Wild 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Theory Drastically Impacts Zendaya With Bold Twist

Among the toughest approaches to popular comic books-turned-movies has to be balancing what works with fans currently while also keeping unique pieces of the comic book storylines. It’s fair to argue that no series has to balance that push and pull more than Spider-Man.

Not surprisingly, as Marvel and Tom Holland gear up for the 2026 film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the theories have already been flying. While many suggestions or guesses about the storyline may seem far-fetched, one of the most recent is incredibly interesting and there's at least an argument behind why it could make sense.

It would also have a drastic impact on "MJ" Watson, aka Zendaya, if Marvel opts to go in that direction.

Jacob Batalon, Zendaya and Tom Holland are interviewed by Jessica Shaw for SiriusXM's Town Hall with the cast of Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

As Ben Gibbons of Screen Rant explains, Jackpot, a superhero who Spider-Man encounters in the current timeline, resembles MJ in the comics. Gibbons highlights that the similarities between MJ and Sara Ehret are so major in the comics that Peter Parker mistakes them "as being the same person."

It's a fun and interesting twist and a tidbit that could align well with the upcoming films. However, there is a world where Marvel simply goes one step further and jumps ahead to the change in Jackpot's character that occurred in 2023.

Arguably, the most interesting part of this entire theory is that while the title of Jackpot has been passed around some in the comics, the latest change came when MJ took over the alias in 2023, as Screen Rant details.

On paper, the theory may seem bold, considering Peter and MJ's roles in previous films. Regardless, it certainly doesn't seem outlandish to envision a scenario where Zendaya steps into a larger role in Spider-Man by becoming Jackpot.

Related: New 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Theory Hints at Debut of Controversial Villain