In what could be the first solo female-led Spider-Man spin-off movie for Sony, Dakota Johnson looks likely to bring Madame Web to the screen. The upcoming movie will be directed by S.J. Clarkson, whose Marvel credits include two episodes each of Jessica Jones and The Defenders. Gods of Egypt and Morbius writers Matt Shazama and Burk Sharpless wrote the script. Deadline first reported the news.
Typically, Madame Web in comics is portrayed as Cassandra Webb, an elderly, blind, psychic mutant with a neuromuscular disease. Her life-support system tubes resemble a spider web, and she uses her powers to assist Spider-Man. However, Johnson’s casting suggests some of the alternate versions. A dying Cassandra Webb in comics has passed her powers, blindness and identity along to Julia Carpenter, the second Spider-Woman. A younger version exists in the Ultimate universe, and prior to her death in the main timeline used a ritual to restore her youth at one point.
RELATED: Morbius Screenwriters Will Pen Sony’s Madame Web Film
In reporting the story, Deadline notes that “Due to her age and medical condition, Madame Web never actively fought any villains. For that reason, sources have stressed it’s possible the project could turn into something else.” That sounds like a Julia Carpenter hint, assuming they stay faithful to Spider-lore. Though that’s hardly a guarantee, given how different Tom Hardy’s Venom got from the comics.
What do you think of Johnson as Webb? Or perhaps Carpenter? Let us know in comments!
Recommended Reading: Spider-Man’s Tangled Web Omnibus
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