Dakota Johnson in Talks to Play ‘Madame Web’, But Her Role Could Be Much Different Than the Superhero in the Comics
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe is growing after the success of Spider-Man: No Way Home. When Andrew Garfield’s time as Spider-Man came to an abrupt end and Tom Holland signed on to play the web-slinger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Sony’s development of Marvel-inspired films felt like they were all dead in the water. Now, the studio’s universe has been revived. And it looks like Dakota Johnson will be starring in a movie based on Madame Web.
Who is Dakota Johnson’s Madame Web in the comic books?
Per Deadline, Dakota Johnson is in talks with Sony executives to star in Madame Web as the titular character. As of this writing, Sony has not made an official announcement of her casting, though.
In the Marvel comics, Madame Web, also known as Cassandra Webb, is an older woman who is blind and paralyzed. The character’s official diagnosis is myasthenia gravis, which forces her to connect to a life support system that resembles a spiderweb at all times.
Madame Web is a mutant clairvoyant, and due to her age and illness, she never partakes in physical fights in the comic books. But since Dakota Johnson is a 32-year-old woman, it stands to reason that Sony is not taking the traditional route for Madame Web.
Why the film adaption might differ from the comics
Due to Dakota Johnson’s age and physical ability, many believe she will portray a unique version of Madame Web in the upcoming movie. It’s hard to imagine a titular character of a superhero film not engaging in any fight scenes.
Plus, Madame Web is not considered a widely popular character among fans. Sony might be considering this and creating a new story for their film.
And as Deadline reported, Sony is crafting Dakota Johnson as Madame Web to be their version of Doctor Strange in their Spider-Man Universe. The two characters do share similar psychic powers. But time will only tell if their version of Madame Web strays far from the comic books or if Sony will only tweak a few of her qualities.
Everything we know about ‘Madame Web’ starring Dakota Johnson
Madame Web is the first superhero movie in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe with a female lead. S.J. Clarkson will direct the film, and Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless will write the screenplay.
The plot is unknown, as is the shooting schedule. So don’t expect Madame Web to be coming to the movie theaters anytime soon.
And, for all the Andrew Garfield fans out there, he and Dakota Johnson previously starred in The Social Network together. So that’s just food for thought regarding the campaign for Garfield to star in more Sony Spider-Man movies. Perhaps they will get to share the screen again someday.
