Why Marvel Didn't Include Harry and Mary Jane in Spider-Man Homecoming

One of the major questions surrounding Spider-Man: Homecoming was the absence of two iconic Spider-Man characters, Harry Osborn and Mary Jane Watson. The decision to exclude these characters from the film was not made lightly. It was a combination of narrative, thematic, and creative considerations that drove the filmmakers to make this choice.

Thematic Focus on Peter Parker’s High School Life

The primary focus of Spider-Man: Homecoming was to explore Peter Parker's experiences as a teenager navigating high school and his responsibilities as Spider-Man. To achieve this, the film intentionally kept the character's story relatively simple and personal, bringing in new characters and dynamics to create fresh storylines. If Harry Osborn and Mary Jane Watson were included, the film might have shifted its focus from Peter's high school life, which was central to Jon Watts' vision for the film.

Character Development

The introduction of new characters was a key factor in the decision to exclude Harry and Mary Jane. The filmmakers also wanted to introduce Liz Allan as Peter's love interest to create fresh storylines and relationships. This move allowed for a more dynamic exploration of Peter's personal and superhero life, ensuring that the character's journey remained engaging and relatable to the audience. If Mary Jane had been included, it would have meant giving Peter a second love interest, which would have complicated the narrative and shifted the focus away from the core themes of the film.

Continuity and Universe Building

Spider-Man: Homecoming was part of a larger narrative that included the overall Avengers: Infinity War universe. By keeping Harry and Mary Jane out of the film, the filmmakers could explore their introductions in future films. This allowed for more character development and story arcs, making the characters' eventual appearance in the MCU more meaningful and impactful.

Unveiling Harry and Mary Jane in Future Installments

It is possible that Harry and Mary Jane will make their debut in future Spider-Man films, particularly when Peter reaches college. This approach ensures that their introduction is carefully structured to fit into the larger narrative of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For now, their absence from Homecoming allows for a focused and cohesive story, paving the way for more complex and engaging storylines in future installments.

Unfortunately, the introduction of Michelle 'MJ' Jones as the Mary Jane character in the Micketty adaptation has disappointed many fans. Michelle Jones, while sharing the nickname 'MJ,' bears little resemblance to the original Mary Jane Watson. This decision has led to mixed reactions from fans, with many feeling that it detracts from the fidelity of the character and the overall narrative. It is unclear when, or even if, Mary Jane Watson will make her appearance in the MCU, leaving fans to hope for a more faithful adaptation in the future.

As for Harry Osborn, it is possible that he will be brought into the narrative later in the series, particularly when Peter reaches a more advanced stage of his Spider-Man journey. This approach allows the filmmakers to build a rich and interconnected universe, ensuring that each character's introduction enhances the overall story without overwhelming the narrative.

In conclusion, the decision not to include Harry and Mary Jane in Spider-Man: Homecoming was a strategic choice aimed at focusing the narrative on Peter Parker's high school life, developing new characters, and building a cohesive and engaging story for the Avengers: Infinity War universe. While it may disappoint some fans, it sets the stage for future installments where these characters can take on more significant roles.