Mary Jane Watson (Sam Raimi film series)

Mary Jane Watson
Sam Raimi's Spider-Man character
Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson in Spider-Man (2002)
First appearanceSpider-Man (2002)
Last appearanceSpider-Man 3 (2007)
Based on
Mary Jane Watson
by
Adapted byDavid Koepp
Portrayed byKirsten Dunst
Voiced by
In-universe information
Occupation
Family
  • Phillip Watson (father)
  • Madeline Watson (mother)
Significant others
NationalityAmerican

Mary Jane "MJ" Watson is a fictional character in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man film series. Based on the character of the same name, she is portrayed by Kirsten Dunst. In the films, Mary Jane is Peter Parker's next-door neighbor, childhood crush, and primary love interest. Though Mary Jane dates several other men in the first two films, she ultimately falls in love with Peter and Spider-Man and discovers they are one and the same. Despite his strong feelings for her, Peter initially declines a relationship with her in order to keep her safe, but they eventually become a couple in the end.

Despite being criticized for adhering to the damsel in distress archetype in each installment of the film series, Dunst's interpretation of the character has been generally well-received.