Spider-Man may be swinging between skyscrapers, but numerous multiverses also depict the hero swinging between Mary Jane Watson and Gwen Stacy. Whether you're a fan of the fiercely independent MJ or the brave and brilliant Gwen, both fandoms can agree that both their styles evolved over the years and reimaginings.
Across comic books, animated adventures, and blockbuster films, the two iconic Spider-Man leading ladies have been revamped far beyond their original roles. While Peter Parker's suits continue to change from movie to movie, Mary Jane and Gwen have undergone style transformations of their own. From the 1994 Spider-Man: The Animated Series to the current Marvel version of the friendly neighbourhood wall crawler, there have been entirely different interpretations of Peter Parker's love interests.
Mary Jane has been an icon for confidence, glamour, and main-character energy. From comic-book bombshell to Kirsten Dunst's charm and Zendaya's modern reimagining, her evolution channels changing ideals of femininity across generations.
Meanwhile, Gwen Stacy has become the mascot of beauty-and-brain charisma. Whether it's Emma Stone's academic-chic wardrobe or Spider-Gwen's hooded suit, her aesthetic consistently has intelligence and courage written all over it.
So, if your fashion senses are tingling right now, it's because we are about to channel our inner Madame Web to enter the Spider-Verse of Mary Jane Watson and Gwen Stacy.
1. Mary Jane Watson of 'Spider-Man: The Animated Series' (1994)
Decades before the multiverse became Marvel's favourite storytelling device, Spider-Man: The Animated Series introduced fans to one of the most beloved versions of Mary Jane Watson (voiced by Saratoga Ballantine). With her signature red hair, bright colour palette, and unmistakable confidence, MJ brought warmth and spunk to Peter Parker's world throughout the series.
The show famously concluded with Peter searching across dimensions to find her after she was lost in the multiverse. With the help of Madame Web and her legendary 'Now, Peter Parker... let us go find your Mary Jane.' line, the series finale offered a spark of hope yet years of emotional damage. Luckily, comic book continuations and the series writer's planned ending confirmed what fans had hoped all along: Peter found Mary Jane, and their story ultimately got its happy-ever-after.
Years after the show's cancellation, head writer John Semper Jr. reunited members of the original voice cast to record an audio adaptation of the planned ending, titled Peter Finds Mary Jane. The project finally gave fans closure, allowing them to hear Peter and Mary Jane's long-awaited reunion after more than a decade of wondering whether Marvel's most determined web-slinger ever found his way back to his MJ. Emotional damage successfully reversed. Hearts officially unbroken.
Apart from being Peter Parker's soulmate, the '90s MJ was also a style icon clad in a yellow and purple sweater, blue jeans, and her signature cowboy boots. Topped with her big personality and charming smile, it's not hard to see why Spider-Man traversed the multiverse to find her again.
2. Mary Jane Watson of Spider-Man (2002)
For many fans, Kirsten Dunst's Mary Jane Watson remains the definitive live-action MJ. The Mary Jane trademark.
Throughout Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, she exemplified the character's charisma, ambition, vulnerability, and girl-next-door appeal, becoming one of the most popular love interests in superhero film history.
Style-wise, Dunst's MJ reflected the early 2000s perfectly. If we raid her closet, we would likely come across a treasure trove of fitted tanks, leather jackets, denim, crop tops, and casual streetwear. Her wardrobe was a snapshot of the Y2K era while maintaining the approachable warmth that made audiences root for her and Peter Parker.
Spider-Man 3 briefly introduced Bryce Dallas Howard as Gwen Stacy, offering a glimpse of Peter Parker's other famous comic-book love interest. With her platinum-blonde hair and polished wardrobe, this version of Gwen embodied a more sophisticated aesthetic that contrasted MJ's girl-next-door charm. Their growing friendship later sparks tension between Peter and Mary Jane, delaying Peter's proposal and creating one of the trilogy's most memorable romantic complications. The good news is that Tobey Maguire's cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) confirms that he and MJ are still together. Another win for Peter and MJ stans.
Of course, no discussion of this version of Mary Jane would be complete without mentioning two iconic Spider-Man moments. The first is the famous cafeteria scene, where Peter catches both MJ and an airborne lunch tray in one smooth motion. Legend has it Tobey Maguire performed the tray catch himself after 156 takes. Perhaps Spider-Man's powers extended off-screen too.
Then there is the upside-down rain kiss. More than two decades later, the scene remains one of the most famous romantic moments in superhero cinema. The unconventional kiss continues to define Spider-Man and Mary Jane's love story for an entire generation of fans, and is yet to be topped.
3. Gwen Stacy of the Amazing Spider-Man Era (2012)
Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy was a pop culture reset. The quirky actress took an already endearing comic-book character and gave her a modern edge. Yes, she's brilliant. Yes, she's the smartest person in most rooms. However, this Gwen wasn't just book smart. She was fearless, quick-thinking, and stubborn enough to run straight toward danger when the people she loved needed her.
Unlike many superhero love interests of the era, Gwen was not the damsel in distress. Instead, she constantly helped save the day. She assisted Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) in developing a cure for the Lizard and later played a crucial role during the battle against Electro. While Spider-Man handled the web-slinging, Gwen was often the one helping de-monster-ify the villains. Ms. Stacy wasn't just smart; she was smart enough to weaponise her intelligence.
Style-wise, her closet was a wonderland for academic polish. From headbands and tailored coats to soft knits and preppy silhouettes, Gwen looked every bit the honour student while making it fashionable.
As for the butterfly-inducing love story, it didn't hurt that Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield's then off-screen romance translated beautifully on screen. Their chemistry felt natural, playful, and heartbreakingly real. Moreover, the famous upside-down kiss from the previous Spider-Man franchise was rivalled by the Spider-Man identity reveal kiss that took place on a rooftop in this film. All we can say is that it was a very ergonomic and romantic use of web shooters.
4. Spider-Gwen of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse (2018)
Voiced by Hailee Steinfeld, Spider-Gwen swung into the Spider-Verse and immediately made everyone look underdressed. Thanks to her signature white hood, pink-and-blue accents, and platinum-blonde undercut, she became one of the most rebelliously-styled characters in modern animation.
Unlike earlier versions of Gwen Stacy, this Gwen has the power, literally. Equal parts sassy and emotionally complex, she evolved from Miles Morales' mysterious ally and crush into a standout hero.
Spider-Gwen: part-time superhero, full-time style icon.
5. Michelle Jones-Watson of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (2017 to Present)
Zendaya's Michelle Jones-Watson, better known as MJ, rebelled against what a Spider-Man love interest could look like for a new generation. Armed with dry humour, she delivered a whole new character.
Style-wise, MJ opted for a laid-back aesthetic filled with oversized jackets, graphic tees, plaid trousers, and borderline grunge streetwear. While previous Spider-Man heroines often leaned glamorous, Zendaya's MJ made casual confidence her signature look. Dare we say we were one hoodie way from seeing Rue of Euphoria in MJ's wardrobe choices?
From awkward school crushes to multiversal heartbreak, her relationship with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) morphed into one of the emotional and comedic arcs of the MCU's Spider-Man trilogy. Even after the events of No Way Home erased Peter from her memory, fans continue to root for a reunion. After all, some love stories are simply too good to forget.
The Multiverse of Mary Janes and Gwens
Both women have influenced Spider-Man history in very different ways. While Mary Jane often represents Peter Parker's enduring soulmate, Gwen Stacy personifies first love and the road not taken. On top of that, apart from Peter Parker, the common denominator between these two leading ladies is their phenomenal taste in fashion, in any universe.
Peter Parker may never stop swinging between timelines, universes, and impossible decisions, but Spidey fans have spent years facing an equally difficult dilemma: Team MJ or Team Gwen?
