Kirsten Dunst approves of Spider-Man's new Mary-Jane

Kirsten Dunst has given actress Shailene Woodley her blessing to take over the role of Spider-Man's love interest in the next superhero film.

Dunst was given a massive career boost when she landed the role of Mary-Jane Watson in 2002 blockbuster Spider-Man opposite Tobey Maguire as the web-slinging superhero, and she went on to play the part in two more films before stepping away from the franchise.

The film series was re-booted with a new cast in this year's (12) The Amazing Spider-Man, with Andrew Garfield in the lead role and Emma Stone playing the superhero's love interest Gwen Stacy.

Mary-Jane will be returning for the next film in the franchise, with The Descendants star Woodley picked to play her, and now Dunst has spoken out to give her opinion on the casting.

She tells MTV.com, "I've met her a few times and we've talked about health foods, we know some of the same people... I think she's a sweetheart and such a good actress. I'm happy. If I had to pick someone, I'm happy she's following in my shoes."