Dakota Johnson Will Reportedly Star In A Marvel Movie As “Madame Web”

Forget for a second that “Madame Web” sounds like what you’d get if the 50 Shades of Gray franchise crossed over with the characters of Charlotte’s Web. But this isn’t what this is! Madame Web is a Marvel comic book character who first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #210, published in 1980, and she’s about to become a big-screen star with a film adaptation. And according to some well-placed sources, Madame Web herself will be played by none other than Dakota Johnson.

When Dakota Johnson finally admitted that she lied about her heart going pitter-patter for limes, she might have become a villain in some citrus enthusiast’s eyes. And those people might be congratulating Marvel on casting an actress who will be able to accurately portray a creature capable of diabolical corruption and betrayal. But Madame Web isn’t evil. She’s actually a wise old lady with vision issues. Casting a 32-year-old woman as an elderly character? Hollywood strikes again! via Deadline:

Following the massive success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Sony is looking to to expand on its universe of Marvel characters as sources tell Deadline that Dakota Johnson is in talks to star in the studio’s Madame Web movie. S.J. Clarkson is on board to direct the pic. Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless penned the screenplay.

According to the lore of Madame Web, she’s a clairvoyant with an autoimmune disorder called Myasthenia gravis, which is characterized by neuromuscular issues. Essentially, she’s very weak and prone to fatigue, and as such, hangs out on a life support system that resembles as web. She never technically fought any villains. And she’s old, did I mention that? Here’s what Madame Web looks like in the comics, and let’s just say she’s giving more Tippi Hedren than Dakota Johnson:

Sony is reportedly developing a Madame Web movie, and 50 Shades of Gray star Dakota Johnson is in talks to star. https://t.co/ddloO6W82d pic.twitter.com/Ybiof1t3Fw

— IGN (@IGN) February 3, 2022

Deadline notes that the choice to base a whole movie around an elderly low-energy, battle-averse clairvoyant woman is a choice, to say the least. But they speculate Marvel and Sony might treat Madame Web as more of a Doctor Strange character, and could possibly take artistic license with the character’s backstory.

This is still in the “in talks” stage. So things could change or evolve. Personally, the only thing that doesn’t make sense is young-looking Dakota Johnson being cast as someone who might have an AARP membership card in their wallet. But Dakota Johnson as a mind reader who traps her prey like a spider to expose the truth and fight for justice? That’s almost a little too accurate. Plus, Dakota has proven that some of her best enemy-slaying happens while she’s exerting almost zero energy while sitting in a chair. Look at her Ellen DeGeneres interview.

Pic: INSTAR