Spider-man's leading ladies: Kirsten Dunst vs. Emma Stone

Stand by…the stars are swinging into London tonight for the premiere of superhero blockbuster 'The Amazing Spider-man'. It’s been five years since the last Spidey film, and it’s all change for this latest installment. Brit Andrew Garfield has replaced Tobey Maguire as the web-weaving hero, while Emma Stone takes over from Kristen Dunst as his love interest (check out her incredible fash tour here).

A prequel to the previous films, 'The Amazing Spider-man' follows Peter Parker in High School, as he starts to discover his superhero powers. Emma isn’t playing Kirsten’s role of flame haired Mary Jane – “MJ” – Watson. Instead, she stars as Peter Parker’s  teenage sweetheart, studious blonde Gwen Stacey (Emma’s 'Help' co-star Bryce Dallas Howard played the character in 'Superman 3'). Rhys Ifans replaces James Franco as the film’s baddie, playing a scientist who turns into a 9ft Lizard when an experiment goes wrong.

But – forget good vs evil – what  we want to know is, will Emma triumph over Kirsten in the battle of the spider-babes?  Now, we love Kirsten and her portrayal of MJ as a feisty yet fragile girl-next-door. And, of course, there was that kiss – where she locked lips with an upside down Tobey Maguire in the pouring rain. But we’ve got a sneaking suspicion Emma might edge this. Firstly her character, Gwen,  is ambitious, intelligent and strong willed – a change from the usual damsel in distress comic-book heroine. And we’re in no doubt that Emma and Andrew will sizzle on-screen – especially as they just happened to fall in love for real while they were filming.

But who do you think? Are you glad Emma has replaced Kirsten? Or won’t Spiderman be the same without MJ by his side? Check out the trailers for both films below and let us know...

by Clare Thorp