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Hollywood casting can be a fickle thing. But for actresses who’ve graced the silver screen as Spider-Man’s love interest, there seems to be a recurring theme – a hidden talent for tennis!
Believe it or not, all three actresses—Kirsten Dunst, Emma Stone, and Zendaya—who have portrayed Spider-Man’s love interest on the big screen share a surprising connection to the world of tennis.
It’s not merely a coincidence; each of them has actually portrayed a tennis player in different movies, following their roles inSpider-Manflicks.
Spider-ManActresses Have Unexpected Tennis Connection
The first connection in this web of coincidence takes us back to 2004’s romantic comedyWimbledon.Kirsten Dunst, who famously portrayed Mary Jane Watson inSam Raimi‘sSpider-Mantrilogy, took on the role of Lizzie Bradbury, a determined young tennis player on the verge of success.
The film follows her journey and her romance with Peter Colt (Paul Bettany), a former tennis champion attempting a comeback. Next up isEmma Stone, who portrayed Gwen Stacy inThe Amazing Spider-Manfilms.
In 2017’s biographical dramaBattle of the Sexes, Stone stepped into the shoes of tennis legend Billie Jean King. This movie tells the story of King’s famous 1973 match against Bobby Riggs, which was a huge moment for gender equality. Stone’s performance really brought out King’s determination and athletic prowess.
The most recent addition to this curious trend isZendaya. While details remain under wraps, her upcoming 2024 filmChallengersis a romantic sports drama centered around the world of tennis.
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Zendaya’s upcoming film, might not be based on a true story, but it’s exciting to know that she’s putting in some serious work to prepare for her role.Varietyreported that the Hollywood actress dedicated three months to training with Brad Gilbert, a former professional tennis player turned coach.
EvenSpider-ManActors Share Surprising Soldier Roles Connection
It’s pretty interesting how theSpider-Manuniverse and tennis, two seemingly unrelated things, have this strange connection. But it’s not just the leading ladies who have a surprising link – even the actors who’ve played Spider-Man share something in common.
Turns out, all three live-actionSpider-Manactors,Tobey Maguire,Andrew Garfield, andTom Holland,have played soldiers in other movies.
Maguire starred in the 2009 filmBrothersas Captain Sam Cahill, a Marine grappling with PTSD after being held captive in Afghanistan. Garfield, on the other hand, took on the role of Desmond Doss inHacksaw Ridge(2016).
Doss was a real-life World War II medic who refused to carry a weapon due to his pacifist beliefs. Holland starred inCherry(2021) as the titular character, a former Army medic struggling with PTSD after serving in Iraq.
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Now, it will be interesting to see if the futureSpider-Manand their love interests continue this unexpected trend. Only time, and perhaps some keen casting choices, will tell!
Shreya Jha
Articles Published :1042
Meet Shreya, FandomWire’s go-to Pop-Culture Writer. She holds a master’s degree in Journalism and a pop culture obsession that rivals even the most die-hard ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel fans.Her articles have been published in Animated Times, Creator Mail, and The Luxxe Mag. When Shreya’s not busy dishing out hot takes, she is lost in the world of rom-coms.
