As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues growing into a global phenomenon, countless young actors hope for a chance to join it. Sixteen-year-old actress Madeleine McGraw, known for her rising fame in The Black Phone 2, recently shared her heartfelt wish to become one of Marvel’s next-generation heroes.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, McGraw confirmed that her dream role would be none other than Gwen Stacy, best known to comic and movie fans as Spider-Gwen or Spider-Woman.

McGraw’s enthusiasm for Spider-Gwen reflects a new wave of Hollywood’s younger talent inspired by superheroes who blend strength, humor, and heart. She expressed that becoming Spider-Gwen would be “literally my dream” and that she “would do anything to play Spider-Gwen in a movie or any Spider-Man character.”

Her words captured attention across the internet, sparking an outpouring of fan support and speculation about what her casting could mean for the future of Marvel storytelling.

The love for Spider-Man’s universe spans generations, and within it, Spider-Gwen has grown into one of the most admired characters. McGraw, an admitted lifelong Spider-Man fan, said she’s deeply drawn to that heroic universe and even dreams of performing her own stunts if given the opportunity.

Her excitement mirrors that of many fans who want to see Spider-Gwen finally leap from animation to live-action under Marvel Studios’ or Sony’s guidance.

The Legacy of Spider-Gwen in Marvel’s Multiverse

Spider-Gwen, or Gwen Stacy from an alternate universe, first appeared in Marvel Comics in 2014. In her timeline, she was bitten by a radioactive spider instead of Peter Parker, giving her the strength, agility, and responsibility of a superhero.

What makes her story unique is its emotional depth and stark reversal of Spider-Man’s original fate. This time, Gwen becomes the masked savior trying to live up to impossible expectations.

The character’s popularity skyrocketed after her introduction in Marvel’s Spider-Verse comics and later through Sony’s acclaimed animated films. Voiced by Hailee Steinfeld in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse, Gwen became a global favorite.

Audiences connected to her portrayal as a spirited yet vulnerable young woman facing guilt, loss, and identity struggles.

However, the character’s only live-action appearance so far came through Emma Stone’s portrayal in The Amazing Spider-Man movies directed by Marc Webb. Stone’s version met a tragic end in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), recreating Gwen’s iconic comic death that forever changed Peter Parker’s emotional arc.

Since then, fans have eagerly awaited Spider-Gwen’s proper adaptation in live-action format, giving McGraw’s expressed interest a wave of viral attention.

Currently, Gwen’s appearances remain animated within Sony’s ongoing Spider-Verse franchise and Marvel’s multiverse projects. The upcoming Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, expected in 2027, will continue her story, again with Steinfeld returning as the voice.

Additionally, a female-led Spider-Verse spinoff titled Spider-Women has long been rumored, though updates have been scarce in recent years.

Meanwhile, Marvel Television’s Disney+ animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man confirmed that its second season, set for release in 2026, will feature Gwen on an alternative Earth.

That marks another major step toward expanding her digital presence. Still, live-action possibilities remain uncertain since Sony holds the rights to Spider-Man’s film universe and characters associated with it.

Madeleine McGraw: A Rising Star with Big Dreams

Madeleine McGraw’s determination to play Spider-Gwen exemplifies the ambition of a new generation in Hollywood. Despite her young age, McGraw already boasts an impressive résumé. She first caught international attention for her role as Gwen Shaw in The Black Phone, where she starred alongside Ethan Hawke.

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Madeleine McGraw (Credit: BBC)

Her portrayal of a brave and resourceful sibling in the psychological horror film earned her critical praise and showcased her ability to blend emotional depth with youthful fearlessness.

At only sixteen, McGraw has proven that she can handle emotionally heavy narratives and complex roles, a quality crucial for bringing Gwen Stacy to life. The Marvel role she dreams of requires balancing strength and vulnerability, something McGraw has naturally demonstrated in her performances.

When she speaks of Spider-Gwen, her admiration seems rooted not just in fandom but in understanding what the character symbolizes: courage, independence, and redemption.

She described herself as a “big Spider-Man fan,” completely drawn to the franchise’s core themes of responsibility and self-discovery. According to her, the energy and spirit of Spider-Man’s universe make her feel inspired as both an actress and a fan.

The Future of Spider-Gwen in Marvel’s Storyline

The ongoing expansion of the MCU’s multiverse continues to open new directions for fan-favorite heroes. While Sony maintains the theatrical rights to Spider-Man and related characters, collaboration with Marvel Studios has made crossovers and new interpretations a regular occurrence.

The arrival of Spider-Gwen in animation has already been massively successful, but fans remain hopeful about her potential live-action debut.

Given that Marvel and Sony’s partnership has previously delivered Tom Holland’s beloved portrayal of Peter Parker, future collaborations may also pave the way for Gwen’s standalone story.

Introducing Spider-Gwen could easily tie into the multiverse theme now central across both studios’ narratives. That prospect fuels conversation about casting, where McGraw’s name has now joined online fan lists of “future Spider-Gwen hopefuls.”

Marvel’s next Spider-Man installment, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to release on July 31, 2026, could also provide a stepping stone for new characters.

Then, looking beyond, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse in 2027 promises to keep the multiverse spotlight shining on Gwen as one of the most important figures in Spider-Man lore.

Even if live-action plans remain unofficial, the momentum seems to be building toward welcoming Spider-Gwen into the MCU’s broader vision sooner rather than later.

Why Fans Are Excited About McGraw’s Spider-Gwen Dream

The excitement around Madeleine McGraw’s wish to portray Spider-Gwen shows how fans still value sincerity and passion in young actors. Superhero casting discussions often thrive on authenticity; fans want someone who genuinely loves the character they represent.

McGraw’s genuine enthusiasm stands out because it reflects the same qualities that made Peter Parker’s story universal: dreams, persistence, and idealism.

Fans commenting on social media have praised her maturity, charisma, and youthful courage, labeling her a perfect fit for Spider-Gwen’s adventurous personality.

Her statement also underscores the importance of representation for younger audiences. To them, seeing someone near their own age step into a Marvel role is not just inspiring, it’s a reminder that passion can shape opportunity.

Moreover, The Black Phone showcased McGraw’s dramatic capabilities, clearing any doubts about her readiness for superhero-level storytelling. Her ability to balance vulnerability and grit in tense scenes drew comparisons to other actresses who transitioned from indie projects to blockbusters.

With Marvel preparing to introduce new generations of heroes after The Multiverse Saga, there’s growing anticipation about who will lead the franchise’s next phase.

For now, McGraw’s dream remains just that, a dream, but her statement has invigorated discussions across fandom circles, hinting at a potential spark that could influence future casting decisions.

If Marvel or Sony ever chooses to bring live-action Spider-Gwen to life, fans now know exactly which rising star has her heart set on the part.

A Growing Hero in the Making

Madeleine McGraw’s dream of becoming Spider-Gwen feels symbolic not just for her career but for the future of superhero cinema itself. She represents young artists inspired to reach for iconic roles and contribute their voices to stories that inspire hope and strength.

Her sincerity and passion remind audiences that every great hero begins somewhere, often with a dream strong enough to catch the world’s attention.

Whether her wish comes true or not, McGraw’s statement has already earned her a spot in fans’ hearts.

As Marvel continues shaping its multiverse, perhaps the studio will take notice of this young performer whose admiration for Spider-Gwen mirrors everything that makes Marvel heroes timeless: courage, heart, and the belief that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

For now, fans can imagine what a future Spider-Gwen movie might look like with a teenager from The Black Phone trading haunting visions for swinging skyscrapers. And if the Marvel universe ever does call her name, few would doubt she’s ready to answer it in the spectacular way only a true fan could.

The 2025 horror sequel Black Phone 2 is turning heads with its strong box office debut, outgrossing competing releases during its opening weekend.

Projected to earn $26.5 million domestically over three days, this Blumhouse Productions film has surpassed the original’s $23.6 million opening and become the studio’s highest-grossing release of the year.

Collecting an additional $15.5 million internationally, it has already amassed over $42 million worldwide within its first weekend.

This success marks a welcome rebound for Blumhouse, which had several less profitable releases throughout 2025, including Wolf Man and M3GAN 2.0.

Black Phone 2’s gripping narrative continues the story from the 2022 hit, bringing back Ethan Hawke as the chilling “Grabber” along with returning stars Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw.

The original movie was a breakout horror success, grossing more than $161 million worldwide on a modest $16 million budget, and the sequel is on track to exceed that legacy.

Despite nearly doubling the budget to an estimated $30 million, Black Phone 2 shows strong potential to more than quintuple its costs by the end of its theatrical run. If the momentum holds, it could firmly establish a major Blumhouse franchise, possibly paving the way for future sequels.

The combination of returning key cast members, a compelling storyline, and the strategic timing during the Halloween season appears to have struck a chord with horror fans and casual moviegoers alike.

Good Fortune’s Modest Start Despite High Expectations

In contrast, Good Fortune, the feature directorial debut of Aziz Ansari and a Lionsgate comedy starring Keanu Reeves alongside Ansari and Seth Rogen, opened to a more muted response with an estimated $6.2 million domestic box office.

Though debuting at number three on the weekend chart, its earnings fell significantly behind Black Phone 2.

Good Fortune follows the story of Gabriel (Reeves), a well-meaning but clumsy guardian angel who switches the lives of a poor assistant and his wealthy boss, played by Ansari and Rogen. The film was made with a $30 million budget, mirroring the sequel’s production costs, but has yet to show similar box office promise.

Critically, Good Fortune has been well received, earning a Certified Fresh score of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid CinemaScore of B+. These scores indicate good word-of-mouth potential, suggesting the movie may find an audience as more viewers discover it through recommendations.

Still, unlike Black Phone 2, its commercial success may rely heavily on digital streaming and video-on-demand platforms if in-theater attendance fails to pick up significantly.

October’s Domestic Box Office Highlights

The weekend’s top box office rankings clearly illustrate the horror sequel’s dominance. Black Phone 2 sits at the number one spot with $26.5 million, followed by Disney’s sci-fi sequel Tron: Ares with $11.14 million, a steep 66% drop from the prior weekend’s debut, marking the worst sophomore slump among the three Tron films.

Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune holds third place with $6.2 million, while One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, comes in fourth with $4 million. Rounding out the top five is Roofman, the Channing Tatum-led drama, with $3.7 million.

Last weekend’s chart-toppers, Roofman and One Battle After Another, both fell significantly this week, dropping three and one spots respectively, with declines of over 50% in ticket sales.

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The Black Phone 2 (Credit: Universal Pictures)

Family-friendly Gabby’s Dollhouse and faith-based Soul on Fire slid even further, landing at ninth and tenth places. Meanwhile, fresh entries like Truth & Treason and After the Hunt are gradually gaining traction.

October, despite a busy schedule, has yet to crown a clear runaway hit beyond the Black Phone sequel.

However, with promising upcoming releases like the Colleen Hoover romantic drama Regretting You and the Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere, there remains potential for new challengers to emerge before the month closes.

What This Means for Blumhouse and Horror Fans

Black Phone 2’s breakout weekend signals a strong comeback moment for Blumhouse Productions after a challenging slate of 2025 releases. Known for payday hits like The Purge and Insidious, the studio has faced headwinds this year with multiple projects failing to reach profitability or connect widely with audiences.

The latest sequel’s immediate success, both domestically and globally, offers hope that the studio can reclaim its status as a leader in the horror genre.

The film’s ability to build on the momentum and reputation of the original Black Phone, which blended supernatural elements with genuine emotional weight, reflects careful production choices paying off.

Featuring Ethan Hawke’s return and the fresh faces of Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw, the sequel offers continuity while expanding the franchise’s mythology.

With the Halloween season fueling audience interest in horror, Black Phone 2 benefited from well-timed marketing and strong critical notice, which together translated to impressive box office numbers.

If this trajectory continues, the sequel could eventually outgross the original, firmly establishing itself as Blumhouse’s breakout success of the year.

The Road Ahead for Good Fortune

While Good Fortune’s box office debut has been underwhelming compared to Black Phone 2, its positive reviews and solid audience scores leave room for optimism.

Comedy films with critical support often gain momentum over time as viewers discover them through recommendations, especially with digital and streaming release strategies becoming more influential.

Aziz Ansari’s transition from comedy performer to director may also attract interest as his career develops, potentially expanding the film’s audience beyond the initial theatrical performance.

With popular stars like Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen on board, the film has star power and comedic chemistry, which can build a dedicated following in secondary markets.

Regardless of box office struggles, Good Fortune could still become a sleeper hit through varied distribution channels, garnering long-term financial success.

However, with its initial numbers trailing far behind a genre powerhouse like Black Phone 2, the comedy faces an uphill climb to match the threat from Blumhouse’s intimidating horror presence.

Box Office Summary Table

RankTitle3-Day Total (Domestic)Cumulative Domestic Total (Week)
1Black Phone 2$26.5 million$26.5 million (Week 1)
2Tron: Ares$11.14 million$54.4 million (Week 2)
3Good Fortune$6.2 million$6.2 million (Week 1)
4One Battle After Another$4 million$61 million (Week 4)
5Roofman$3.7 million$15.5 million (Week 2)

This weekend’s box office clearly illustrates Black Phone 2’s strong genre appeal and financial promise, outpacing Good Fortune and reinvigorating Blumhouse’s forecast for 2025. October may yet see more contenders, but the current champion’s reign seems secure.