Zendaya’s MJ Comic-Accurate Red Hair in Spider-Man –

Set photos and leaked concept art suggest Zendaya’s MJ will sport comic-accurate red hair in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, delighting fans.

Comic Fans Rejoice Over MJ’s Red Hair Reveal

February 16, 2026: Exciting news for comic-book enthusiasts and Spider-Man fans alike: early set photos and recently leaked concept art strongly suggest that Zendaya’s portrayal of Michelle “MJ” Jones in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day will finally give the character the red hair that has defined her in the comics for decades. The images have ignited a social-media buzz and long-running fan debate, with many praising the decision as a true comic-accurate update.

For years, fans have speculated about when — or if — MJ’s signature red hair would make its way into the live-action Spider-Man franchise after earlier films kept the character’s original hair color. Now, with visual evidence emerging from production, the classic look seems poised to make its big screen debut.

HOLR has the latest on what the photos show, how the reveal is being received, and why this update matters to the larger fan community.

What the Set Photos and Concept Art Reveal

The most recent set photos circulating online — along with concept pieces said to be from early development — depict Zendaya’s MJ with a vibrant red shade that strongly resembles her comic counterpart’s iconic hair. While film productions often experiment with multiple looks during pre-production and principal photography, the consistency between leaked visuals and concept art suggests a deliberate creative choice rather than a one-off styling test.

The shift to red hair appears to be more than cosmetic; it connects the live-action character more directly to her comic origins. In illustrations dating back to The Amazing Spider-Man comic runs of the 1960s and ’70s, MJ’s red hair has been one of her most recognizable visual signatures — a feature that set her apart from many other supporting characters in the Spider-Man mythos.

Fan Reaction: Nostalgia Meets Approval

The fan response to the reveal has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, especially among longtime comic readers who have been passionate about seeing MJ fully reflect her classic design in film form. Social media threads erupted almost instantly after the photos and art surfaced, with many posting side-by-side comparisons of comic MJ and Zendaya’s new look.

Reactions included appreciation for fidelity to source material, excitement over visual authenticity, and celebration of what many see as a long-overdue cosmetic update for the character. Some fans even joked that the red hair was “the last missing piece” of Zendaya’s MJ transformation since her casting was first announced.

HOLR breaks down the sentiment: comic readers often benchmark live-action adaptations against familiar visual cues, and red hair has become one of MJ’s most enduring identifiers.

Why This Update Matters in the Spider-Man Legacy

Over the years, Spider-Man films have occasionally strayed from exact comic aesthetics in favor of modernized character designs — whether for narrative cohesion, casting continuity, or directorial vision. MJ’s hair color has remained a frequent talking point among fans precisely because her look is so closely associated with her comic identity.

By embracing red hair for Zendaya’s MJ, the filmmakers appear to be signaling a renewed commitment to comic fidelity within the Brand New Day storyline — a narrative arc in the comics that has deep roots in Peter Parker’s evolving relationships, drama, and character growth.

The choice also suggests that the creative team is attentive to fan lore without compromising the narrative they plan to tell on film.

What We Know About Brand New Day

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise to date. While plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, the title itself invokes themes of rebirth and new beginnings — a tonal fit for character reinventions, including MJ’s updated look.

The “Brand New Day” label also carries comic resonance, as it once denoted a Spider-Man era in the comic books marked by narrative resets and fresh character developments. Whether the film’s version hews closely to comic events or merely co-opts the thematic moniker remains unclear, but visual consistency — like MJ’s hair — seems to be a creative priority.

Zendaya’s MJ: Evolution of a Character

Zendaya’s portrayal of MJ has already been widely praised for its wit, depth, and emotional nuance. When she was first cast, some fans expressed curiosity over how the character’s signature traits — including red hair — would be translated to the screen. Filmmakers opted to keep her original hair color in earlier films, focusing instead on establishing personality and chemistry first.

Now, with the potential update, it feels like the character’s visual identity is catching up with her narrative presence. Fans interpret the red-hair choice as a maturation of the character — a visual affirmation that MJ’s storyline has entered a new chapter.

Official Word Still Pending

As with many early set leaks and concept leaks, neither the studio nor Zendaya has released an official statement confirming the finality of the hairstyle choice. Film productions routinely test multiple looks during early shooting and pre-visualization, and leaks sometimes reflect transitional styling rather than final creative decisions.

However, the consistency between the leaked set photos and the leaked concept art — which appear to share design markers — lends credibility to the idea that the red hair is intentional rather than incidental.

HOLR notes that audiences should still await official confirmation, but fan optimism is currently high.

What This Means for Future Spider-Man Adaptations

If Zendaya’s MJ does indeed appear with comic-accurate red hair, it could set a tone for future adaptations to embrace more visual source material fidelity. Other characters, costumes, and stylistic elements might be interpreted with a similar reverence for comic designs — a choice that could delight longtime fans while still appealing to broader audiences.

It’s worth noting that aesthetic choices like this often influence costume merchandising, promotional material, and toy design. A visually recognizable MJ could become a signature look for Spider-Man marketing in the years to come.

A Visual Identity That Resonates

At its core, this update speaks to the power of visual identity in comic book storytelling. Hair color might seem like a small detail, but for many fans it serves as an emotional anchor — a connection point between beloved illustrations and their live-action counterparts. When a film embraces those details, it fosters a sense of continuity that resonates deeply with long-time followers of the franchise.

Zendaya’s comic-accurate red hair, if confirmed, would be more than a styling choice — it would be a nod to decades of Spider-Man history.

FAQs

Will Zendaya’s MJ have red hair in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
Early set photos and leaked concept art strongly suggest that her character will debut with comic-accurate red hair, though official confirmation from the studio has not yet been released.

Why is red hair significant for MJ?
In the comics, MJ’s red hair is one of her most iconic visual traits and helps distinguish her from other characters.

What is Spider-Man: Brand New Day about?
Details remain largely under wraps, but the title refers to a comic era associated with narrative reboot and change, suggesting thematic transitions in the film.

Is this a final look or a test?
While leaks appear consistent, it’s possible the look is still subject to change until the studio confirms.

How are fans reacting?
Overall fan response has been positive, with many embracing the comic accuracy as a long-awaited update.