Zendaya On Why Spider-Man: No Way Home Was A ‘Bittersweet’ Experience

Zendaya in Spider-Man: Far From Home

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After years of waiting and hoping, Spider-Man finally joined the MCU with Captain America: Civil War. Tom Holland’s character was greatly expanded thanks to his solo movies, which also featured Emmy winner Zendaya as MJ. The pair have been hard at work on the mysterious threequel No Way Home, although Zendaya explained why filming was such a “bittersweet” experience.

Tom Holland’s trilogy of Spider-Man movies is unique because the films represent an unprecedented compromise between the MCU and Sony. Fans responded to the various ways Homecoming subverted fan expectations, including the handling of Zendaya’s character Michelle/MJ. And now the former Disney Channel star has explained how it felt bringing the often rumored threequel Spider-Man: No Way Home to life. In her words,

It was kind of bittersweet. We don't know if we're gonna do another one. Like, is it just gonna be three and done? Normally you do three movies and that's pretty much it, so I think we just were all absorbing and taking the time to just enjoy the moment, being with each other, and being so grateful for that experience.

Well, that was honest. It looks like Zendaya, along with co-stars like Tom Holland and Jacob Batalon, are currently unclear about their future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So as they filmed Spider-Man: No Way Home, it wasn’t all fun and action; the cast was also reflecting on their time together.

Zendaya’s comments to E! come from her appearance at the digital premiere of Space Jam: A New Legacy-- for which she is voicing the iconic Lola Bunny. Eventually the conversation turned to her role in Jon WattsSpider-Man: No Way Home, a highly anticipated blockbuster that has been the subject of countless fan theories and rumors. And with the blockbuster just months away from theaters, the bittersweet feelings are sure to be all the more powerful as press begins.

Marvel fans can re-watch the Infinity Saga on Disney+. You can use this link to sign up for the streaming service.

Despite the massive success of the first two Spider-Man movies in the MCU, Zendaya confirmed that the cast isn’t sure whether or not they’ll be returning after No Way Home hits theaters. Tom Holland has also spoken to this previously, with his contract seemingly coming to an end. But given how popular the web slinger is, it would certainly be shocking to see Spider-Man’s story wrapped up for good.

Of course, there could be an upside to this uncertainty for Zendaya and Tom Holland. If their multi-picture deals are after Spider-Man: No Way Home, the actors could negotiate for a much bigger payday if they return. But regardless, the actors’ schedule should presumably be freed moving forward for other projects, like the new season of Euphoria.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is currently expected to arrive in theaters on December 17th. In the meantime, check out the 2021 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience.

Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.