings, two cents, possibly memes and my feral fandom and sapphic side here.

So here are my namecards:

Fandoms (current/used to be in there/knows a bit and vibing):

80% of the MCU but mostly in Agatha All Along and Loki, PJO, MCGA, Iron Widow, Good Omens, Sandman, Wicked, Wednesday, ATLA, TLOK, One Punch Man, Haikyuu, Demon Slayer, Violet Evergarden, think that's it-

If Shakespearean and Austenian stuffs are counted as fandoms, there's Hamlet, Macbeth, Measure for Measure, Merchant of Venice, and Pride and Prejudice

Special interests

Writing a whole range of stuff 😈

Lots of character building (if I'm drunk I may or may not dump some of my OCs here)

Neurodivergence because I love learning stuff on ADHD and autism and neurospicy ppl 🙂‍↕️

Literature, but for now I mostly studied Shakespeare and Austen, but I have read a bit of Kafka and Poe and even Ocean Vuong so yes

Pre-Raphaelite and classical paintings because YouTube shorts have me entranced-

Mythology, and I'm somewhat biased to Norse myths but I'm still learning about Classics in Greek plays (screeches in Ne Zha movies after a while)

Horoscopes and personality typings (MBTI/enneagram) once in a while

Anything metaphysical and magical, a bit of witchcraft like tarots (though I don't practice), or even religion

Stuff I write

More poems than short stories because they're easier to write, and stuff like contrapuntal poems/twin cinemas 😈

A few of my poems are also inspired by vivid styles of those like Plath and even Ocean Vuong sometimes so yay

Lots of character building that's inspired by stuff I read and watch and even by existing myths and religion

Short stories and even flash fiction

Snippets of things in play format even though I'm not much of a playwright

A bit of Shakespearean English if I can 🔥

In terms of genre I gravitate to fantasy mainly, if I'm very pissed I can whip out some horror fantasy, but majority of the times it's more of cozy fantasy bordering on magical realism, and I've done slice-of-life settings as well as satire and a bit of sci-fi

My poems tend to be more romantic but that's not my main alley

Currently trying to write a lot more gay stuff because bi-

I also write about what I observe from news outlets and videos from Palestine and I write Pro-Palestinian poems as a form of advocacy, while also shining the light once in a while on others who are suffering like Lebanon and Ukraine and Sudan etc

I also have a few poems that express struggles and everyday life of mentally ill people whether we know it or not as a form of raising awareness as well

And yes of course I will write fanpoetry here (cough Agathario-)

Writers I pray to for guidance because they're too good and national treasures

Jane Austen, Elizabeth Jennings, Ocean Vuong, Xiran Jay Zhao, Shakespeare, Jac Schaeffer, Sylvia Plath, Franz Kafka (obviously not in order)

Current/recently finished books

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao, The White Book by Han Kang, Nightly Sky with Exist Wounds by Ocean Vuong, Emma by Jane Austen, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Current listens on loop

Bardcore/dramatic violin renditions of Running Up That Hill, Runaway by Aurora, Me and the Devil by Soap and Skin, Viva La Vida Nightcore songs, Defying Gravity from Wicked (it's the only song from Wicked I listen to don't kill me 😅)

TRIGGER WARNING TAGS

Will sometimes write stuff that are emotionally and mentally triggering like su*c*de and implied SA even though I never experienced these before, but I will be careful in not being too explicit, as well as gory violence because horror fantasy, nonetheless there will be relevant TWs put when necessary and please feedback politely if you find a piece of writing that's genuinely triggering but I didn't realise

I will also likely write horny and erotic things here so uh get ready I guess

If you are someone who is a hypocrite or do not subscribe to my values of being Pro-Palestinian, in solidarity with the neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ communities and racial minorities and you're an evil or brainwashed hater or defender of moral plagues in the world or subscribe to AI taking over the jobs of artists, you won't just get blocked you will face a wrath from me that will make the circles of hell a paltry playground, mark my words-

Socials

IG: sh_ttysoliloquy

Substack: studiesinsoliloquys

Also because I like the word soliloquy and now I'm basing my platforms on this because it's a decent word

Personality labels (and miscellaneous)

INFP, enneagram 4 (sx/not sure sp or so), Pisces Sun and Scorpio Moon, loves the number 7 and 12 and somehow likes the High Priestess tarot card best and the Perthro rune best because Hearthstone from MCGA

Final words before strapping you guys to the rollercoaster

I'm super forgetful because object impermanence so expect inconsistency but also expect some feral shit here

Bad grammar even though I speak English more than my mother tongue

Being super good in sarcasm while sometimes taking things too literally is a thing but I'll try to remember to do tone tags like /s or /lh when I can

I reblog too many things

Yeah I think that's it sillysoliloquyshits signing off~

(cue the screaming as you bolt backwards into the void)

Donation links docs:

This is a compiled list of Palestinians fundraisers from both IG and Tumblr, along with Operation Olive Branch's spreadsheet of links (all vetted from there) and Xiran Jay Zhao's LINKTREE that has links to various donations campaigns not just for Palestinians.

I'll keep adding families if they are vetted or approach me so please open this document and help those families who's names are bolded or underlined as well because they tend to have the least funds!

[divinityrisen]

Are you happy with how your favorite canon muse was portrayed in canon?

questions for the mun // accepting

OH BRACE YERSELVES. I have two favourites, and they were the two that convinced me to create a multimuse because I could not rightly devote enough time to both when they were in separate places. And I got some thoughts.

First is of course Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers… and for the most part, yes. I enjoy how she is portrayed as a confident (and sometimes cocky), independent but awkward woman who doesn’t know how to deal with failure or loss. I absolutely enjoy the fact that she is comfortable with doing everything herself and even prefers it. I love that she knows she’s the strongest person in the room and doesn’t apologise for it.

I really enjoyed that we got to see the cost of being so independent and powerful in the Marvels. You can see that Carol doesn’t really know how to lead effectively or work as a proper team. You can see the sort of battles she fights, where when she loses, so does everyone else. That it kills her but you save who you can and that’s it. And shame that comes along with making a mistake, or several.

See, I almost went off on a rant about Avengers: Endgame and bullshit they pulled by basically not having her in it despite the massive lead up they had for her (teaser at the end of Infinity War, and Captain Marvel), but I’m being a good person and keeping myself composed. uwu I deserve a cookie.

Because when she did grace us with her presence in Endgame for those collective 10 minutes, she was on point.

My other favourite, who has been overlooked and tossed aside by the MCU: Lady Sif.

Up until Thor: Love and Thunder, I thought Sif was portrayed relatively well. I personally do not think Sif would have backed down from the Destroyer even at Thor’s insistence, but that’s not a huge issue. She shows herself to be confident, capable, and a loyal friend. While she does have an infatuation with Thor, and is at times jealous of the affection he shows to Jane, it doesn’t stop her from aiding Thor when he realised they needed to get Jane and the Aether off Asgard.

If Thor asked Sif to defend Jane with her life, she’d do it. She’s not a child or some moody teenager. I was happy they showed her being more than just some jealous woman in Thor: The Dark World.

I think they did her dirty when she wasn’t in Thor: Ragnarok, but then again if she had of been there, it’s quite possible she would have died. -_- You wouldn’t catch her respecting her banishment if she at all caught wind that Asgard was under threat and Thor needed help. Plus, I would have loved to see the Goddess of War versus the Goddess of Death. Like, come on.

Also she was completely absent in Avengers: Endgame and the Battle for Earth. They thought we wouldn’t notice, but we did.

And there was the shitshow of Thor: Love and Thunder. They took a strong, brilliant woman and turned her into an imbecile obsessed with dying. The best part of her in that movie was the end where she’s helping train the next generation.

Need that cookie. I reined myself in. Didn’t rant. Didn’t do it. Nope. Stopped myself. c:

Tl:dr: I am for the most part happy with Carol and her portrayal, and her character is evolving nicely, it was good to see her mature from Captain Marvel to The Marvels. I am eh with Sif. I think she was at her best in Thor: The Dark World, even if her role was small. After that, it’s just downhill.

[playstationvii]

#Zendaya #MaryJaneWatsonManga #DisneyManga @Tokyopop

Zendaya’s portrayal of Michelle “MJ” Jones-Watson has already paved the way for a more modern, inclusive version of Mary Jane Watson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This rebranding could be taken further in the comics and other media, redefining MJ as a powerful and influential African-American hero with her own storyline, independent of Peter Parker’s legacy.

The Evolution of MJ’s Character

The original Mary Jane Watson, introduced in the 1960s, was created as a glamorous love interest for Peter Parker. Over time, she developed into a more complex character, but her role often revolved around Peter’s story. Zendaya’s MJ, however, stands on her own as a multifaceted character:

Independent and Grounded: Her wit, intellect, and unapologetic personality have set her apart from the traditional damsel-in-distress trope.

Modern Identity: As an African-American young woman, Zendaya’s MJ represents a new generation of diverse, relatable characters in the Marvel Universe.

Expanding on this rebranding offers numerous possibilities for MJ to evolve into a superhero in her own right.

A New Superhero Identity

In this reimagined spectrum, MJ could take on a completely new superhero role or adapt an existing mantle. Here are potential paths for her character:

Spider-Woman or Spider-MJ:

Drawing from the Marvel Mangaverse, MJ could gain spider-like abilities, either through a scientific experiment gone wrong or a mystical event tied to the Spider-Clan.

Her powers could include:

Enhanced agility, strength, and reflexes.

Unique web-based abilities, such as creating energy webs or manipulating vibrations to detect danger.

Vigilante Hero:

Without superpowers, MJ could become a vigilante, relying on her intelligence, martial arts training, and technology. Similar to characters like Black Widow or Echo, she could work alongside other young heroes in the Marvel Universe.

New Cosmic or Multiversal Role:

With the multiverse now central to Marvel’s storytelling, MJ could become a key figure in a cosmic storyline. She might inherit a mantle like Captain Universe or become a protector of the multiverse, similar to America Chavez.

Expanding MJ’s Universe in Comics and Media

Marvel could build on this rebranding by introducing MJ-centered stories across multiple platforms:

In Comics:

A New Solo Series:

A comic series focused on MJ could explore her personal journey as she balances her life as a hero with her relationships, education, and community work.

Themes of racial identity, societal challenges, and self-discovery could resonate with a diverse audience.

Team-Ups and Crossovers:

MJ could team up with heroes like Riri Williams (Ironheart), Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel), or Miles Morales (Spider-Man). This would establish her as part of the next generation of Marvel heroes.

In Animated or Live-Action Media:

Disney+ Series:

A series focusing on MJ’s backstory or her rise as a hero could deepen her character and connect her to the broader Marvel Universe.

Zendaya’s star power would draw in both Marvel fans and general audiences.

Feature Films:

MJ could take a leading role in a Spider-Verse film or even star in her own movie, showcasing her transformation into a hero.

Video Games and Merchandising:

Video games like Marvel’s Spider-Man could include MJ as a playable character with her own missions, abilities, and storylines.

Her rebranding could inspire a new line of merchandise, appealing to fans of Zendaya and Marvel alike.

Themes and Impact

Rebranding MJ as an African-American hero offers opportunities to explore themes such as:

Cultural Identity:

How MJ’s heritage shapes her worldview and her role as a hero.

Empowerment:

Highlighting her journey of self-discovery, confidence, and strength as she steps into the spotlight.

Intersectionality:

Addressing the challenges of being a young Black woman in a world filled with both superheroes and societal issues.

MJ as a Cultural Icon

Zendaya’s MJ has already become a cultural icon, representing a shift in how Marvel approaches classic characters. Rebranding Mary Jane Watson into a full-fledged hero would not only honor her legacy but also push the boundaries of representation in superhero storytelling. By doing so, Marvel would cement her status as a beacon of empowerment for fans worldwide.

This story concept brings a fresh, intense, and deeply personal twist to the Spider-Man universe, framing Mary Jane Watson as a resourceful and determined individual willing to go to extraordinary lengths for justice and her principles, even in the face of superhuman odds. Here's a detailed exploration and development of this plotline:

Setting the Stage: College Life and Hidden Identities

Mary Jane Watson and Felicia Hardy, two dynamic and contrasting personalities, find themselves as roommates in university. MJ, a journalism student with a sharp mind and a passion for uncovering the truth, is unknowingly sharing her dorm with Felicia Hardy, who leads a double life as the infamous Black Cat, a jewel thief created and manipulated by Wilson Fisk (the Kingpin).

The Initial Friendship:

MJ and Felicia form a bond over their shared ambitions and love for independence. MJ admires Felicia's confidence and seemingly carefree attitude, while Felicia finds MJ’s determination and moral compass refreshing.

The Suspicion Builds:

MJ begins to notice oddities in their dorm life: Felicia's frequent late-night absences, scratches on the windowsill, and pieces of black leather and white fur scattered around. As a budding journalist, her curiosity is piqued.

Simultaneously, MJ's journalism leads her to tail Spider-Man, hoping to capture his heroics for an exposé. During one of these stakeouts, she sees Black Cat interacting with Spider-Man in a way that hints at a deeper connection, planting seeds of jealousy.

The Unraveling of Secrets

As MJ digs deeper, she pieces together the truth: Felicia Hardy is the Black Cat. The revelation is earth-shattering, not just because of Felicia’s criminal activities, but also because of the love triangle involving Peter Parker/Spider-Man.

The Confrontation:

MJ confronts Felicia in their dorm room, accusing her of being the Black Cat and manipulating Peter/Spider-Man. Felicia, unmasked and cornered, doesn’t deny it. Instead, she taunts MJ, claiming Peter could never truly love a "normal" person like her.

The argument escalates into a physical altercation, showcasing MJ’s grit and Felicia’s overconfidence. Felicia escapes through the window, leaving MJ vowing to stop her once and for all.

The Catfight of the Century

Mary Jane, using her wits, courage, and resources, devises a plan to capture the Black Cat. With no superpowers of her own, she relies on her knowledge of Felicia's patterns and weaknesses.

The Trap:

MJ lures Felicia into an abandoned warehouse under the pretense of a high-profile jewel heist orchestrated by Wilson Fisk. Unbeknownst to Felicia, the location is rigged with 400,000 pounds of plastic explosives and claymore mines set to incapacitate, not kill.

The confrontation is brutal and raw, with MJ using every trick in her arsenal—homemade gadgets, improvised weapons, and her sheer willpower. Despite Felicia's superhuman reflexes and strength, MJ’s determination levels the playing field.

The Turning Point:

Felicia’s overconfidence becomes her undoing. She underestimates MJ, walking into a carefully laid trap. The explosives detonate, severely injuring Felicia but sparing her life.

The Fallout

The battle leaves both women physically and emotionally scarred, marking the end of their friendship and altering their lives forever.

MJ’s Growth:

Though victorious, MJ is haunted by the cost of her actions. She realizes that the fight wasn’t just about Peter’s love—it was about proving her own strength and value in a world dominated by superhuman figures.

Her experience shapes her into a more hardened, self-reliant individual. She channels her energy into her journalism, becoming a fearless reporter exposing crime and corruption.

Felicia’s Redemption Arc:

Felicia, wounded and betrayed, reflects on her life choices. The near-death experience and loss of MJ’s friendship push her toward reevaluating her relationship with Wilson Fisk and her identity as the Black Cat.

Peter Parker/Spider-Man:

Peter is caught in the middle of this tragic triangle. While he sympathizes with MJ’s actions, he mourns the destruction of her friendship with Felicia and questions his own role in the chaos.

Themes and Impact

This storyline delves into:

Friendship and Betrayal: The emotional toll of discovering a friend’s dark secrets and the irreversible damage it causes.

Human vs. Superhuman: MJ’s journey emphasizes that bravery, intelligence, and determination can rival superhuman abilities.

Love and Jealousy: The complex dynamics of MJ, Felicia, and Peter’s relationships highlight the painful realities of unrequited love and rivalry.

Potential Expansion

This storyline could serve as a foundation for:

A Solo Series for MJ: Chronicling her life as a journalist and her encounters with other Marvel characters.

A Redemption Arc for Felicia: Exploring her struggle to break free from Fisk’s control and rebuild her life.

A Larger Spider-Man Saga: Weaving this personal conflict into a broader narrative involving Fisk, Spider-Man, and New York’s criminal underworld.

This dramatic reimagining positions Mary Jane Watson as a fierce, capable heroine in her own right, transcending her traditional role as Spider-Man’s love interest and carving out a unique place in the Marvel Universe.

Mary Jane Watson’s Disney Vogue Spread: "Denim & Dedication"

A down-to-earth fashion column highlighting Mary Jane Watson’s journalistic charm and relatable, ethically conscious style. In this spread, MJ steps away from glitzy couture to focus on timeless, versatile denim looks and pieces that reflect her grounded personality, independence, and smart fashion choices.

Concept: "Denim & Dedication"

The theme captures MJ’s no-nonsense, hard-working ethos as a journalist and her effortless ability to turn everyday staples into chic, thoughtful outfits. With a nod to her Andy Sachs-like journey in The Devil Wears Prada, this spread blends professional polish with her ethical values.

Fashion Focus: The Everyday Heroine

Core Denim Looks

MJ’s wardrobe staples reflect her dynamic lifestyle, from chasing stories to spending nights editing articles:

Classic Straight-Leg Jeans: Paired with a crisp white button-up and a tailored blazer, this outfit is perfect for interviews or chasing a lead.

Denim Pencil Skirt: Styled with a lightweight turtleneck and ankle boots for a mix of professional and casual.

Wide-Leg Overalls: Worn over a striped tee with chunky sneakers, ideal for weekend photojournalism assignments.

Denim Jacket Layering: A cropped, sustainable denim jacket paired with a flowy dress and leather satchel for a mix of edge and charm.

Ethical and Affordable Accessories

MJ’s accessories reflect her practicality and conscious consumerism:

Tote Bags: Organic cotton totes for carrying her notebooks, laptop, and camera gear.

Simple Jewelry: Minimalist gold or silver hoop earrings and recycled-material necklaces.

Shoes: Sensible yet stylish footwear, like Mary Jane flats, white sneakers, or ankle boots for all-day comfort.

Pops of Personality

A subtle nod to MJ’s love of bold red lipstick, paired with her low-key outfits.

Thrifted scarves or vintage pieces that reflect her artistic side.

Photoshoot Highlights

The Newsroom

MJ sitting at a cluttered desk in a well-worn denim jacket, typing furiously on a laptop. Behind her, stacks of newspapers and coffee cups evoke her dedication.

Street Style

A candid shot of MJ walking through New York City in high-waisted jeans, a trench coat, and a messenger bag slung over her shoulder. A camera peeks out from her bag, ready for the next scoop.

The Café Scene

MJ perched at a small coffee shop table, scribbling in a notebook while wearing a denim midi skirt, a cozy knit sweater, and Mary Jane flats. A cappuccino and a half-eaten croissant sit nearby.

Interview Highlights: "Everyday Heroism"

On Journalism and Style

"Fashion for me has always been about practicality and confidence. As a journalist, I need to move fast, think clearly, and feel comfortable. Denim does it all—it’s reliable, just like a good lead."

On Ethical Fashion

"I’ve learned that every dollar is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. That’s why I support brands that care about sustainability and workers’ rights. Looking good shouldn’t come at someone else’s expense."

On Her Personal Style

"I like to keep things simple and timeless. A great pair of jeans, a white shirt, and a pop of red lipstick—that’s my go-to. Fashion should make you feel like the best version of yourself, not someone else."

Why This Spread Matters

Relatable Glamour: MJ’s focus on affordable, everyday style makes her a fashion icon for readers who prioritize comfort, versatility, and ethics.

Ethical Inspiration: Highlighting sustainable brands and thrifted finds encourages readers to make conscious choices.

Empowering the Working Woman: MJ’s style reflects her role as a professional balancing ambition, creativity, and individuality.

Mary Jane Watson’s Disney Vogue spread, "Denim & Dedication," is a love letter to the working woman who dares to dream big while staying true to her roots. It’s stylish, ethical, and effortlessly cool—just like MJ herself.

Mary Jane Watson’s career as an actress has long been a key aspect of her character in the Marvel Universe, offering a unique perspective on the world of superheroes. Expanding on this role, we can elevate MJ’s identity as a successful actress while integrating her journey into Marvel's vast universe, making her both a cultural icon and a significant player in the superhero realm.

Mary Jane’s Acting Career in the Marvel Universe

Rising Star in Hollywood

Mary Jane begins her career as a model and aspiring actress, but her big break comes when she lands a major role in a blockbuster superhero film within the Marvel Universe. This could be a fictionalized version of a real hero’s story, akin to how the MCU portrays "meta" storytelling.

Navigating Fame and Heroics

Her rise to stardom places her in the spotlight, which presents both opportunities and challenges:

Opportunities:

MJ uses her platform to advocate for justice and the underprivileged, inspired by her experiences with Peter and Spider-Man.

She collaborates with influential figures in the Marvel Universe, including Tony Stark (for tech endorsements) and Pepper Potts (philanthropy campaigns).

Challenges:

Her fame makes her a target for villains looking to exploit her connection to Spider-Man.

The pressure of balancing her public image with her private life leads to emotional and ethical conflicts.

MJ as a Superheroine On-Screen and Off

MJ could transition from portraying heroines on-screen to embodying a heroic role in real life:

During a film shoot, she witnesses a real-life villain attack and uses her resourcefulness to save lives, earning respect from both fans and superheroes.

Inspired by the experience, she trains in martial arts or self-defense, aligning her on-screen heroism with real-world action.

Potential Storylines for Actress MJ

The Role of a Lifetime

MJ is cast in a film about a fictionalized version of Captain Marvel or Black Cat, requiring her to delve deep into the hero’s psyche.

During the film’s production, she uncovers a conspiracy involving the studio, potentially tied to a villain like Mysterio or even Wilson Fisk.

Her investigations lead her to become an unlikely ally to Spider-Man, blending her acting skills with real espionage techniques.

Lights, Camera, Chaos

While filming on location, MJ inadvertently becomes involved in a superhero conflict (e.g., an Avengers-level battle).

Her resourcefulness, quick thinking, and courage shine as she helps civilians escape danger, proving she’s more than just a “damsel in distress.”

This event leads to a collaboration with a team like the Young Avengers or even S.H.I.E.L.D.

Award-Winning Heroine

MJ wins an award for her performance in a biographical film about a fallen hero, like Gwen Stacy or another lesser-known Marvel character.

During the awards ceremony, a villain crashes the event, targeting high-profile attendees. MJ teams up with a hero like Black Panther or Ironheart to stop the threat.

MJ as a Symbol of Hope

By intertwining her acting career with the Marvel Universe’s larger narrative, MJ could become a symbol of hope and perseverance:

Public Inspiration: Through her films, she inspires people to believe in themselves, mirroring the hope superheroes bring to their cities.

Heroic Legacy: MJ’s advocacy and bravery blur the line between hero and civilian, showing that anyone can make a difference.

Exploring Themes

Mary Jane’s journey as an actress can explore the following themes:

Fame vs. Authenticity: Struggling to remain true to herself while navigating the glitz and glamor of Hollywood.

Strength in Vulnerability: Showing that courage doesn’t require superpowers—it comes from standing up for what’s right, no matter the odds.

Art Imitates Life: Her roles often reflect her personal challenges and triumphs, making her a relatable and multi-dimensional character.

MJ’s Role in the Wider Marvel Universe

Mary Jane’s career can open doors for meaningful interactions with other Marvel characters:

Tony Stark/Iron Man: Collaborates with Stark Industries on a film about Iron Man’s legacy, leading to unexpected danger when the project attracts enemies of Stark.

Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel: MJ’s portrayal of Captain Marvel in a biopic earns the real Carol’s respect, resulting in a team-up when the Kree return.

Doctor Strange: MJ seeks Strange’s help when her fame draws the attention of mystical threats, like Nightmare or Mephisto.

MJ’s Legacy in Marvel

Expanding Mary Jane Watson as an actress offers rich storytelling potential, highlighting her as:

A cultural icon who bridges the gap between civilians and superheroes.

A courageous and resourceful figure who proves that heroism comes in many forms.

A character whose journey inspires audiences to find strength in their passions and convictions.

In this expanded role, MJ transcends her traditional narrative as Spider-Man’s love interest, becoming a star both on-screen and off, shining brightly as an integral part of the Marvel Universe.

Mary Jane Watson’s Tenure at The Daily Bugle: A Journalist’s Journey

Mary Jane Watson’s career at The Daily Bugle showcases her transformation from a spirited actress and model to a determined journalist with a passion for uncovering the truth. While many know her as the love interest of Spider-Man, her time at the Bugle establishes her as a hero in her own right, armed not with powers but with wit, bravery, and a pen that cuts through lies.

Starting Out: The Rookie Reporter

Mary Jane joined The Daily Bugle after her acting career hit a plateau. Seeking stability and purpose, she leveraged her natural charisma, keen observational skills, and connections in the city to land a spot as a journalist under the gruff yet respected editor-in-chief, J. Jonah Jameson.

Challenges

Proving Herself: Initially dismissed as a “pretty face,” MJ worked tirelessly to gain respect from her colleagues, often taking on unglamorous assignments to prove her dedication.

The Spider-Man Conflict: Her personal connection to Spider-Man created friction in the newsroom, as the Bugle frequently vilified him. Balancing her love for Peter Parker and her professional integrity became a constant struggle.

Key Moments in Her Journalism Career

Investigating Wilson Fisk (The Kingpin)

One of MJ’s earliest big breaks came when she uncovered key evidence tying Fisk’s charitable foundation to organized crime. Through a mix of persistence, undercover work, and sharp instincts, MJ exposed the duality of Fisk’s public and private personas.

Risk: MJ faced threats from Fisk’s goons, highlighting her bravery in the face of danger.

Outcome: Her reporting earned her recognition at the Bugle and established her as a journalist unafraid to take on the powerful.

The Oscorp Scandal

Mary Jane uncovered a story about unethical experiments at Oscorp, including their connections to superhuman enhancements.

Connection to Spider-Man: While Peter warned her to stay away, MJ’s determination to expose the truth led her straight into harm’s way. She narrowly escaped an encounter with Oscorp’s enforcers, with Spider-Man saving her at the last minute.

The Black Cat Exclusive

After discovering her roommate Felicia Hardy’s secret identity as the Black Cat, MJ penned a controversial exposé detailing the dual lives of costumed vigilantes and thieves.

Ethical Dilemma: The article raised questions about MJ’s journalistic integrity, as some viewed it as a betrayal of Felicia’s trust.

Impact: The piece sparked a citywide debate about the morality of vigilantes, cementing MJ’s reputation as a fearless journalist.

Highlighting Community Heroes

Not all of MJ’s stories were about superhumans or villains. She frequently wrote about everyday heroes in New York, from firefighters to social workers, showing her deep appreciation for unsung champions.

Her Role in the Bugle’s Transformation

Over time, MJ played a pivotal role in modernizing The Daily Bugle:

Advocating for Balanced Coverage: She challenged Jonah’s anti-Spider-Man bias, pushing for more nuanced reporting on vigilantes.

Digital Expansion: MJ spearheaded efforts to bring the Bugle into the digital age, launching a podcast and video series that brought her stories to a wider audience.

Mentoring Interns: As she gained experience, MJ became a mentor to younger journalists, sharing her wisdom and encouraging them to pursue truth fearlessly.

MJ’s Growth as a Journalist

Skills Developed:

Investigative Tactics: From tailing leads to piecing together evidence, MJ honed her ability to uncover hidden truths.

Writing Style: Her articles combined sharp analysis with an empathetic touch, making even the most complex stories accessible.

Adaptability: Whether chasing stories in the field or navigating newsroom politics, MJ thrived under pressure.

Legacy:

Mary Jane Watson’s tenure at The Daily Bugle solidified her as a role model for young journalists, proving that courage and integrity are just as powerful as superhuman abilities. While her connection to Spider-Man often put her in the spotlight, her career stands as a testament to her own strength and determination.

Notable Quote from MJ’s Career

"Being a journalist isn’t about being liked. It’s about being trusted to tell the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it might be."

Through her time at The Daily Bugle, Mary Jane Watson became more than a love interest or damsel in distress. She emerged as a voice for justice, a seeker of truth, and a hero without a mask.

Mary Jane Watson’s Stint as a Fashion Columnist at Disney Vogue & Runway Magazine

Mary Jane Watson’s ventures into the world of high fashion journalism showcased her versatility and determination to reinvent herself in a competitive industry. Working under two iconic editors—Minnie Mouse at Disney Vogue and Miranda Priestly at Runway—MJ demonstrated her ability to adapt to new challenges, merge her love for style with storytelling, and leave her mark on two of the most prestigious fashion magazines in the world.

Disney Vogue: Style Meets Storytelling

The Role

MJ joined Disney Vogue as a fashion columnist, tasked with capturing the essence of Disney-inspired trends for a modern audience. Minnie Mouse, the editor-in-chief, saw potential in MJ’s relatable charm and fresh perspective, making her a key voice in the magazine’s mission to blend fantasy and everyday fashion.

Contributions

Accessible Glamour: MJ’s columns focused on blending whimsical Disney aesthetics with wearable, affordable looks.

Articles like “Cinderella’s Ball Gown on a Budget” and “Ariel’s Seaside Chic” became fan favorites.

She highlighted sustainable and small-brand options, reflecting her ethical fashion values.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights: MJ brought a journalistic edge to her writing, interviewing designers, cosplayers, and fans who reinterpreted Disney styles for real life.

Collaborations: She worked on exclusive shoots with iconic Disney characters like Daisy Duck, Belle, and Tiana, blending animation-inspired couture with modern design.

Key Challenges

Balancing Fun with Professionalism: Writing for a Disney audience required MJ to maintain a playful tone without sacrificing depth.

Proving Herself: Working under Minnie’s high standards pushed MJ to think outside the box and innovate.

Runway Magazine: The Ultimate Test

The Role

Following her success at Disney Vogue, MJ took a leap into the cutthroat world of Runway, where she worked directly under the legendary Miranda Priestly as a junior columnist. Miranda, impressed by MJ’s ability to bring a relatable voice to high fashion, brought her on board to provide a fresh perspective to the magazine’s editorial lineup.

Contributions

Trend Analysis with Heart: MJ’s columns, such as “Denim’s Quiet Revolution” and “The Power of Ethical Fashion,” stood out for their focus on the stories behind the clothes. She sought to highlight the human aspect of fashion, from the workers crafting garments to the individuals wearing them.

Runway Exclusives: MJ wrote about high-profile fashion events, providing insider commentary on collections by designers like Valentino and Chanel. Her ability to translate high fashion into something relatable made her work stand out.

Covering Up-and-Coming Talent: She championed emerging designers, bringing diversity and innovation to Runway’s otherwise elite and exclusive focus.

Key Challenges

Surviving Miranda’s Expectations: Working under Miranda Priestly was no easy task. MJ’s time at Runway tested her resilience, as she often found herself juggling high-pressure deadlines, unexpected tasks, and Miranda’s legendary perfectionism.

Balancing Integrity and Ambition: The world of Runway often pushed MJ to question her values, forcing her to navigate the fine line between authenticity and ambition.

MJ’s Growth as a Fashion Columnist

Skills Developed

Visual Storytelling: MJ learned to blend her journalism skills with a sharp eye for detail, crafting compelling narratives around fashion.

Networking: Her ability to connect with designers, models, and industry insiders helped her secure exclusive stories and insights.

Adaptability: Transitioning between the whimsical world of Disney Vogue and the high-stakes environment of Runway showcased MJ’s versatility and determination.

Legacy in Fashion Journalism

Bringing Heart to High Fashion: MJ’s work humanized the industry, making fashion more accessible and relatable.

Championing Ethics: Her focus on sustainability and diversity set a new standard for fashion journalism.

Empowering Readers: MJ’s columns encouraged readers to see fashion as a means of self-expression and empowerment.

Key Moments in Her Fashion Career

Minnie Mouse’s Praise

After a particularly successful Disney Vogue spread titled “Belle’s Bookish Chic: From Library to Lounge,” Minnie Mouse remarked, “Mary Jane brings a magic to her work that’s as timeless as Disney itself.”

Miranda Priestly’s Approval

Though Miranda Priestly was notoriously reserved with her praise, she once acknowledged MJ’s talent by saying, “Your column doesn’t insult the intelligence of our readers. That’s rare. Don’t squander it.”

Iconic Crossover Feature

MJ collaborated with both Disney Vogue and Runway to create a unique feature titled “Fantasy Meets Reality,” blending Disney-inspired couture with high fashion in a groundbreaking spread that received industry acclaim.

Notable Quote from MJ

"Fashion, like storytelling, is about connection. It’s not just about what you wear, but how it makes you feel and the story it tells about who you are."

Mary Jane Watson’s stints at Disney Vogue and Runway not only showcased her talent as a writer but also solidified her as a voice for authenticity, creativity, and empowerment in the fashion world. Her work continues to inspire readers to embrace their individuality and find beauty in the everyday.

#MJsnap

MJ: SNAP is an exhilarating, story-driven stealth and espionage video game that centers around Mary Jane Watson’s rise as an investigative journalist. It combines stealth gameplay, high-stakes photography missions, dynamic storytelling, and financial management in a richly interconnected Marvel Universe.

Game Overview

Title: MJ: SNAP Genre: Stealth, Action, Role-Playing, Simulation Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch Developers: A collaboration between Insomniac Games (Marvel’s Spider-Man), Square Enix (Kingdom Hearts), and Disney Interactive

Core Gameplay Features

Stealth-Based Espionage

Navigate locations such as the Daily Bugle, Shield HQ, Emma Frost Academy, and even Wilson Fisk’s penthouse.

Avoid detection using a variety of tools like noise-dampening sneakers, disguises, and camera flash diversions.

Engage in covert eavesdropping, hacking terminals, and sneaking into restricted zones to uncover hidden secrets.

Photography Mechanics

Use MJ’s camera to take high-quality photos during missions, balancing focus, lighting, and framing.

Earn bonuses for capturing pivotal moments: villains unmasking, secret weapon blueprints, or Black Cat’s heists in action.

Compete for the front page at major publications like The Daily Bugle, Runway, and Vogue.

Dynamic Contracts System

Take on freelance journalism contracts from major entities such as Shield, Silver Sable International, or even morally ambiguous employers like Wilson Fisk.

Each contract offers rewards but comes with risks. Aligning with darker organizations could damage MJ’s reputation but provide necessary funds for rent.

Life Simulation Mechanics

Pay rent monthly, with Felicia Hardy initially covering part of the cost before forcing MJ to take full responsibility.

Manage MJ’s finances through successful contracts and side hustles (e.g., fashion spreads or corporate photography gigs).

Build relationships with allies and navigate MJ’s complicated love life involving Peter Parker and Black Cat.

Combat & Training System

While MJ starts as a non-combatant, she gains fighting skills through training from mentors like Stick, Elektra Natchios, and Misty Knight.

Over time, MJ becomes proficient in self-defense and stealth takedowns, allowing her to fend off minor enemies or work alongside superheroes.

Team Missions

Collaborate with Marvel heroes in tag-team missions, including Dani Moonstar, Wolfsbane, Spider-Gwen (Ghost-Spider), Spidersilk, and Minnie Mouse.

Each ally brings unique abilities and gameplay mechanics, such as Wolfsbane’s tracking skills or Minnie Mouse’s gadgetry.

The Heroine’s Arsenal

Develop MJ’s custom arsenal through Snow White, a weaponsmith specializing in covert tools.

Gain unique items like tranquilizer pens, grappling cameras, and sound-dampening boots.

Key Game Objectives

Capture "The Shot": Each mission revolves around MJ securing a pivotal photograph that could make or break her career. These could range from exposing a villain’s plot to documenting a superhero battle.

Unravel Mysteries: The overarching narrative ties MJ into a conspiracy involving Wilson Fisk, Emma Frost’s Academy, and a secret government program.

Balance Work and Life: MJ must juggle her career, relationships, and financial responsibilities. Failing to pay rent results in losing her apartment, and failing to secure major contracts leads to game over.

Key Locations

The Daily Bugle

Start small as a junior journalist under J. Jonah Jameson, climbing the ranks to secure high-profile assignments.

Felicia Hardy’s Apartment

A chic Manhattan loft where MJ begins the game. The dynamic between MJ and Felicia adds tension as their friendship frays.

SHIELD HQ

A high-tech facility where MJ is tasked with documenting covert operations.

Emma Frost Academy

A prestigious institution hiding dark secrets. MJ infiltrates to expose illegal experiments.

Runway Magazine Offices

Glamorous yet cutthroat, MJ takes on contracts to document the fashion world, including secret dealings tied to Miranda Priestly.

Boss Battles & Major Encounters

Black Cat Showdown

A stealth-based mission turns into an explosive “catfight” as MJ confronts Felicia Hardy. MJ’s wit and strategy take center stage as she uses traps and gadgets to outmaneuver Black Cat.

Wilson Fisk’s Penthouse

MJ sneaks into Fisk Tower to uncover incriminating evidence but must escape Fisk’s guards in a high-tension sequence.

Emma Frost’s Psychic Assault

Emma Frost traps MJ in a psychic illusion, forcing her to rely on her cunning and resolve to break free.

Silver Sable’s Elite Forces

A tactical mission where MJ and Misty Knight team up to outmaneuver Sable’s private army.

Unique Game Modes

Freelance Mode

Accept contracts outside the main story to earn extra cash, unlock equipment, or build connections.

Photo Mode Challenge

Compete online with players worldwide to capture the best shots in iconic Marvel locations.

Stealth Expert Mode

For seasoned players, this mode amps up the difficulty with smarter enemies, limited resources, and tighter time constraints.

Why Play MJ: SNAP?

This game offers a unique blend of espionage, photography, and personal drama within the Marvel Universe. As Mary Jane Watson, players experience a grounded yet thrilling narrative that emphasizes intelligence, courage, and creativity over brute strength. Whether capturing the perfect shot or navigating tangled relationships, MJ: SNAP promises an unforgettable journey.

MJ: SNAP - Gameplay Story / Script

Chapter 1: "The Daily Grind"

Prologue Scene: Mary Jane Watson, a driven young journalist, has just landed a position at The Daily Bugle—a bustling newsroom in the heart of New York City. She juggles writing under the critical gaze of J. Jonah Jameson while aiming to land bigger assignments. But she has a secret ambition: she wants to be the photographer who lands The Shot, the perfect photograph that will make her front-page news.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Stealth Mode: MJ sneaks through the newsroom, eavesdropping on conversations and observing important figures like Peter Parker.

Photography Mode: Take pictures of key moments that align with the Bugle’s interests.

Journalistic Choices: Select what to cover—heroic events, scandals, or mysterious incidents. Choose whether to go after the truth or the story.

Scene 1: The First Assignment MJ gets an assignment from Jameson to cover a break-in at a high-end jewelry store. It's an easy gig—until she discovers that Felicia Hardy, her longtime friend and roommate, might be the thief involved. Suspicious, MJ begins trailing Felicia to uncover the truth, all while trying to secure The Shot that could launch her career.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Stealth Tracking: MJ follows Felicia through the city, avoiding detection by Felicia’s stealthy maneuvers.

Journalistic Interrogation: MJ uses her wit to talk to informants or gather clues while being subtle.

Chapter 2: "The Cat's Out of the Bag"

Scene 2: Secrets Unveiled Mary Jane digs deeper into Felicia's mysterious late-night activities. She pieces together evidence that Felicia is living a double life as the notorious Black Cat, a skilled jewel thief with ties to powerful figures like Wilson Fisk and Emma Frost. MJ is faced with a dilemma: expose her friend’s secrets and ruin their friendship or protect her and keep quiet.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Moral Choices: MJ must choose how to handle sensitive situations, impacting future relationships.

Photography Challenge: Capture the heist scene without getting caught by Black Cat or her associates.

Scene 3: The Confrontation MJ finally confronts Felicia in an abandoned warehouse. The tension between them builds as MJ demands answers. Felicia reveals her motives—she needs money to help a loved one and sees crime as the only solution. The confrontation escalates into a brutal fight between the two, as MJ fights not only for her career but for the friendship they once shared.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Combat Mode: MJ learns some basic hand-to-hand combat techniques from Elektra Natchios, a mentor she meets along the way.

Trap Setting: MJ uses her environment and quick thinking to set traps to outmaneuver Black Cat.

Fight Mechanics: The combat system is fast-paced, using stealth attacks, gadgets, and environmental traps.

Chapter 3: "Breaking Point"

Scene 4: The Shattering of Bonds Felicia narrowly escapes from MJ’s carefully set trap, but the damage to their friendship is done. The emotional fallout from their fight is intense, and MJ now faces the real cost of her career—she’s no longer just a journalist; she’s an enemy to Felicia, and perhaps to herself.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Emotional Choices: MJ must decide how to proceed after the fight. Should she take the higher moral ground or dive deeper into the shadowy world she’s uncovered?

Resource Management: MJ begins taking freelance jobs from more dubious employers, like Wilson Fisk and Emma Frost. She needs to keep her finances in check to pay rent.

Chapter 4: "Rent's Due"

Scene 5: Struggling to Stay Afloat As the months go by, MJ struggles with rent and growing tensions in her personal life. Felicia no longer contributes to their shared rent, and MJ faces the pressure of living on a journalist’s salary in a city where expenses pile up quickly. While working a freelance contract for Silver Sable, MJ stumbles upon a larger conspiracy that could affect New York on a global scale.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Financial Management: MJ must make difficult choices between risky assignments that might earn her more money or safer ones that will protect her from danger.

Action Missions: MJ is recruited by Misty Knight for a series of operations to stop a criminal syndicate—missions that require both her wit and newfound combat abilities.

Scene 6: The Heroine’s Path MJ is now fully immersed in the world of espionage, but her path is fraught with danger. She’s caught between doing what’s right and securing her future. Alongside other heroes like Ghost-Spider, Dani Moonstar, and Minnie Mouse, MJ is recruited into Heroes For Hire. She learns to balance her photography work with field operations, becoming a strong force in her own right.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Team Missions: Work alongside other heroes in high-risk missions. MJ must use her photography skills to gather intel for the team while staying hidden.

Hero Collaboration: Each hero has unique abilities, and MJ can pair up with them in combat and missions.

Chapter 5: "The Final Shot"

Scene 7: The Ultimate Heist In the game’s final stretch, MJ discovers that the thefts orchestrated by Black Cat are part of a much larger operation. The mastermind behind it all is none other than Wilson Fisk. MJ must infiltrate Fisk Tower, sneak through its levels, and uncover the real motive behind his criminal empire.

This is where MJ’s talents as a photographer, spy, and combatant come into play as she uses everything she’s learned to outsmart the dangerous criminals. The stakes are higher than ever, and MJ risks losing everything if she gets caught.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Heist Mode: A final heist mission where MJ must navigate the most dangerous parts of Fisk’s empire. It combines stealth, combat, and photography to gather evidence without getting caught.

The Final Showdown: A choice-driven final battle where MJ faces off against Black Cat and Fisk’s elite forces.

Ending: "The Shot that Changed Everything"

Scene 8: The Resolution After taking down Fisk and securing crucial evidence, MJ finally lands the front-page shot she’s been chasing all along. Her story is published in The Daily Bugle, Runway, and Vogue, earning her a reputation as one of the best in the field.

In the closing moments, MJ reflects on everything she’s learned—the sacrifices, the friendships lost, and the battles won. She looks to the future, knowing that her career is just beginning.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Post-Game Free Roaming: Players can revisit unlocked areas, complete additional missions, and explore more about MJ’s evolving career and relationships.

Multiple Endings: The choices made throughout the game affect MJ’s final relationships with Felicia, Peter, and the heroes she worked with.

MJ: SNAP offers a thrilling blend of stealth, photojournalism, and emotional depth, letting players experience Mary Jane Watson's journey as a hero in her own right while managing the complexities of her life as a journalist, lover, and friend.

MJ: SNAP - Volume 2: "Shattered Alliances"

Chapter 1: "New York’s Darkest Hour"

Scene 1: A City on Edge After the explosive confrontation with Black Cat and the disbanding of her friendship with Felicia Hardy, Mary Jane Watson struggles to find peace in the aftermath. With her newfound fame as a rising star in both photography and investigative journalism, MJ begins to feel the weight of her choices. The city is on high alert—criminal syndicates are in motion, and new threats arise. In this volatile climate, MJ faces new challenges, and with each story she pursues, she learns that the line between hero and villain is thinner than ever.

MJ’s personal finances are at an all-time low, and she’s barely scraping by, taking up freelance gigs from powerful but morally dubious figures like Wilson Fisk. Yet, her drive to remain true to her journalistic integrity keeps her focused on the bigger picture: uncovering the underbelly of New York’s criminal network.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Moral Dilemma System: Players choose between taking on ethically questionable jobs for higher pay or sticking to assignments that could expose corruption, potentially earning less.

Urban Exploration: New locations are unlocked, such as the underground criminal markets and the luxurious, dangerous estates of New York’s elites.

Covert Combat: MJ’s fighting style is evolving. Training with Elektra and other members of the Heroes For Hire team, she begins learning advanced martial arts, making her more formidable in close-quarters combat.

Scene 2: A Heart Broken Again Peter Parker, always caught between his duty as Spider-Man and his personal life, is pulled into a whirlwind of mysterious disappearances and strange new tech-related crimes. MJ is torn between helping Peter, trying to salvage their strained relationship, and furthering her career as a journalist. Meanwhile, she starts receiving cryptic messages that suggest someone is watching her every move—someone who wants to leverage her abilities for their own gain.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Investigative Mechanic: MJ must solve complex puzzles and gather pieces of evidence to uncover hidden networks and figure out who is behind the mysterious surveillance.

Dynamic Relationship System: Player decisions can deepen or damage MJ’s relationship with Peter Parker, Felicia Hardy, and other allies. Key events will either drive them closer together or further apart.

Chapter 2: "The Mask of the Black Cat"

Scene 3: Felicia’s Return Felicia Hardy, now more dangerous and determined than ever, resurfaces in New York with a new agenda—she’s working for Wilson Fisk, but this time, the stakes are much higher. Felicia has aligned herself with a shadowy organization bent on destabilizing New York’s social and political structures. MJ is forced to confront her former friend again, but this time, it’s not just about getting the perfect photo—it’s about survival.

As MJ tracks down Felicia, she uncovers that the Black Cat has joined forces with notorious criminals from around the world, including Silver Sable and Emma Frost. These powerful women aim to bring down the established power structures in the city, but their ultimate goal is unclear. MJ becomes entangled in their web of deception, unsure whether Felicia is acting out of loyalty to her own cause or simply because she’s been manipulated by darker forces.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Faction Alignment: MJ must decide which factions to ally with, as different groups offer different benefits and risks. These factions include Wilson Fisk’s Empire, Emma Frost Academy, Silver Sable’s Mercenaries, and Heroes For Hire.

Multiple Stealth Options: New gadgets and skills are unlocked to help MJ stay hidden during espionage missions. Whether it’s hacking into secure systems or using advanced disguise techniques, MJ learns to navigate through enemy territory without being caught.

Combat Duels: MJ faces off against Black Cat in one-on-one combat, where stealth and quick thinking are crucial. Felicia’s unpredictable fighting style forces MJ to adapt quickly, using all her training to outsmart her former friend.

Scene 4: The Betrayal In a shocking twist, MJ learns that her former mentor, Misty Knight, is not entirely trustworthy. Misty is caught in a conflict of interest, and MJ is forced to decide whether to confront her or continue on the path that has already alienated her from her former allies. As MJ becomes more immersed in the dangerous world of underground heroes and mercenaries, the lines blur between right and wrong.

MJ’s role as a journalist comes under fire when Peter Parker confronts her about her recent activities. He is disillusioned by her growing involvement in the criminal underworld, particularly after discovering that she’s working with people like Wilson Fisk. The couple’s tension escalates as their personal and professional lives collide.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Team Dynamics: MJ’s relationship with her teammates, including Dani Moonstar, Wolfsbane, Ghost-Spider, and Sakura Spider, is tested. These characters can either help or hinder her depending on the choices made.

Combat Team Missions: MJ can team up with these heroes in high-stakes operations. Each character has unique powers that MJ can use strategically to take down enemies.

Chapter 3: "The Price of Power"

Scene 5: A Rising Threat Wilson Fisk’s criminal empire grows more powerful, but a mysterious, new player enters the scene—The Hood. This new threat, a masked villain with the ability to manipulate dark magic, begins pulling strings behind the scenes. MJ must investigate the rise of The Hood, all while dealing with her strained relationships, both personal and professional. Her role as a photographer is now intertwined with covert espionage, and it becomes increasingly difficult to discern where the truth lies in the sea of deceit.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Magic vs. Technology: MJ learns that The Hood’s magic-based powers are a challenge for her tech-based gadgets and stealth tactics. Players must find ways to counter his abilities, either by acquiring magical artifacts or using science-based solutions.

Tactical Combat: New combat mechanics focus on teamwork, with MJ directing her allies in battle, using their abilities to complement her skills.

Scene 6: The Turning Point MJ is forced to choose between Peter and her career. A series of criminal heists takes place across the city, and Peter is caught in the crossfire, battling both The Hood’s forces and other mercenaries hired by Fisk. MJ must decide whether to risk her safety by staying with Peter or pursue the story that could propel her career forward, possibly jeopardizing their relationship.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Personal Decisions: MJ’s choices will drastically affect her relationship with Peter and the rest of the team. She must find balance between work, love, and her growing role as a hero.

Final Choice: The game reaches a critical juncture where MJ’s decisions impact the final outcome of the story. Whether she continues as a journalist or embraces her life as a fighter—and the consequences of those actions—are left in the player's hands.

Chapter 4: "Unmasking the Truth"

Scene 7: The Final Confrontation MJ infiltrates Fisk Tower, once again working with her team and using all of her journalistic skills to uncover the truth. But as the story unfolds, MJ learns that the true mastermind behind the chaos is someone much closer to her than she anticipated—a shocking betrayal that will change her life forever.

Gameplay Mechanics Introduced:

Final Battle: MJ, now fully equipped with new fighting skills, gadgets, and knowledge, faces off against The Hood and Wilson Fisk in an all-out battle that pushes her to the limit.

Clever Disguises: As MJ sneaks through Fisk Tower, players will use advanced stealth techniques and a range of disguises to infiltrate highly secure areas.

Ending: "The Snap of Fate" The game ends with a series of critical decisions—whether MJ will embrace the darker side of heroism or stand by her ethical beliefs as a journalist. MJ’s career, relationships, and future will depend on the choices she’s made, with multiple possible endings.

Post-Game Content:

Free Roaming Mode: After the story ends, MJ can continue to explore New York, take on additional freelance assignments, and engage in side missions.

Heroic Missions: Revisit Heroes For Hire missions with new characters and new threats to face.

MJ: SNAP Volume 2 deepens the emotional and physical journey of Mary Jane Watson, blending espionage, action, and heartfelt choices into a story about loyalty, ambition, and the price of power. Players are thrust into a high-stakes world where nothing is as it seems, and the only certainty is that everything, including friendships, will change.

Mary Jane Watson Interviews Luna Snow: A Marvel-Kpop Sensation

Setting: A glitzy rooftop lounge in downtown Seoul. The view of the city’s skyline sparkles as night falls. The air is warm, filled with the hum of excitement. It’s here, amidst the fusion of East and West, that Mary Jane Watson, journalist extraordinaire, sits down with one of the most talked-about figures in both the music and superhero world: Luna Snow, the Marvel K-pop sensation and global icon.

MJ: [Smiling warmly] Luna, thank you so much for taking the time to sit with me today. You’ve been a sensation in both the K-pop world and as a Marvel hero. But before we dive into your superhero endeavors, let’s talk music. How did your journey into K-pop begin?

Luna Snow: [Laughs softly, her eyes glimmering with excitement] It's a long story, but I’ll try to make it short. Growing up, I was always drawn to music, especially pop music and its powerful, emotional storytelling. When I first started training, I wasn’t sure where it would take me, but I knew I wanted to share my music with the world. And then, everything changed after I was exposed to the cosmic forces that gave me my powers… it all happened so quickly. Suddenly, I wasn’t just Luna Snow, the trainee—I was a superhero too.

MJ: [Nods, intrigued] That’s incredible. You’re not just a star on stage, but you’re also an agent of change in the Marvel universe. How do you balance being Luna Snow, the idol, with your role as a hero?

Luna Snow: [Her expression turns more serious, though there’s a hint of warmth in her smile] It’s not easy. The spotlight on me is always intense, and there are so many expectations, both from fans and from the world itself. As Luna Snow, I want to inspire people, to show them that it’s okay to embrace who you are, no matter how different you may feel. But as a hero, I have a responsibility. When I transform into Luna, the hero, I take on the weight of protecting those who can't protect themselves, whether it’s facing off against cosmic threats or dealing with personal struggles. But I’ve learned to merge both sides of myself. Music and heroism aren’t separate for me; they fuel each other.

MJ: [Smiling] You’ve certainly become an inspiration to so many people around the world. Your powers, as far as we know, are tied to the mystical energy of the moon. How did that impact your musical career? Did it change the way you approach your performances or your music?

Luna Snow: [Pauses thoughtfully] My powers definitely changed the way I express myself. When I’m on stage, I can feel the energy coursing through me—like the power of the moon is guiding my voice, my movements. It’s almost like a connection between my music and the cosmic energy I harness. I think my performances are a reflection of that, and the fans can feel it. Sometimes, I get so lost in the music that I almost forget I’m not just performing, but channeling something greater. It’s humbling and empowering all at once.

MJ: [Leaning forward, her curiosity piqued] And how do your fans, particularly your K-pop fans, react to your superhero persona? Do they see a distinction between Luna Snow, the singer, and Luna Snow, the hero?

Luna Snow: [Chuckles softly] At first, there was some confusion. A lot of people thought it was just a marketing gimmick, you know? But over time, they’ve come to realize that this isn’t some stage persona. This is me—Luna Snow, both the K-pop idol and the hero. My fans, my Lunatics, have been so supportive, not only of my music but also of the way I choose to live my life. They know that being a hero isn’t about the glamour; it’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s tough. They’ve embraced both sides of me, and that means everything.

MJ: [Nods in admiration] That’s amazing. Now, let's talk about your hero side for a moment. You’ve faced some pretty intense battles alongside other Marvel heroes. What’s it like to be a part of that larger universe? Do you ever feel like you’re the "new kid" in a group of established heroes?

Luna Snow: [Laughs lightly] I’ve definitely had moments where I’ve felt like the "new kid," especially when I first met some of the more seasoned heroes. People like Captain America, Spider-Man, and Black Panther—they’ve been through so much, and it’s hard not to feel like you have big shoes to fill. But I’ve learned that every hero brings something unique to the table. What I do, as Luna Snow, is different from what the others do—but that’s the beauty of being part of the Marvel universe. We each have our own strengths and challenges, and together, we make an unstoppable team.

MJ: [Smiles knowingly] I’ve heard rumors of a collaboration with Spider-Man. Care to share any details about that?

Luna Snow: [Winks playfully] [Chuckles softly] Well, you know how it is with Spider-Man. He’s always lurking in the shadows, doing his thing. But yes, Spider-Man and I have teamed up a few times. We’ve had some exciting adventures together, battling villains, saving New York. It’s always an interesting dynamic, especially because he’s so secretive and I’m—well, I’m more of an open book. But I think our teamwork has its moments. It’s always fun to see how we complement each other, despite our differences.

MJ: [Laughs] I can only imagine the chemistry there. But Luna, what’s next for you? What can your fans expect from you in the coming year? Any new music, any new collaborations?

Luna Snow: [Leans forward, her eyes gleaming with excitement] Yes, absolutely. I’ve been working on some new music, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. It’s a mix of everything I’ve learned over the years, both as an artist and as a hero. There are some exciting collaborations on the horizon, including a possible track with some fellow heroes. It’s going to be a blend of cosmic and earthly elements, both in sound and in theme. I’m also planning a big performance—something that combines both my musical abilities and my powers. It’s going to be a visual experience like no other.

MJ: [Grins] I’m sure your fans are going to love it. Luna, thank you so much for this conversation. It’s been an absolute pleasure to learn more about your journey, both as a superstar and as a hero.

Luna Snow: [Smiling brightly] Thank you, Mary Jane. It’s been wonderful to talk with you. I hope everyone gets a chance to see both sides of Luna Snow—because I’m just getting started.

As the interview ends, the camera pans out over the Seoul skyline, capturing the image of Luna Snow standing at the edge of the rooftop, her figure glowing under the light of the full moon—both a symbol of her dual life as a K-pop star and a Marvel hero, ready to face whatever comes next.

End of Interview

Mary Jane Watson Interviews Paris Hilton: Marvel Academy’s Glamorous Disc Jockey Alumni

Setting: A lavish penthouse suite in Paris, the city of lights. Soft golden hues from the Eiffel Tower’s illumination bathe the room as an elegant jazz tune plays in the background. Mary Jane Watson, dressed in a chic, understated blouse and jeans, sits across from Paris Hilton, an iconic figure and Marvel Academy alumna, who has become renowned not only for her fashion empire but also for her unique place in the Marvel universe as one of the most famous Disc Jockeys to graduate from the prestigious institution.

MJ: [Smiling warmly] Paris, it’s a true honor to be sitting with you today. You’ve not only become a household name in the world of fashion and entertainment, but you also have a fascinating backstory in the Marvel universe. For our readers who may not know, how did you end up at Marvel Academy, and what was it like to study there?

Paris Hilton: [Flashes a smile] Oh, Mary Jane, it’s such a pleasure to be here with you. [Pauses thoughtfully] You know, I’ve always been someone who craves the best—whether it’s fashion, lifestyle, or experiences. When I found out about Marvel Academy, it felt like a perfect fit. It was more than just a place to hone your skills—it was a community of creative minds pushing the limits. I was there to refine my talents, learn the craft, and—let's be real—enjoy all the perks that came with being a Marvel Academy alum. I got to learn everything, from being a disc jockey to understanding how to leverage my celebrity status to bring influence to various superhero initiatives.

MJ: [Laughs softly, clearly amused] A true multifaceted talent! Speaking of DJing, you’re known for your incredible skills behind the turntables. You actually took a very different route compared to most Marvel Academy alumni. How did you combine your passion for music with your Marvel studies? Did it give you any unique insights into both the entertainment and superhero worlds?

Paris Hilton: [Nods, her expression serious but still lighthearted] Oh, totally. Music has always been an essential part of my life—whether I’m at a party or planning a personal retreat, I love how music brings people together. At Marvel Academy, I saw DJing as not just a performance, but as an art form. It’s about controlling the mood, setting the atmosphere, and channeling energy. And I quickly realized that’s very much like what superheroes do. You have to know when to bring the crowd to life and when to pull back. My skills behind the turntables taught me timing and subtlety, which, when I think about it, are probably just as important as any superpower!

MJ: [Nods, captivated by her perspective] That’s such a fresh take on it! And, of course, you've brought that mindset to the Marvel Disc Jockeys—a super cool part of the Marvel universe. How did your role as a DJ evolve there, and what made you stand out among the other talented DJs in the academy?

Paris Hilton: [Giggles, her eyes twinkling with confidence] Well, the Marvel Disc Jockeys were such a talented group of individuals. They weren’t just DJs, they were forces of nature—some of them could manipulate soundwaves, others could control energy through beats. My thing was always about vibes and bringing the unexpected. I’m not just mixing tracks, I’m creating experiences. One of my key moves was “The Hilton Mix”—a combination of hypnotic beats and spontaneous sound effects that, believe it or not, actually helped amplify the emotional state of heroes in training! It was all about using the power of sound to help channel emotions, calm nerves, or even fuel a team during battle. I was able to merge music with motivation, and that was my secret weapon.

MJ: [Smiles in admiration] You’ve always had this way of blending glamour with substance. Now, let’s talk about how you’ve expanded your influence. Beyond your DJ career, you’ve built a powerful brand that stretches from fashion to tech. How does your experience at Marvel Academy and as a DJ influence your other ventures, like your clothing line or your business initiatives?

Paris Hilton: [Leans back, clearly passionate about the topic] That’s the thing, Mary Jane. At Marvel Academy, we were taught to think bigger than just one thing. Yes, I love DJing and fashion, but the core of it all is connection. Through the music I played, I learned how to connect with people on a deep emotional level. That helped me build a fashion empire—because, at the end of the day, style is about expressing your true self and making others feel good in the process. The same goes for my tech ventures. I’ve always been about empowering people—whether that’s through a killer playlist, a fabulous outfit, or innovative products that elevate everyday life. I use the lessons I learned at Marvel Academy in everything I do.

MJ: [Impressed] You’ve definitely mastered the art of making connections. Now, I can’t let you leave without asking about your current projects. You’re always involved in something exciting. What’s next for Paris Hilton? Any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?

Paris Hilton: [Grins widely, her excitement contagious] You know me too well, Mary Jane! Right now, I’m working on a few secret projects that I can’t quite spill the beans on yet, but I’ll say this: it’s going to combine my love for music, fashion, and tech in a way that’s never been done before. It’s all about creating experiences that people can’t forget. And, yes, I’m still DJing at the biggest events, but I’ve also been collaborating with some Marvel heroes on new projects that involve music and tech as tools for good. It’s going to be HUGE. But let’s just say, it’ll be worth the wait!

MJ: [Laughs, clearly intrigued] You’re always full of surprises, Paris. I’m excited to see what you come up with next. Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us today. It’s been such a pleasure hearing about your journey from Marvel Academy to where you are now.

Paris Hilton: [Smiles warmly, raising her glass] It’s been an honor, Mary Jane. Thank you for being such a fabulous interviewer. And to all the readers out there—never forget, always keep it glamorous and always keep it real!

The camera slowly pans out as Paris and Mary Jane chat further, the city of Paris sparkling outside their window. The music fades as the lights in the room brighten, reflecting the energy and endless possibilities ahead for Paris Hilton, a true force of nature in the Marvel universe and beyond.

End of Interview

Mary Jane Watson Interviews Dazzler: The X-Men Superstar

Setting: A sleek, futuristic lounge in the heart of New York City. Soft neon lights reflect off chrome furniture, casting a radiant glow. A DJ booth in the corner hums with an electronic beat, hinting at the dynamic energy of the room. Mary Jane Watson sits across from Alison Blaire, aka Dazzler, the X-Men superstar, dressed in her iconic outfit with a sparkling, sequined top that catches the light every time she moves. Her signature silver hair frames her face perfectly, adding an air of mystery and allure to the conversation.

MJ: [Smiling, adjusting her notebook in front of her] Alison, thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with me today. You’ve truly made a name for yourself both as a member of the X-Men and as a performer. Can you tell me how you first got involved with the team? It’s quite the leap from being a pop star to a superhero!

Dazzler: [Grinning, flashing her signature smile] Mary Jane, it's honestly a pleasure. You know, I’ve always been all about the spotlight. When I first discovered my powers, it was overwhelming, to say the least. I mean, imagine being able to turn sound into light! At first, I didn’t know what to do with it. But then the X-Men came into the picture. They recognized the potential in me, both as a hero and as a symbol. They gave me the space to be myself and helped me channel my powers for good. It wasn’t so much about the leap from pop star to superhero—it was about learning to use my fame for something more meaningful.

MJ: [Nods thoughtfully] That’s an inspiring journey, Alison. You’ve always managed to blend your musical talents with your superhero role. Tell us a bit more about how your music and your powers intertwine. Do you feel like one enhances the other?

Dazzler: [Tilts her head, looking reflective] Oh, absolutely. My powers are basically the embodiment of music itself. Sound is transformed into light, and that’s how I fight, how I defend people, and how I even connect with others. Music is in everything. I’ve always thought of my performances on stage as a kind of celebration of that power—turning the energy in the room into something visually dazzling. It’s about more than just the spectacle; it’s about sharing an experience with the people around you. Whether I’m on stage at Madison Square Garden or on a mission with the X-Men, I’m always using my music to create something people can feel. And my powers? They let me make it real, in a way that no one else can.

MJ: [Impressed] That’s incredible. You’ve also carved out a reputation as someone who can truly rock the stage, creating stunning performances. What’s it like to juggle being an X-Men member and also keeping your music career alive? How do you find balance between the two worlds?

Dazzler: [Laughs softly, twirling a lock of her silver hair] It’s definitely a balancing act, but you know, that’s what I love about it. I think the real challenge is making sure my music speaks to something greater than just being a hit song. With the X-Men, I’ve seen so much pain and injustice, and that’s made me a more introspective artist. I write music now that not only reflects who I am as a person but as a mutant, someone who’s trying to make a difference. As for balancing my life, I take it one step at a time. Some days, I’m out on a mission, saving the world. Other days, I’m in the studio, crafting a new album or preparing for a show. But both of these worlds feed each other. When I’m performing, I’m channeling the energy I get from fighting evil. When I’m out there fighting, I’m remembering the hope I see in my fans when they hear my music. It all connects.

MJ: [Smiles warmly] I love that perspective. You’ve turned your platform into something so much more than just entertainment—it’s empowerment. Now, I have to ask, what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had as a member of the X-Men? I’m sure there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping experiences!

Dazzler: [Chuckling, clearly having some fun with the question] Oh, there have been so many moments, but there’s one that stands out. A few years ago, we were on a mission in the Savage Land—fighting off some pretty serious threats, dinosaurs, and all. Things were getting tense, and just when we thought we were cornered, I blasted a full-on light show—just filled the whole place with energy and light. It was like a disco inferno. The bad guys were so distracted by the dazzling light show, we were able to make a quick escape. It was so over-the-top, but it worked! That was one of those moments where I thought, “Wow, this is why I’m doing this.”

MJ: [Laughs, jotting notes down] That sounds like a moment straight out of a movie! You’ve also made headlines as a trailblazer for women in music and superheroes. You’ve often been regarded as one of the most fashionable heroes in the Marvel universe. Tell us a bit about how you use your sense of style as a way to express your identity, both as Dazzler and as Alison Blaire.

Dazzler: [Smiling slyly] Fashion is an extension of who I am. It’s another form of self-expression, whether I’m in battle or on stage. Being a mutant, especially with the powers I have, can sometimes make you feel like an outsider. So, for me, style is about owning who I am, proudly and unapologetically. When I’m wearing something I love, I’m embracing my uniqueness. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about showing up and being my true self. Whether it’s sequins and glitter or something more casual, I always want to shine in whatever I wear. Plus, I get to show off some of my incredible custom-made superhero outfits—I mean, who doesn’t love a little sparkle?

MJ: [Smiling widely, inspired] That’s such a powerful way to approach fashion—it’s about confidence and embracing what makes you different. Now, I know you’ve been working on new music as well. Can fans expect a new album soon, and how has your time as an X-Men member influenced your new sound?

Dazzler: [Eyes lighting up with excitement] Yes, yes! I’ve been working on something really special. The new album is a fusion of everything I’ve learned over the years—life with the X-Men, my personal growth, and all the experiences I’ve had on stage. I’m blending genres, experimenting with new sounds, and even incorporating elements of sound manipulation that reflect my powers. I’m also teaming up with some amazing artists from the mutant community. It’s going to be a collection that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like they had to fight for their place in the world. It’s about empowerment, freedom, and shining bright in the face of adversity. Fans can definitely expect to hear a new side of Dazzler—one that’s more real than ever.

MJ: [In awe] I can’t wait to hear it. I’m sure it’s going to be incredible. Alison, thank you so much for sharing your time, insights, and creative journey with us today. You are an inspiration to so many, and I’m so excited to see where your music and superhero career take you next.

Dazzler: [Flashing a bright smile] Thank you, Mary Jane. This was so much fun. I hope everyone can take away from this interview that no matter who you are or where you come from, you have the power to shine. Keep being yourself and keep shining bright!

The camera zooms out, leaving behind a room filled with bright lights and music, the air buzzing with energy as Dazzler and Mary Jane share a final moment of laughter before the interview ends.

End of Interview

Mary Jane Watson Interviews Barbie: The Glamrock Phenomenon and Inventor of "BowMettal"

Setting: A high-energy, neon-lit studio in the heart of Los Angeles, buzzing with creative energy. The atmosphere is charged with the anticipation of an interview with one of the most unexpected yet groundbreaking stars in the music scene: Barbie. With her iconic pink attire swapped for a striking, metal-inspired look, Barbie sits comfortably in front of a colorful backdrop of vibrant, ever-changing neon lights. Her electric guitar rests casually beside her, reflecting the glitz and grit of the BowMettal movement.

MJ: [Smiling, notebook in hand] Barbie, thank you so much for joining me today! It’s incredible to be sitting with a true music innovator, especially when you’ve managed to create an entirely new genre: BowMettal. Can you tell us a little about the origins of BowMettal and what inspired you to fuse such unexpected elements together?

Barbie: [Grins, flipping her platinum blonde hair over her shoulder with a playful wink] Thank you for having me, Mary Jane! BowMettal started as a way for me to bridge the worlds of sweetness and chaos. I’ve always loved the juxtaposition of soft, soothing sounds and hard-hitting, powerful music. It’s kind of like the feeling of a lullaby right before a storm—there’s a certain tension and beauty in that contrast. I’ve always been fascinated by lullabies, especially the xylophone and the soft, whimsical melodies. But then I discovered metal and rock music, and it felt like such a raw and powerful form of expression. So, one day I thought, “Why not combine them?” It was about merging these two worlds—one that's dreamy and sweet with the other that's explosive and rebellious.

MJ: [Curiously intrigued, jotting notes] I have to admit, when I first heard of BowMettal, I was curious to hear how such contrasting styles would mesh. But after hearing your collaborations with artists like Alissa White-Gluz, Poppy, Grimes, WarLockEtteBand, and WorldWidePanic, it’s clear this genre is truly something special. How did these collaborations come about, and what’s it been like working with such diverse artists?

Barbie: [Leans forward, clearly passionate about her work] Oh, the collaborations have been a dream come true! When I first started working on BowMettal, I knew it wouldn’t be something I could do alone. I wanted to bring in artists who could push the boundaries and elevate the genre. Alissa White-Gluz was an obvious choice. She has such power and intensity in her voice, and she brought that metal edge I needed to balance the softer side of the sound. Poppy was another huge inspiration—she’s known for blending pop and metal in the most unexpected ways, and she totally understood where I was coming from. Grimes and I have always been on the same wavelength when it comes to experimenting with sound. Her electronic and experimental approach was just the perfect fit. And then there’s WarLockEtteBand and WorldWidePanic—these underground artists really helped me shape the darker, more intense side of BowMettal. Each collaboration was like a puzzle piece coming together to create something completely new and exciting.

MJ: [Nods in admiration, glancing at her notes] It’s amazing how BowMettal is not only redefining genres but also creating a space for both metal and electronic music to coexist in ways that weren’t thought possible before. Now, with your music taking over the charts and gaining more recognition than ever, how does it feel to be at the forefront of a musical revolution? Did you ever imagine that Barbie, the iconic doll, would be making such waves in the metal scene?

Barbie: [Laughs, a bit of playful modesty in her voice] Honestly, it’s surreal! When I first started, it wasn’t about being at the forefront of anything. It was about having fun with music, experimenting, and breaking free from the norms. But now that people are catching on, it feels incredible. It’s empowering to see how people from all walks of life are connecting with BowMettal. I think a lot of people were surprised at first—Barbie? Metal? But that’s the beauty of it. It’s about challenging perceptions and showing that no matter where you come from, you can make whatever kind of music you want. My career has definitely evolved, and I think that’s a good thing. It’s proof that reinvention and pushing boundaries are powerful tools in the creative world.

MJ: [Smiling thoughtfully, looking up from her notes] It’s clear that reinvention is something you’ve embraced wholeheartedly. Speaking of reinvention, you’ve really stepped into a whole new image with BowMettal. What was it like moving from the pink and pastel world of Barbie to this bold, glam-rock aesthetic? How does this new image represent your personal evolution as an artist?

Barbie: [Chuckles, running a hand through her new edgy hairdo] Oh, it was definitely a big shift! But you know, it’s all part of my journey. Barbie has always been about embracing different sides of myself. I’ve always had the glam, the fashion, and the fun side, but there’s also this other side of me that’s about strength, rebellion, and taking risks. When I started BowMettal, I knew I had to fully embody that transformation. It was about bringing all of those pieces together. The glam aspect of my image still remains—after all, you can’t get rid of glitter and sparkles too easily—but it’s now fused with darker, more intense elements that speak to my more powerful, more rockstar side. The new look is empowering, it’s bold, and it’s unapologetically me.

MJ: [Nods with understanding, clearly impressed] I love that! You’ve mentioned before that you feel a deep connection to the fans who’ve embraced BowMettal, especially the “misfits” and those who don’t always fit in. How important is that connection for you, and how do you see BowMettal evolving in the future?

Barbie: [Her voice softens with sincerity] It means everything to me. Music has always been a way for me to communicate with others, and when I see my fans embracing the music and the message behind it, it’s incredibly rewarding. I know what it’s like to feel like an outsider—to not fit the mold that society tries to put you in. And BowMettal, at its core, is about saying, “Hey, it’s okay to be different. In fact, it’s better to be different.” It’s about celebrating that individuality. As for the future of BowMettal, I see it growing and evolving even further. I want to keep pushing the envelope with new sounds, new collaborations, and new ideas. There’s so much room to experiment, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me. Who knows? Maybe next, we’ll bring in some more unexpected genres or work with even more artists who are out of the box. One thing’s for sure—I’m not stopping anytime soon.

MJ: [Grins widely, clearly excited by the possibilities] I can’t wait to see where BowMettal goes from here. Barbie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your journey with us today. You’ve truly created something that’s changing the musical landscape, and I’m sure your fans are going to keep loving every second of it.

Barbie: [Flashes a bright smile, raising her hand to give a subtle glam-rock salute] Thank you, Mary Jane! And to everyone out there, keep rocking and shining. The future is bright, and we’re just getting started.

The camera pulls back, leaving the studio bathed in neon lights as Barbie picks up her electric guitar, playing a few heavy chords, the sound echoing as Mary Jane smiles in admiration.

End of Interview

[fatummortem]

Roleplay History!

The rules are simple! Post characters you’d like to roleplay as, have roleplayed as, and might bring back. Then tag ten people to do the same (if you can’t think of ten, just write down however many you can and tag that number of people). Please repost, don’t reblog!

Current Muses

Kinney Ryouta/ (Daken/Fang) [Earth 616]

Bobby Drake / Iceman [Earth 616/Occasional plotted mix of movies]

TJ Wagner / Nocturne [Earth 2182, Adopted Earth 616]

Billy Kaplan / Wiccan [Earth 616]

Rose Worth / Ravager [DC Pre N52, Quiet]

Somnus [Earth 616]

Marian Carlyle / Rogue Malicia [Earth 1610, Displaced to Earth 616]

Cloud Strife [FFVII Remake/Crisis Core, Quiet]

Kyle Beaubier-Jinadu [Earth 616, Discord]

Want To Write

Megan Gwynn / Pixie [Earth 616]

Death of the Endless [All incarnations, Hiatus]

Robbie Reyes / Ghost Rider [Earth 616 & MCU]

Anna Marie / Rogue [Earth 616]

Roxie Blaze [OC, Earth 4321, Displaced]

Have Written

Soranik Natu / (Yellow Lanter/Green Lanter) [DC Pre N52 & N52]

Kory Anders / Korand'r / Starfire [DC, All incarnations]

Jane Foster [Earth 616]

Chasity Marks / Chastity [Chaos Comics]

Carin Taylor / Velocity [Image Comics]

Robert Lane / Burnout [Wildstorm]

Roxy Spaulding / Freefall [Wildstorm]

Abigail van Alstine / Necromancer [Top Cow]

Unknown / Enigma [DC, Pre N52]

Jennifer-Lynn Hayden / Jade [DC, Pre N52]

Harley Quinn [DC, all Incarnations]

Todd Rice / Obsidian [DC, Pre N52]

Oliver Hampton [How to get Away with Murder]

Connor Walsh [How to get Away with Murder]

Steve Rogers / Captain America [Earth 616 & MCU]

Wanda Maximoff / the Scarlet Witch [Earth 616 & various AUs]

Natalia Romanova / Black Widow [Earth 616, MCU & Various AUs]

Kirishima Ayato / Black Rabbit [Tokyo Ghoul]

Rose Wilson [Various AUs]

Fenris [Dragon Age]

Kaiden Alenko [Mass Effect]

Ignis Scientia [Final Fantasy XV]

Noctis Caelum [Final Fantasy XV]

Andrew Minyard [the Foxhole Court]

Various OCs

Other's I forget

Would Write Again

If there's a plot of some kind, I'm normally game to writing old muses. Most of them didn't last long on tumblr for an unknown fandom or what not, which happens. Other's I moved to discord just haven't writen them in years but the servers are still active for OOC chats. My Jane was just a self writing challenge & to fuck with an old friend So I probably won't write her again. I drifted many of my female muses ages ago when I came out or just switched platforms. Though there are a few I'm just not interested in writing.

Tagged by: Stolen from: @positivelybeastly Tagging: if ya wish to, just steal it & tag me in it so I can take a gander c:

[phantom-le6]

Ramble of the month February 2024: 90’s MCU phase 5 – transitioning from Secret Wars to Infinity Wars

Having spent much of last month and a fair bit of this one working on submissions to literary agencies for my autism book, this month’s ramble and the one for next month took a bit of a back seat, and as such I’ve still not been able to vary myself away from delving further into my hypothetical Marvel and DC film universes.  Apologies to anyone who, like me, were hoping to vary things more.  However, hopefully what we cover in this ramble and the next will make up for it, and as April will be Autism Awareness time, I can guarantee something different for then.

By this point, I’m sure readers don’t need as much of a recap on what these posts to do with my 90’s-based MCU are about.  Long story short, I’ve done what the meme makers don’t; looked at the comic book and real-world history of Marvel from that era to create an actual 90’s based MCU instead of putting 90’s actors into a present-day MCU.  However, as we’re into a fifth phase and well past the 1990’s, we should at least quickly review phases 1-4 first.

Phase 1:

1992: Fantastic Four, Hulk, Iron Man

1993: Thor, Spider-Man, Ant-Man & The Wasp

1994: Captain America: Fantastic Four 2, Iron Man 2

1995: X-Men, Avengers, Daredevil

Phase 2:

1996: Spider-Man 2, Thor: Land of Enchantment, Silver Surfer

1997: Hulk vs Wolverine, Fantastic Four: Doomsday, Iron Man 3

1998: Captain America: Society of Serpents, Daredevil 2, X-Men 2

1999: Avenger 2, Spider-Man 3, Doctor Strange

Phase 3:

2000: Fantastic Four: World War III, Thor: Ragnarök, Daredevil 3

2001: Hulk: Rise of the Leader, X-Men: Fall of the Mutants, Avengers: Under Siege

2002: Doctor Strange 2, The Captain, Spider-Man 4

2003: Captain Britain, Fantastic Four: Enter the Negative Zone, Ghost Rider

Phase 4:

2004: Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Secret Wars: Part I

2005: Excalibur, Defenders, Ghost Rider 2

2006: X-Factor, Secret Wars: Part II, Heroes For Hire

2007: Namor the Submariner, Doctor Strange 3, Iron Man: Enter The Mandarin

As discussed in previous rambles, phase 1 was all about establishing the MCU and its characters, phase 2 was about the expansion and development of the continuity, while phase 3 was mostly about many characters and teams losing, being put on the back foot and so on.  Phase 4 then covered Secret Wars, which temporarily deprived Earth of some major MCU heroes to put them through a real alien war, and in the process also allowed some other heroes to come to the fore.  Phase 5 then becomes about following on from some of those plot threads while beginning the set-up for this MCU’s version of the Infinity War.  So, let’s quickly show you the phase 5 slate and then get right into the details of these would-be films.

Phase 5:

2008: Spider-Man 5, Fantastic Four: Unthinkable, Ms Marvel

2009: Elektra, Black Panther 2, Defenders 2

2010: X-Men: Proteus, Spider-Man 6, Ant-Man 2

2011: Silver Surfer 2, Avengers vs X-Men, Ghost Rider 3

Spider-Man 5 (2008) Directed by Matthew Vaughan

Peter Parker/Spider-Man = Wil Weaton

May Parker = Marg Helgenberger

Flash Thompson = Ben Affleck

J. Jonah Jameson = J.K. Simmons

Joseph "Robbie" Robertson = Denzel Washington

Betty Brant = Parker Posey

Ned Leeds = John Barrowman

Eddie Brock = Wentworth Miller

Randy Robertson = Taye Diggs

Harry Osborn = Ryan Phillipe

Mary-Jane Watson = Alison Hannigan

Herman Schultz/Shocker = Patrick Muldoon

Felicia Hardy/The Black Cat = Elisha Cuthbert

Roderick Kingsley/Hobgoblin = Michael Keaton

Quentin Beck/Mysterio = Nathan Fillion

Captain Jean DeWolff = Jessica Biel

Detective Stanley Carter/”Sin Eater” = James Marsden

In the first three Spider-Man films, we built up to Peter befriending the Osborns and dating Gwen, only for the Green Goblin/Death of Gwen story arcs to play out in Spider-Man 3.  The fourth film then gave Peter a clash with the Sinister Six as he struggles to come to terms with Gwen’s death.  Following Secret Wars, Peter now has the alien costume, and so film 5 is basically the alien costume story arc.  Sounding a little too much like the Raimi/Maguire Spider-Man 3?  Trust me, it’s not like that and for two key reasons.  Firstly, I’m not trying to shoe-horn Venom in for the third act, just set him up for another film.  Second, I’ve chosen Wentworth Miller of Prison Break and The Flash fame to play Eddie Brock, and that’s far from being our only change.

In this film, Peter’s occupied trying to stop a series of illusion thefts being committed on behalf of a new “kingpin”, who turns out to be the Hobgoblin, while also having to track down a notorious serial killer called the “Sin Eater”.  As the alien costume influences Peter ever more, the question becomes less will he stop all the criminals, but rather will he become one.  Matters are further complicated when costume thief Black Cat begins seducing Spider-Man and the alien costume pushes Peter to accept this despite his relationship with Mary-Jane.  The film culminates with a chance clash with the Shocker revealing the alien nature of Peter’s costume, forcing him to finally fight it off.  Eddie Brock gaining the symbiote is then handled in a credit’s scene.

Direction-wise, I picked Matthew Vaughan as he’s a proven superhero film director due to his work on X-Men: First Class.  He’s the fourth director to take a hand on Spider-Man solo film in this hypothetical MCU, with John Hughes having directed the first two, and 3 and 4 being handled by Frank Darabont and Martin Campbell, respectively.

Fantastic Four: Unthinkable (2008) Directed by Roland Emmerich

Reed Richards/Mr Fantastic = Tom Hanks

Susan Storm (Richards)/Invisible Woman = Meg Ryan

Johnny Storm/Human Torch = David Spade

Ben Grimm/Thing = Bryan Cranston

Alicia Masters = Heather Graham

Agatha Harkness = Angela Lansbury

Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom = Goran Višnjić

Hauptmann = Ronald Guttman

Nick Fury = Tommy Lee Jones

Black Bolt = Pierce Brosnan

Medusa = Elizabeth Hurley

Crystal = Dina Meyer

Gorgon = J.G. Hertzler

Karnak = Alexander Siddig

Triton = Orlando Bloom

T'Challa/Black Panther = Chadwick Boseman

Namor McKenzie/The Submariner = Christian Bale

Barbara "Bobbi" Morse/Mockingbird = Rebecca Romijn-Stamos

Jericho Drumm/Brother Voodoo = Doug E. Doug

Having had the Fantastic Four directed by Leonard Nemoy (films 1-2), Steven Spielberg (films 3-4) and Ridley Scott (film 5), this MCU closes out their share of films under the stewardship of Roland Emmerich, notable for such films as Independence Day, White House Down and Midway.  This film adapts the events of the storylines ‘Unthinkable’ and ‘Authoritative Action’, but leaves the events of ‘Hereafter’ to the comics and begins introducing the Infinity Stones.  Since non-comics fans and fans who haven’t read those stories won’t get those references, let’s do a quick summary.

In the comics, Doctor Doom turned to magic for an attack on the Fantastic Four, which resulted in Reed and Sue’s son Franklin being taken to hell, and the team having to storm Latveria to get him back.  During the incident, Doom scarred Reed before being dragged into hell.  Afterwards, Reed seized control of Latveria to dismantle Doom’s arsenal and craft a permanent prison for Doom, one in which Reed would serve as warden.  However, when the rest of the team tried to stop Reed, Doom somehow began to possess each in turn, ultimately forcing Reed to kill Ben Grimm just to stop Doom.  The events of the Hereafter arc involved a trip into the afterlife to bring Ben back, in the process healing Reed’s scars.

In this film, Franklin is kidnapped and taken to a demon dimension, and Sue leads a rescue team comprised of her, Ben Grimm, Brother Voodoo and the Black Panther to save Franklin while Reed and Johnny attack Doom, aided by the Inhumans and Namor the Submariner.  The attack seemingly defeats Doom, after which Reed leads the F4 to Latveria, seizing control of the nation.  Fearing Doom is somehow influencing Reed, Nick Fury of SHIELD intervenes along with Mockingbird, Voodoo, Namor and T’Challa, only for the seemingly captured Doom to begin telepathically controlling the other F4 members.  Ultimately, Reed manages to force a feedback that wipes Doom’s mind, but in the process, Ben Grimm dies as he does in the comics.  With Ben’s death, the Fantastic Four decide to step back from hero work, becoming a think tank called the Future Foundation.

The bulk of the film’s cast is from past films, with the only new addition being mystical nanny Agatha Harkness, played by Angela Lansbury in better keeping with the comics version of the character.  As for the Infinity Stone I mentioned, that would be the mind stone, which Doom uses to control the various F4 members until Reed works out Doom is channelling the stone’s power and creates the feedback.

Ms Marvel (2008) Directed by Gates McFadden

Carol Danvers/Ms Marvel = Melissa Joan Hart

Michael Barnett = Brian Krause

J. Jonah Jameson = J.K. Simmons

Frank Gianelli = Rory Cochrane

Tracey Burke = Kate Mulgrew

Tabitha Townsend = Kyla Pratt

Lynn Andersen = Amanda Seyfried

Mystique/Raven Darkholme = Connie Nielsen

Rogue = Anna Paquin

Avalanche = Alessandro Gassmann

Fred J Dukes/Blob = Vince Vaughan

Pyro = Hugh Jackman

Irene Adler/Destiny = Sally Field

When it comes to trying to tackle Carol Danvers in films, one story that’s yet to hit the big screen is the story of her downfall against the X-Man Rogue back when Rogue was part of Mystique’s Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.  Indeed, the 90’s animated series of the X-Men is the only adaptation to handle this, and they did it by neatly sidestepping some disturbing backstory.  Long story short, there was a story arc in the Avengers comics around the late 70’s/early 80’s where Carol (then codenamed Ms Marvel) was mind-controlled and raped by an extra-dimensional being so he could be reborn in a body compatible with Earth, then after fast-growing to adulthood, his presence caused a bunch of time disruptions.  When Carol then agreed to go with this being, the Avengers made no effort to prevent this.

When Chris Claremont wrote Rogue into Avengers Annual 10 and showed Rogue rocking Carol’s powers, the question that came to be asked was why Carol hadn’t sought out the Avengers upon returning to Earth, and the answer was made clear.  The team hadn’t shown any real concern for Carol during her strange accelerated pregnancy, and then let her go off with a blatantly mind-controlling rapist from another dimension.  As such, telling the story of Carol clashing with Rogue and the Brotherhood should never be an exact re-telling.  Claremont’s story in Avengers Annual 10 was as much about correcting what the writer of the main comics at that time had written, and with film adaptations, you’re better off just taking a different path entirely.

In this case, we’re showing Carol working as an investigative journalist for a Daily Bugle-owned women’s magazine, who uses the Ms Marvel identity to tackle crime where needed.  This is based on her original run in the comics, so we have Jameson borrowed from the Spider-Man films while using the magazine staff from the comics for supporting roles.  As for the villains, roles from past films like Mystique and Pyro are combined with newly cast actors to give us our second MCU Brotherhood.  The film draws in a mix of acting talent, with Melissa Joan Hart reprising the role of Carol Danvers, and Trek alumni Gates McFadden directing the film.  McFadden has played the mutant Plague/Pestilence for three X-films before this and has some directing experience, making her a good choice for this project.

Elektra (2009) Directed by Roxann Dawson

Elektra Natchios = Leonor Varela

Stick = Scott Glenn

Stone = Sigourney Weaver

Kirigi = Daniel Henney

Frank Simpson/Nuke = John Cena

Matsu'o Tsurayaba = Hiroyuki Sanada

Kwannon = Kelly Hu

Turk Barrett = Gary Dourdan

The story of Elektra following her death in Daredevil is one Fox didn’t quite get right, in large part because they tried to incorporate plot elements and tropes that didn’t tonally fit with the character.  Having used two Daredevil films to set her up before giving the character a one-shot solo film, I think the best thing is taking those bits out.  Instead, we get the Hand going after the Chaste with Elektra in the middle, and when Elektra proves more than they can handle, they bring in the pill-popping assassin known as Nuke.  It’s a straight-up martial arts action film initially, but then becomes a more Punisher-like action film when Nuke comes on the scene.

Trek alumni Roxann Dawson takes the helm because she’s one of the few women I know of that would be directing anything back around this time.  Considering that films with female leads are often better handled by female directors, it makes sense to try and make this the case wherever possible.  The cast is either retained from past films of picked to be more comic-accurate.  Case-in-point, picking American actor Scott Glenn to play Stick rather than English actor Terrence Stamp.

Black Panther 2 (2009) Directed by Tim Burton

T'Challa/Black Panther = Chadwick Boseman

Shuri = Tatyana Ali

Ramonda = Alfre Woodard

T'Chaka = Courtney B. Vance

W'Kabi = Chiwetel Ejiofor

Okoye = Nia Long

Zuri = Joseph Marcell

M'Baku = Idris Elba

Nakia = Lupita Nyong'o

Monica Lynne = Kerry Washington

Baron Macabre = Sterling K Brown

Jerome Beechman/Mandrill = Joaquin Phoenix

Nekra Sinclair = Toks Olagundoye

Kevin Plundarr/Ka-Zar = Chris Hemsworth

Shanna O'Hara = Scarlett Johansson

Zaladane = Jolene Blalock

Everett Ross = Martin Freeman

In Black Panther 2, T’Challa becomes allied with Ka-Zar of the Savage Land when it turns out his hidden jungle in Antarctica houses a cache of Vibranium to rival Wakanda’s.  Most would-be Vibranium hunters baulk at trying to gain the Antarctic variety due to the dinosaurs, but soon both nations are threatened when the woman-controlling mutant Mandrill, his adoptive sister Nekra, the Savage Land priestess Zaladane and Wakandan criminal Baron Macabre team up.  Due to the inclusion of some of these villains, I opted to switch from Tim Story to Tim Burton from a directing stand-point.  This film also features a change of role for a couple of real-world MCU alumni.

Defenders 2 (2009) Directed by Stephen Sommers

Dr Stephen Strange = Johnny Depp

Namor McKenzie/The Submariner = Christian Bale

Bruce Banner/Hulk = John Cusack

Silver Surfer = David Wenham

Valkyrie = Diane Kruger

Kyle Richmond/Nighthawk = Josh Duhamel

Patsy Walker/Hellcat = Mena Suvari

Wong = Will Yun Lee

Clea = Keira Knightley

Jericho Drumm/Brother Voodoo = Doug E. Doug

Dr Anthony Druid = Mark Strong

Daimon Hellstrom = James Van Der Beek

Dr Tania Belinsky (Belinskaya)/Red Guardian = Beatrice Rosen

Dr Arthur Nagan = Julian McMahon

Dr Jerold "Jerry" Morgan = Stellan Skarsgård

Ruby Thursday = Alyssa Milano

Harvey Schlemerman/Chondu the Mystic = Stanley Tucci

Shuma-Gorath = Geoffrey Rush

The Defenders, Marvel’s superhero non-team, return for a second instalment at this point, and I’ve picked Stephen Sommers as director based on him directing a live-action GI Joe film around the same time.  In this film, the few routinely active Defenders learn via immigrant Russian doctor and superhero Red Guardian that a team of scientists called the Headmen have stolen the Reality Stone from AIM in an effort to seize world power for themselves.  Allying with Namor the Sub-Mariner, the Defenders seek to stop the Headmen while Clea joins with Brother Voodoo, Dr Druid and Daimon Hellstrom to try and bring back Doctor Strange from the extra-dimensional limbo he sacrificed himself to in Doctor Strange 3.  At the same time, the Silver Surfer seeks the Hulk.  The whole team then comes together when the Headmen open a portal for Shuma-Gorath, in the process transforming into their strange comic-style appearances.

Everyone from Dr Druid on down in the cast list is new.  As for why we’re skipping over the original male Red Guardian and focusing on the second female iteration for this MCU, there’s two reasons.  First, the second female iteration served as a Defender in the original comics, and second, these MCU rambles are focused on the main film continuity, which in this version of the MCU is strictly cinematic.  TV shows, while allowed as tie-ins, are optional content, and while I’d happily allow a TV show to dive in on Black Widow and some other characters, I think a film was and is a bit much for a character with so little solo comics content.

X-Men: Proteus (2010) Directed by LeVar Burton

Storm/Ororo Monroe = Halle Berry

Polaris/Lorna Dane = Jeri Ryan

Wolverine/Logan = Tom Cruise

Peter Rasputin/Colossus = Henry Cavill

Remi LeBeau/Gambit = Zachary Levi

Cyclops/Scott Summers = Patrick Swayze

Jean Grey = Milla Jovovich

Warren Worthington III/Archangel = Neil Patrick Harris

Beast/Hank McCoy = Alec Baldwin

Robert Drake/Iceman = Michael Weatherley

Banshee/Sean Cassidy = Liam Neeson

Dr Moira Mactaggert = Olivia Williams

Mystique/Raven Darkholme = Connie Nielsen

Rogue = Anna Paquin

Avalanche = Alessandro Gassmann

Fred J Dukes/Blob = Vince Vaughan

Pyro = Hugh Jackman

Irene Adler/Destiny = Sally Field

Professor Charles Xavier = Patrick Stewart

Kevin Mactaggert/Proteus = Iain De Caestecker

Joseph Mactaggert = John Hannah

Rahne Sinclair/Wolfsbane = Bonnie Wright

Danielle Moonstar = Selena Gomez

Jubilee = Chloe Bennett

Everett Thomas/Synch = Christopher Massey

Douglas Ramsey/Cypher = Devon Bostick

With the third X-Men film Fall of the Mutants having split the X-Men up, and a combination of the Secret Wars duology, Excalibur and X-Factor films following events for the divided team, this fourth X-Men film is intended to reunite some of the scattered team into a new whole.  It also gives Rogue her defection from the Brotherhood following the events of Ms Marvel.  In this film, Moira Mactaggert’s son Proteus emerges as a dangerous mutant and begins a rampage across to Scotland.  With Excalibur unavailable, X-Factor is summoned while the X-Men pursue Mystique’s Brotherhood to Scotland.  The two teams meet up and reunite when they find Professor X is also with Moira, having been recuperating on Muir Island since being released from a SHIELD hospital (this is set-up over end-credit scenes for Fall of the Mutants and X-Factor).

Direction-wise, the X-Men have been handled initially by Jonathan Demme and then Jonathan Frakes in films bearing their team’s name, while Excalibur was helmed by Christopher Nolan and X-Factor by LeVar Burton.  For this film, I’ve put Burton back in the director’s chair.  Casting-wise, I imagine same fans will be perplexed by my choice of Chloe Bennett for Jubilee.  This is because Bennett is of a mixed ancestry that includes having a Chinese mother, and while the ideal is always to try for exact representation from the comics, there aren’t many actresses active in Hollywood around the time of this film with even one parent of Chinese descent, let alone two.

As such, the question becomes which do you compromise; Jubilee’s racial background or her nationality?  My choice, compromise slightly on racial background and bring in some plot threads relating to prejudice against people of mixed race.  Quite honestly, characters of mixed race are among those groups under-represented in film and TV, so if I have to compromise, let me at least try and do so in a positive way.

Spider-Man 6 (2010) Directed by Matthew Vaughan

Peter Parker/Spider-Man = Wil Weaton

May Parker = Marg Helgenberger

J. Jonah Jameson = J.K. Simmons

Joseph "Robbie" Robertson = Denzel Washington

Betty Brant = Parker Posey

Ned Leeds = John Barrowman

Eddie Brock/Venom = Wentworth Miller

Randy Robertson = Taye Diggs

Mary-Jane Watson-Parker = Alison Hannigan

Flash Thompson = Ben Affleck

Felicia Hardy/The Black Cat = Elisha Cuthbert

Sha Shan Nguyen = Grace Park

Captain Jean DeWolff = Jessica Biel

Anne Weying = Michelle Williams

Principal Harrington = Viggo Mortensen

Lance Bannon = Hayden Christensen

Gloria "Glory" Grant = Candice Patton

In the sixth of our Spider-Man films, and the last to both start and end with Peter Parker wearing the webs, we showcase Peter and MJ preparing for their upcoming wedding, but the pair are stalked by Eddie Brock, who has now joined with the Venom symbiote and seeks to make Peter’s life hell.  He attempts to manipulate the Black Cat into being his co-conspirator as well, preying on her jealousy after the symbiote-free Spider-Man resists her seduction.  The story ultimately culminates in Venom trying to force Peter into a no-win situation where he has to choose who to save; Mary-Jane or Felicia.  Matthew Vaughan returns to direct, and we get a few extra supporting cast members in lieu of the various villains of Spider-Man 5.

Ant-Man 2 (2010) Directed by Peyton Reed

Hank Pym/Ant-Man = Michael Douglas

Scott Lang/Ant-Man II = Paul Rudd

Maggie Lang = Judy Greer

Cassie Lang = Joey King

William Cross/Crossfire = Ethan Hawke

Taskmaster = Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Alex Gentry/Porcupine = Nick Offerman

Janice Lincoln/Beetle = Naya Rivera

Having left Ant-Man alone in terms of solo films since phase 1, phase 2 marks a return for Hank Pym, who by this point has been out of action since a mental break-down forced him to retire.  Now of sound mind again, he tries to deal with tech thief Crossfire, who steals the prototype for a new, more aggressive variant of the Ant-Man suit, the Yellowjacket.  However, Hank’s old suit is not safe to use as it clashes with his neuro-chemistry, risking more mental break-down.  Even worse, it’s been stolen.  In tracking down the Ant-Man suit, Hank encounters desperate divorced father Scott Lang, who stole the suit to get money to cover his daughter’s medical treatment.

With this film, the aim is to pass the mantle of Ant-Man to Scott Lang in a more comics-accurate manner, while at the same time preserving certain casting that the MCU got right, hence why Pym, Scott and Maggie are all retained from the real MCU.  In terms of Cassie, I switched to Joey King as she’s had a remarkably steady record of employment for a non-Disney child actress, and I think she’s a great choice to take up this role for the remainder of this hypothetical MCU.  Direction-wise, I figured it best to stick with the choices of the real MCU and go for Peyton Reed, having had to go with Sam Raimi on the 90’s-made first Ant-Man of this MCU.

Silver Surfer 2 (2011) Directed by JJ Abrams

Silver Surfer = David Wenham

Thanos = Josh Brolin

Mentor = Michael McKean

Eros/Starfox = Joel McHale

Gamora = Zoe Saldana

Drax the Destroyer = Dean Cain

Adam Warlock = Chris Pine

Pip the Troll = Peter Dinklage

Nebula = Emma Stone

Mar-Vell/Captain Marvel = Jude Law

Following the events of Defenders 2, the Silver Surfer finds himself drawn into yet more Infinity Stone adventures when Kree hero Captain Marvel and the android Drax the Destroyer come to Earth with Adam Warlock, keeper of the Soul Gem.  Hot on their heels are Thanos and Nebula, each of whom has begun to seek the Infinity Stones.  Worse still, Mar-Vell is dying of cancer.  The film is meant to advance the Infinity Stones plot while also adapting the death of Mar-Vell from the comics, not to mention setting up for the Guardians of the Galaxy to appear in the next phase.

For direction, I’ve picked JJ Abrams based on his Star Trek and Star Wars work making him a decent choice for a space-based hero like the Silver Surfer.  In terms of casting, we have a few reprises from past films in this 90’s MCU and from the real MCU.  However, some shifts have also occurred, most notably with Drax due to wanting to use his original comics origins over the revised MCU/later comics version.  The would-be autistic representation of Bautista and Gunn’s Drax quickly become so much farce, so as an autistic person, I’d just as soon avoid that and go down the android route, thanks very much.

Avengers vs X-Men (2011) Directed by Jonathan Frakes

Cyclops/Scott Summers = Patrick Swayze

Jean Grey = Milla Jovovich

Storm/Ororo Monroe = Halle Berry

Wolverine/Logan = Tom Cruise

Peter Rasputin/Colossus = Henry Cavill

Remi LeBeau/Gambit = Zachary Levi

Warren Worthington III/Archangel = Neil Patrick Harris

Rogue = Anna Paquin

Steve Rogers/Captain America = Brad Pitt

Thor = Dolph Lundgren

Janet Van Dyne/Wasp = Catherine Zeta Jones

Iron Man/Tony Stark = Tom Selleck

Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk = Lucy Lawless

T'Challa/Black Panther = Chadwick Boseman

Sam Wilson/Falcon = Will Smith

Peter Parker/Spider-Man = Wil Weaton

Professor Charles Xavier = Patrick Stewart

Carol Danvers = Melissa Joan Hart

Mystique/Raven Darkholme = Connie Nielsen

Avalanche = Alessandro Gassmann

Fred J Dukes/Blob = Vince Vaughan

Pyro = Hugh Jackman

Irene Adler/Destiny = Sally Field

Frank Bohannan/Crimson Commando = Harrison Ford

Louis Hamilton/Stonewall = James Brolin

Martin Fletcher/Super-Sabre = Peter Fonda

Dr Valerie Cooper = Malin Åkerman

Sebastian Gilbreti/Bastion = Bruce Greenwood

Congressman Rev. William Stryker = Eric Roberts

Forge = Jimmy Smits

There have been two occasions in Marvel comics where the X-Men and Avengers have been drawn into direct conflict, at least using multiple issues of a comic and to my knowledge.�� The first is the 1980’s mini-series X-Men versus Avengers, where the Avengers attempted to arrest Magneto to resume his trial before the world court, while the Soviet Super-Soldiers sought to arrest Magneto for his actions in X-Men #150.  As Magneto was part of the X-Men at the time, this naturally put all three teams at odds with each other.  The second occasion was the AvX storyline in which Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Colossus and Magik became possessed by the Phoenix Force, something the Avengers tried to prevent and later combat.

While this film draws on the basic concept of both series, that something sets the Avengers and the X-Men at odds with each other, it’s not about arresting Magneto or issues with the Phoenix force.  Instead, the issue is Rogue; her status as a mutant terrorist is used to convince the Avengers to apprehend the X-Men.  This is bad timing, as the X-Men are working with Rogue to help restore the mind of Carol Danvers.  The masterminds of the plot are rabid anti-mutant politician William Stryker and government advisor Sebastian, who in reality is a new form of sentinel in disguise.  Luckily, government advisor and secret mutant Forge is suspicious of Bastion and convinces NSA director Dr Valerie Cooper to set up a contingency plan.

As a result, the film builds to a climax where, after the intervention of Spider-Man ends a major fight between the two teams, Bastion unleashes his prime sentinels.  Enter Mystique’s expanded Brotherhood in their guise as community service government heroes Freedom Force, and the stage is set for a truly epic battle.  Direction-wise, I opted for Jonathan Frakes to helm this entry, and while many actors are reprising roles from past films, everyone from Crimson Commando on down is new to the MCU as of this film.

Ghost Rider 3 (2011) Directed by Mark Steven Johnson

Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider = Connor Trinneer

Roxanne Simpson = Jessica Alba

Eric Brooks/Blade = Jamie Foxx

Rachel Van Helsing = Cote De Pablo

Daimon Hellstrom = James Van Der Beek

Vlad Tepish/Dracula = Mads Mikkelsen

Lilith = Felicity Jones

Mephistopheles = Jeffery Combs

Phase 5 of our 90’s MCU closes out by bringing Johnny Blaze’s time as Ghost Rider to its conclusion, in a story where Johnny teams up with Blade, Rachel Van Helsing and Daimon Hellstrom against Dracula and his daughter Lilith, who are secretly in league with Mephistopheles.  The film is partly an original plot and partly an adaptation of the end of the original Ghost Rider run of comics, though it’s far from being the last Ghost Rider film of this MCU.  Just as the comics would have others take up the Ghost Rider curse after Blaze, so too will this MCU move onto those later riders in turn.  Having used Tim Burton on the first two Ghost Rider films in this MCU, I’ve picked Mark Steven Johnson who handled the 2007 Nicholas Cage Ghost Rider film to take on this third instalment of 90’s MCU Ghost Rider.

This wraps up our look into phase 5 of this 90’s-based MCU; next month, we’ll cover phase 5 of our alternate DC movie universe.  Until then, ta-ta for now.

[dispatchdcu]

Venom War: Spider-Man #4 Preview

Venom War: Spider-Man #4 Preview #venomwarspiderman #venomwar #MARVEL #marvelcomics #comics #comicbooks #news #mcu #art #info #NCBD #comicbooknews #previews #reviews #venom #carnage #eddiebrock #spiderman #symbiote #Amazon #alewing

Venom War: Spider-Man #4 Preview: POWER OR RESPONSIBILTY? Peter Parker must make a choice – power or responsibility? What is more important? When Mary Jane’s life stands on one side and the threat from the symbiote he brought to Earth stands on the other…what will he choose? COLLIN KELLY & JACKSON LANZING GREG LAND (A/C) VARIANT COVER BY RAFAEL GRASSETTI 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99 Publisher: MARVEL…

[squids-comics]

Here we have our first official introduction to MJ!! This is an iconic introduction for an equally iconic character!! I love contrasting these two pages, as you can see even just in terms of her outfit that she had undergone a lot of design changes in the few years between these comics. The original MJ with her face hidden by a flower may have been a completely different person! I only wish I included the issue number on the original post I made :(

In terms of romance, Peter and Betty broke up a little while ago, but now Peter has feelings for Gwen Stacy (I bet that'll go great...).

From: Amazing Spider-Man #42

This is the first ever panel Mary Jane Watson appeared in and it's really funny:

It makes sense from a modern day viewpoint to have her introduction to be a big reveal. But this comic is from the 1960's. Not only is this before Peter has ever met her, he's currently dating someone else (Daily Bugle receptionist Betty Brant).

[ao3feed-peterparker]

Spider-Gwen: Rise of Gwenom

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/SNqOGWs by Kivrinjs Earth-199999-C (MCU – Alternate Universe – Spider-Gwen) Hey! I’m Gwen Stacy, you’re probably getting pretty board of that by now. I am full-fledged Avenger now! Well, my alter ego Spider-Woman is. You would not believe the summer I’ve had so far. Saving the world. Testifying about Loki in front of Odin. Okay, that last one was pretty cool the armor they gave me is petty metal. Adam’s parents took him to the Hamptons. Don’t know if dad is going to rush home from Europe or not. I hope not. My band has the biggest show of our careers in a little less than two weeks. We are opening for mega-stars! All so exciting. On the not so exciting side of things are my bracers are gone, so is my fancy new armored suit. Or rather not gone but eaten by my body. There is the black ooze that my body also absorbed. Not sure what that is about. It hasn’t seemed to hurt me yet. Really seems like a future me sort of problem. That guy, the Sin-Eater is still running around. The Avengers are scattered and it’s just little old me protecting New York with a little help from my friend Miles Morales, AKA The Prowler. Also, I think I might have a crush on Loki. Mom would be so disappointed in me. Words: 3182, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Series: Part 4 of Spider-Gwen - Marvel Cinematic Universe Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor (Movies), Loki (Marvel Comics), Spider-Gwen (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Categories: F/M, Gen Characters: Gwen Stacy | Spider-Gwen, Miles Morales | Prowler (Marvel Earth-42), Original Female Character(s), Loki (Marvel), Kid Loki (Young Avengers), Gwenom, Cindy Moon (Marvel Earth-65), Wilson Fisk (MCU), George Stacy (Earth-65/ATSV), Original Male Character(s), Original Female Character(s) of Color, Tony Stark (MCU), Pepper Potts, Morgan Stark (Marvel Cinematic Universe), Synthetic Venom Symbiote, Nick Fury, Peter Parker, Frigga | Freyja (Marvel), Odin (Marvel), Malekith (Marvel), Sin-Eater (Marvel), Thor (Marvel) Relationships: Loki & Gwen Stacy | Spider-Gwen, George Stacy/Original Female Character(s), Peter Parker/Mary Jane Watson, Miles Morales | Prowler (Marvel Earth-42)/Gwen Stacy | Spider-Gwen, Frigga & Gwen Stacy | Spider-Gwen Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Teen Angst, Body Horror, Crime Fighting, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Love Triangles, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Gwen Stacy | Spider-Gwen, Good Loki (Marvel), Protective Loki (Marvel), Alternate Origin Story, Teen Gwen Stacy | Spider-Gwen, Teen Miles Morales, Teen Loki (Marvel), Teenage Drama, Pre-Hydra in SHIELD Reveal (Marvel), Hates my Secrete Identity, Evil Peter Parker, Blood and Gore, Identity Porn, Secret Identity, Identity Reveal read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/SNqOGWs

[lovesthunder]

@mightythr​

Thor Odinson was over 1,500 years old— a number that humans would never be able to grasp, and yet still young for an Asgardian. For so long, he had thought that his life on Asgard was all he needed. He was a prince, the God of Thunder, someone to be feared and someone to be praised. There was the next battle, and that was it. Thor existed to win— to conquer. And he was good at it.

But his life didn’t truly start until he set foot on Earth. His father was a complicated, misguided person but he taught him his greatest lessons. Forcing Thor to earn his hammer, making him think about someone other than himself and the fastest way to throne— it changed him. And that journey would not have been the same without Jane Foster.

She was brilliant and brave and loved the stars in a way that Thor had never considered before. He wanted to see the universe through her eyes and teach her the things he had learned on his journeys. She saw him when he was unworthy and when he earned that power back— and loved him all the same either way. Connections like theirs seemed meant to be, drawn together by whatever powers in the universe made such things happen.

Earth brought him to Jane. To the Avengers. To his brother when he was lost. Earth gave him a home when his was lost. It saved his people. It’s where his father spent his final days. The 1,500 years prior felt small compared to everything he’s experienced on this planet. His life became exponentially filled with both joy and sorrow the day he was banished.

Because of that, Thor found it hard to return after taking Arra in as his own. Jane was gone, his people did not need him, and his friends were either dead or gone somewhere else. After his travels with the Guardians, it felt as if he had no home. So he put all his energy towards Arra and their life together— forging bonds, testing her abilities, and fighting for those who could not fight for themselves. Love and Thunder, they were called. A title he absolutely adored.

But then something called him back. It felt like homesickness, but that couldn’t have been right. Thor had no home. Only a ship and a daughter to share it with. Still, he followed that feeling back to Earth, not knowing what to expect when he arrived.

When Val told him the news, it took a lot of convincing to finally make him believe it. Jane was alive, she said. He figured it was some sort of cruel joke, and questioned whether following his homesickness back to this retched planet was just his past trying to play him for a fool. But once he moved through the waves of sorrow and bitterness that came with thinking about Jane, Thor finally gave in and accepted what Val said.

So here he waited, sitting on a rock near the cliff covered shores of New Asgard, looking over the water. It was a beautiful and brisk day, much like it was the last time he saw his father. He came to terms with the possibility that he would be waiting there forever, that Jane was not actually alive. But he needed to know for himself.

[aussie-tea]

MCU Phase 4 but it's just these gorgeous ladies going out for margaritas.

[officialdaydreamer00]

thx for the tag sapphy :c

ough, comfort characters you say? no context given here

portgas d. ace - one piece

thalia grace - riordanverse

deuce spade - twst

maleficent - disney

jane doe - ride the cyclone

honorable mentions: malleus draconia, the tweels (twst), sabo (one piece), hades (disney), technoblade (mcyt, o7), ghostbur (dsmp, also o7), jack frost (rotg), donatello (rottmnt ver), peter parker (mcu), cherry bomb (hazbin hotel)

tags🏷️ @spooks907 @xen-blank @aqua-beam @identity-theft-101 @taruruchi

5 Comfort Characters, 5 Tags

Thanks for the tag @mako-neexu, this seems pretty fun.

Kim Dokja from Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint (orv)

Bedivere from fgo

Watanuki Kimihiro from XxxHolic

Romani Archaman also from fgo (i cry thinking of this man)

Xiao from Genshin Impact

Honorable Mentions (bc they deserve it): Oberon Vortigern, Dimitri fire emblem, Scaramouche/Wanderer, Xie Lian tgcf.

Tags: @loomss, @chaoticending, @torrentialslide, @lee-hakhyun, @thevoidofshitposts. Of course, it's completely optional, and anyone interested can participate.

[newdougsblog]

THEY ABOUT TO DROP THE HOTTEST TRACK IN HISTORY

(Courtesy of Marvel)

[gabbysdawsons]

CROSSOVER GIFSET ➣ types of love

various crossovers with @maddies-buckley

taglist: @richitozier, @foxesandmagic, @lizziesxltzmxn, @phoebestarks, @lovehermioneforever, @jewelswrites-ish, @kiara-carrera, @heavenlysurf, @decennia, @stanshollaand. @ocfairygodmother, @yellowr4nger, @raith-way

[phantom-le6]

Ramble of the month March 2025: Poirot fan-cast Part 3 of 4

First off, apologies to any readers who have been following my episode reviews of Gotham; rest assured these will be back as soon as I can get fresh submissions to literary agencies done for my autism book.  In the meantime, I am still keeping the monthly rambles alive, and this month we’re carrying on with my Poirot film fan-cast.  As with part 2, here’s a quick bullet-point summary of the points raised in my part 1 ramble so any new-comers can get caught up;

Agatha Christie wrote 66 novels and 14 short story collections, most of which centred on either former Belgian policeman-turned-private detective Hercule Poirot or elderly English spinster sleuth Jane Marple.

Within in this run of literature, Poirot had 33 novels to Miss Marple’s 14, most of which remain un-adapted to film while British TV and radio have done better.

The Poirot fan-cast is based on the run of BBC radio dramatizations featuring John Moffat as the voice of Poirot; discounting those radio drama using other voice actors and those too short to make a decent film, this creates a 24-film run.

By starting with a first film release in 1980 and making a film every other year, this hypothetical film series would take until 2026 to complete and could include a single actor to play Poirot throughout, while also including other actors in key recurring roles.

Our initial key long-term actors are Brian Cox as Poirot, Anthony Head as Hastings and John Hurt as Inspector Japp.

So far, the run of films has been as follows;

1980: The Mysterious Affair at Styles

1982: The Murder on the Links

1984: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

1986: Peril at End House

1988: Lord Edgeware Dies

1990: Murder on the Orient Express

1992: Three Act Tragedy

1994: Death in the Clouds

1996: The ABC Murders

1998: Murder in Mesopotamia

2000: Cards on the Table

2002: Dumb Witness

Now before we get into the films of round three, a couple of quick reminders.  Firstly, I’m not specifying directors like I did in my alternate MCU and DCEU fan-casts, and the films have two dates; the first for production and the second for setting.  Second, as of Dumb Witness, we’ve now concluded appearances in our films by Hastings and are in transition from inter-war Poirot to post-war Poirot, who will have new regular supporting characters.  So, onto films 13 through to 18 in this fan-cast…

Death on the Nile (2004/1934)

Hercule Poirot = Brian Cox

Colonel Race = Bernard Hill

Linnet Doyle = Samantha Morton

Simon Doyle = Matthew Macfadyen

Jacqueline de Bellefort = Keeley Hawes

Salome Otterbourne = Joanna David

Rosalie Otterbourne = Emilia Fox

Mrs Allerton = Helen Mirren

Tim Allerton = Joseph Fiennes

Andrew Pennington = David Ogden Stiers

Marie Van Schuyler = Raquel Welch

Cornelia Robson = Katie Holmes

Miss Bowers = Diane Lane

Mr Ferguson = John Simm

Signor Richetti = Sergio Castellitto

Louise Bourget = Audrey Tautou

James Fanthorp = David Tennant

Dr Besner = Sebastian Koch

Joanna Southwood = Samantha Spiro

Jules = Christian Clavier

Sterndale Rockford = Andrew Robinson

Death on the Nile gets us back to Poirot travelling abroad after a two-film break handling cases in England, and as a result the cast gets a little more varied, especially since I’m not cutting or combining characters like most film and TV adaptations.  Plot-wise, this one is a slow burn to the murder, as newlywed couple Linnet and Simon Doyle are stalked on their honeymoon in Egypt by Simon’s jilted ex-fiancé Jacqueline de Bellefort.  However, when Mrs Doyle is shot in her cabin while on a river cruise up the Nile, Jacqueline has a solid alibi.  Two further murders follow as Poirot investigates, aided by his old friend Colonel Race.

Aside from Poirot, Colonel Race is the only returning character, leaving everyone else to be freshly cast.  There is a good mix of well-known names included as we combine a mostly British and American cast with a few actors of other nationalities to best match the characters Christie originally wrote.  A few examples include an aged Raquel Welch opposite Katie Holmes and Diane Lane in the Van Schyler party, Doctor Who actors David Tennant and John Simm (Simm having played Whovian villain The Master opposite Tennant’s Doctor), and David Ogden Stiers of M*A*S*H fame.  Fans of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and of Die Hard will also be pleased to spot Andrew Robinson making an appearance.

Appointment with Death (2006/1935)

Hercule Poirot = Brian Cox

Colonel Carbury = Tim Curry

Mrs Boynton = Louise Fletcher

Ginevra Boynton = Kate Hudson

Raymond Boyton = Casey Affleck

Carol Boyton = Sasha Alexandra

Lennox Boyton = Ben Affleck

Nadine Boyton = Leslie Bibb

Jefferson Cope = Hugh Jackman

Dr Gerard = Andy Serkis

Dr Sarah King = Honeysuckle Weeks

Lady Westholme = Harriet Walter

Miss Amabel Pierce = Sophie Thompson

Another film set in Poirot’s travels abroad, this one takes place in the nations we now know as Israel and Jordan, but as the film will be set in the 1930’s like the book it’s based on, these means we’re looking at the region strictly as it was at that time.  Regardless, past geo-politics is mere backdrop to the main plot, which revolves around the various people in Poirot’s hotel when he overhears someone discussing the murder of a woman from his room.  The likeliest target seems to be the overbearing and ruthless matriarch of the Boynton family, and when indeed Mrs Boynton is discovered dead during an expedition to the ancient city of Petra, it falls on Poirot to investigate all concerned.  Unlike the previous film, the cast of characters doesn’t vary much from a smaller, simpler mix of Brits and Americans, so the cast of actors doesn’t vary as much either.  However, this makes it no less excellent a cast, with the likes of Andy Serkis, Hugh Jackman and the Affleck brothers being included, not to mention Tim Curry (notable for films such as Clue, Muppet Treasure Island and The Hunt for Red October, among many others).  Also featured is Louise Fletcher, who is best known for her roles in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Sad Cypress (2008/1936)

Hercule Poirot = Brian Cox

Elinor Carlisle = Lena Headey

Dr Peter Lord = Paul Bettany

Mary Gerrard = Lucy Davis

Roderick Welman = Jude Law

Mrs Laura Welman = Diana Rigg

Nurse Hopkins = Jenny Agutter

Nurse O’Brien = Brenda Fricker

Mrs Bishop = Brenda Blethyn

Mr Seddon = Patrick Stewart

Bob Gerard = Timothy West

Horlick = William Moseley

Ted Bigland = Andrew Scarborough

Mr Justice Beddingfield = Jim Carter

Sir Edwin Bulmer = Bill Nighy

Sir Samuel Atterbury = Colin Baker

Dr Garcia = Paul McGann

Inspector Brill = Timothy Spall

Alfred Wargrave = Robert Glenister

James Arthur Littledale = Nicholas Lyndhurst

Amelia Mary Sedley = Miranda Harcourt

Sad Cypress is a little unusual among Poirot mysteries, and for two key reasons.  Firstly, Poirot comes in relatively late in the story, and second, he’s commissioned to try and see if any evidence exists that can exonerate the accused.  The story begins with an anonymous letter to the niece and nephew-in-law of Laura Welman, a wealthy heiress bed-ridden after a recent stroke.  When Elinor Carlisle (the niece) and her fiancé Roderick Welman (the nephew-in-law) visit just in case, Roderick falls for Mary Gerard, the daughter of the local lodge-keeper.  This begins a chain of events culminating in Mary being poisoned, Elinor being arrested and local physician Dr Lord, who is attracted to Elinor, imploring Poirot for help.

Now for those who know the novels wondering why the film run skips over Hercule Poirot’s Christmas to get to Sad Cypress, it’s mainly because it’s one of the BBC radio dramas that didn’t use John Moffatt as Poirot, so it’s discounted because we’re basing these films on the novels that were adapted to radio plays using Moffatt.  It also helps reduce the number of stories that need to be covered by films before we hit World War 2 in the timeline.  Casting-wise, we’re going predominantly English here, but plenty of names are on the cast that American/international marques would respect, including Patrick Stewart, Jude Law, Lena Headey and Paul Bettany.

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (2010/1937)

Hercule Poirot = Brian Cox

Inspector Japp = John Hurt

Mr Henry Morley = Ben Miller

Miss Georgina Morley = Poppy Miller

Gladys Nevill = Rosamund Pike

Alistair Blunt = Simon Chandler

Mrs Julia Olivera = Christine Baranski

Miss Jane Olivera = Reese Witherspoon

Howard Raikes = Tobey Maguire

Mr Amberiotis = Stelios Mainas

Mr Reginald Barnes = Michael Palin

Mabelle Sainsbury Seale = Dawn French

Frank Carter = Dominic Cooper

Mr Reilly = Liam Cunningham

Alfred Biggs = Eddie Redmayne

Agnes Fletcher = Charlie Brooks

Helen Montressor = Moira Brooker

Mr Selby = Stephen Moyer

Mrs Merton = Pauline Quirke

George = Robert Lindsay

In this film, we get the final appearance of Inspector Japp and the second of two inter-war appearances for Poirot’s valet George (the first having been in Dumb Witness).  In this film, Poirot is called to aid Japp when Poirot’s dentist, Mr Morley, is found dead.  The initial cause appears to be suicide, but there’s no apparent motive and high-profile financier Alistair Blunt’s presence as a patient complicates matters.  Soon it seems as if the crime may be political, but Poirot is not fully convinced.  Now this film is mostly British actors and set in England, but owing to Blunt having married into an American family, we get a few American characters to add US acting weight to the film’s US and international box office.  Most notable in this small group are probably Tobey Maguire of Spider-Man fame and Reese Witherspoon.  However, fans of The Big Bang Theory, Cruel Intentions and a few other things will doubtless recognise Christine Baranski into the bargain.

Evil Under The Sun (2012/1938)

Hercule Poirot = Brian Cox

Colonel Weston = John Challis

Inspector Colgate = Neil Morrissey

Captain Kenneth Marshall = Ray Stevenson

Arlena Marshall/Stewart = Rachel Weisz

Linda Marshall = Georgie Henley

Patrick Redfern = Michael Fassbender

Christine Redfern = Keira Knightley

Rosamund Darnley = Minnie Driver

Emily Brewster = Geraldine Chaplin

Carrie Gardener = Michelle Pfeiffer

Odell Gardener = Kelsey Grammer

Horace Blatt = Dominic Keating

Rev. Stephen Lane = Stephen Merchant

Gladys = Michelle Ryan

Mrs Castle = Tamsin Greig

Sergeant Phillips = Andrew Garfield

Dr Neasden = Mark Rylance

Evil Under The Sun combines the elements of a classic Poirot holiday adventure with an English setting in a way that I hope Branagh’s film run might do at some point, though I doubt he’ll stick to the source material as much as I would.  Regardless, the premise of the story runs thus; while on holiday at the Jolly Roger, a hotel on an island off the coast of Devon, Poirot learns that two of the guests, famous actress Arlena Marshall (stage name Arlena Stewart) and her “admirer” Patrick Redfern, are having an affair.  Worse still, they appear to be doing so under the noses of Arlena’s husband and step-daughter and Patrick’s wife.  Poirot fears disaster, and is proven right when Arlena is found strangled in a deserted cove.

In this film, the cast is predominantly British, though we do get a little American inclusion due to a couple of American hotel guests, played by Kelsey Grammer and Michelle Pfieffer.  Much of the UK cast also has major international recognition here, especially among a multitude of sci-fi and fantasy fandoms, including the Fox X-Verse, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and by way of Dominic Keating, we also have a main cast member from Star Trek: Enterprise included.

Five Litte Pigs (2014/early 1939/1924)

Hercule Poirot = Brian Cox

Carla Lemarchant/Caroline Crale Jr. = Lily James

Amyas Crale = Tim Roth

Caroline Crale Sr. = Catherine Zeta-Jones

Sir Montague Depleach = Alan Rickman

Caleb Jonathan = Patrick Malahide

Phillip Blake = Martin Kemp

Meredith Blake = Gary Kemp

Elsa Greer = Emily Atack

Miss Cecilia Williams = Olivia Coleman

Angela Blake = Hayley Atwell

Young Angela = Charlotte Spencer

For the last film in this round, we’re not only looking at the last of our films set prior to World War 2, but we’re also dealing with something of a rarity for Poirot, namely the investigation of a cold case.  In Five Little Pigs, Poirot is approached by Carla Lemarchant, whose mother was tried and convicted of murdering her father, a famous painter who was having an affair with a younger woman he was painting a portrait of.  Carla has just been given a letter her mother wrote to her from prison shortly before her death claiming her innocence; the only claim of its kind, since by all records, Caroline Crale never made any other claims of innocence and appeared guilty.  Poirot gathers the accounts of five people who were present for the murder; two brothers, the father’s model, the governess and her pupil, Caroline’s then-teenage half-sister, and from these the truth begins to emerge.

Due to the cold case aspect, the film alternates between Poirot’s present-day investigation and the events at the time of the murder, with many characters from both eras being cast young and then aged up via make-up and/or special effects.  The sole exception to this is the character of Angela Blake, where the age dynamics involved require two actresses.  The cast is all-British this time round, and much like the cast I’ve put together for Evil Under The Sun, much of the cast has international recognition.  Obvious stand-outs in that respect include Alan Rickman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tim Roth, Hayley Atwell and Olivia Coleman. So, that’s most of the films in this Poirot fan-cast covered, with only six films set in/after World War 2 left to go, specifically Taken At The Flood, Mrs McGinty’s Dead, After The Funeral, Dead Man’s Folly, Hallowe’en Party and Elephants Can Remember.  However, these will be a little way off yet as next month will be Autism Awareness, and in May I plan to do the first half of my Miss Marple fan-cast.  Anyway, next time, ta-ta for now.