Hollywood is buzzing with speculation as rumors swirl that Amber Heard, best known for her role as Mera in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), may be setting her sights on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sources suggest that Heard is eager to join Marvel’s ever-expanding roster of superheroes, with some fans even dreaming of her as the iconic Gwen Stacy—a character with deep roots in Spider-Man lore. But how credible are these rumors, and could Heard really swing into the MCU as Gwen Stacy in 2025?
A Marvel Ambition Amid DC Ties
Amber Heard’s name has been linked to Marvel for years, with whispers of her interest dating back to 2020. According to a report by Giant Freakin Robot, Heard had her eye on playing Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman of the Fantastic Four, and had even discussed the possibility with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. A year later, the same outlet claimed Marvel was “seriously considering” Heard for a role, though specifics remained unclear. These rumors, while intriguing, have yet to materialize into a confirmed casting, leaving fans to speculate about her potential Marvel debut.
Heard’s current commitments to DC, including her role in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023), have raised questions about the feasibility of her crossing over to Marvel. Historically, actors rarely play prominent roles in both DC and Marvel franchises simultaneously due to logistical and branding concerns. For instance, while Ryan Reynolds and Ben Affleck have appeared in both universes, their roles were years apart. Heard’s ongoing association with Mera might complicate a move to Marvel, especially given Disney’s (Marvel’s parent company) preference for controversy-free talent—a point of contention given Heard’s high-profile legal battles with ex-husband Johnny Depp, which have reportedly influenced Disney’s decisions, such as Depp’s exit from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
The Gwen Stacy Connection: Fan Dreams or Reality?
The idea of Heard as Gwen Stacy stems largely from fan speculation rather than concrete evidence. On myCast.io, a fan named “superspider” suggested Heard for the role of Gwen Stacy in a hypothetical casting of DC actors as Marvel characters, alongside other names like Melissa Benoist and Brec Bassinger. Gwen Stacy, a pivotal character in Spider-Man’s history, has been portrayed in various forms—most notably by Emma Stone in The Amazing Spider-Man series (2012–2014) and as Spider-Gwen (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) in the Spider-Verse animated films. With the MCU’s multiverse expanding, fans are eager to see a live-action Gwen Stacy join Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, and Heard’s name has surfaced as a polarizing possibility.
However, Heard’s potential casting as Gwen Stacy faces several hurdles. For one, her age—39 as of May 2025—might not align with the typically younger depiction of Gwen, who is often portrayed as a college student. Actresses like Sabrina Carpenter, Midori Francis, and Peyton List have been suggested by outlets like GameRant for their youthful energy and acting chops, better suiting a fresh-faced Gwen. Additionally, Heard’s acting style, often described as intense and dramatic (as seen in Drive Angry and The Adderall Diaries), might not match the earnest, charismatic vibe Gwen Stacy requires, a quality Emma Stone nailed in her portrayal.
A Controversial Choice in a Shifting Landscape
Heard’s potential entry into the MCU also comes with baggage. Her legal disputes with Johnny Depp have made her a divisive figure, a fact that Marvel, known for its family-friendly brand, might hesitate to embrace. The 2021 Giant Freakin Robot report noted Marvel’s cautious approach to controversy, especially after Disney’s decision to part ways with Depp. While Heard has a dedicated fanbase—evidenced by her 2,717 role suggestions on myCast.io—her public image could pose a risk for Marvel, particularly for a beloved character like Gwen Stacy, whose tragic arc and romantic connection to Spider-Man hold deep emotional weight for fans.
Moreover, the MCU’s current slate of Spider-Man-related projects, including Spider-Man 4 and Avengers: Secret Wars, doesn’t explicitly point to Gwen Stacy’s introduction. Other Spider-Women, like Cindy Moon (Silk) and Jessica Drew, are already in development for Sony’s upcoming projects, as noted in Spider-Verse producer Amy Pascal’s comments. If Gwen were to appear, a Spider-Gwen variant might be more likely, given her popularity in the Spider-Verse films, but Hailee Steinfeld’s acclaimed portrayal could overshadow any live-action attempt by Heard.
What’s Next for Heard and Marvel?
While the idea of Amber Heard as Gwen Stacy remains speculative, her rumored interest in Marvel reflects a broader trend of actors seeking to diversify their superhero portfolios. Heard’s experience as Mera shows she can handle action-heavy roles, but whether she can embody the nuanced emotional depth of Gwen Stacy is another question. For now, fans can only wait and see if Marvel will take a chance on Heard—or if her DC commitments and public controversies will keep her out of the MCU’s web.
As the MCU continues to explore the multiverse, the door for Gwen Stacy’s live-action return remains open. But will Amber Heard be the one to step through it? Only time will tell.
