‘Amazing Spider-Man 2′ Shocker: Mary Jane Watson Cut From the Film

The lightning bolts coming out of Electro's fingers aren't the only thing shocking on the set of 'Amazing Spider-Man 2.' Despite filming on the 'Amazing Spider-Man 2' set for a few weeks earlier this spring, actress Shailene Woodley (who signed on to play Peter Parker's future love interest, Mary Jane Watson) has been cut from the film entirely. So...what exactly happened? Some spoilers ahead as we explain...

Mary Jane was all set to be introduced to audiences in 'Amazing Spider-Man 2,' setting up their eventual romance in 'Amazing Spider-Man 3.' Woodley filmed several weeks with both Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone but now all her scenes will be cut from the film and her first appearance will instead take place in 'Amazing Spider-Man 3.' Woodley told Entertainment Weekly:

Of course I'm bummed. But I am a firm believer in everything happening for a specific reason...Based on the proposed plot, I completely understand the need for holding off on introducing [Mary Jane] until the next film.

That proposed plot is the "Death of Gwen Stacy" storyline that is the focus of 'Amazing Spider-Man 2.' Because producers and director Marc Webb wanted her death to pack a major emotional punch, they decided to focus all of Spidey's emotional attention in the film on Gwen.

It's disappointing for Woodley, who will have to go back and reshoot all the footage she had already shot (they obviously won't be able to use any of the footage of Mary Jane and Gwen together), but the move actually makes sense for the film. What was the point in introducing Mary Jane in 'Amazing Spider-Man 2'? The film was already loaded up with characters from Electro to Rhino to Green Golbin to Harry Osborn and even Vulture. The Peter Parker/Mary Jane relationship is too important to be half-assed.

But, it also seems to hint that they're making a lot of this up as they go. It's rare that you see a major supporting character completely excised from a film and it's hard to believe that only now did they realize it was too much to try and shoehorn her into this picture.

'Amazing Spider-Man 2' hits theaters on May 2 and Mary Jane will return in 'Amazing Spider-Man 3' will hit theaters on June 10, 2016. Woodley can be seen next this summer in 'The Spectacular Now.'