Yes, it’s finally happening, folks. Spider-man is joining his super powered friends in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a theater near you.
Just last night, Sony and Marvel officially agreed to a compromise that’ll loan the web-slinger to Marvel Studios for at least one movie set in the storied cinematic universe of The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy – maybe more in the future.
Nevertheless, Sony Pictures is still set on releasing the next entry in its own Spider-man movie universe July 28th, 2017, in a film co-produced by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Sony Pictures’ Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio over a decade ago. Sony will still finance, distribute, own and have final creative say over the superhero franchise, but not without sharing Spider-man with Marvel this one time at the very least.
“Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s great characters, beloved around the world.” Disney chairman and CEO, Bob Iger, said. “We’re thrilled to work with Sony Pictures to bring the iconic web-slinger into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which opens up fantastic new opportunities for storytelling and franchise building.”
“I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie,” Feige added. “Amy has been deeply involved in the realization on film of one of the world’s most beloved characters. Marvel’s involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU. I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years.”
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Michael Lynton and Doug Belgrad similarly praised the deal, with Lynton claiming that “This is the right decision for the franchise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans.”
The Spider-man movie franchise has raked in over $4 billion since its inception in 2002 under director Sam Raimi and by all accounts, it looks like it’ll be making more still. It’s unknown exactly which film Spider-man will be appearing in, or just which Spider-man for that matter.
Actor Andrew Garfield starred in both The Amazing Spider-man and its divisive sequel as the superhero and it’s been suggested by some that he may be replaced in favor of a new actor in light of the film franchise’s criticisms. While Spider-man will not be appearing in Marvel’s upcoming The Avengers: Age of Ultron, cast listings remain open for a number of upcoming movies, including Captain America: Civil War and parts one and tow of The Avengers: Infinity War.
Do you like having Spider-man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? What movie do you want to see him in next? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Via Marvel