The next Spider-Man film could be very far from home for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe because of a standoff between
Disney and Sony.
In a story first reported by Deadline, the two studios were unable to reach terms on a deal that would give Disney a co-financing stake in future films.Disney owns the rights to the character, but Sony has film rights thanks to deals set up before the Mouse bought Marvel in 2009.
The studio still controls the lucrative merchandising rights for Spidey.
This could mean that Spider-Man might not make cameos in future MCU films or be a member of the Avengers, as he was in the recent record-shattering Avengers: Engame.
The impasse comes at an awkward time since the latest Spider-Man film, this summer’s Spider-Man: Far From Home, just became Sony’s most successful film ever, according to Variety.
Deadline reports that both the film’s star, Tom Holland, and its director, Jon Watts, are expected to do at least two more Spider-Man films, but unlike 2017′s Spiderman: Homecoming and Far From Home, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige won’t be the lead creative producer of those pictures.
The stalemate came after Disney asked that future Spider-Man films have a 50/50 co-financing arrangement and that the studios work out a similar deal on other films in the Spider-Man universe, such as the upcoming Venom sequel with Tom Hardy.
When Sony suggested keeping the current arrangement, which gives Marvel 5% of gross
box office revenue, Disney reportedly walked away.
A Sony rep told HuffPost that the current impasse is only around the producer credit and that negotiations are ongoing. The rep also said that Feige was involved in Sony’s previous Marvel films.
The spokesperson later sent this official statement to HuffPost: “Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterized recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise. We are disappointed, but respect Disney’s decision not to have him continue as a lead producer of our next live action Spider-Man film.
“We hope this might change in the future, but understand that the many new responsibilities that Disney has given him – including all their newly added Marvel properties – do not allow time for him to work on IP they do not own.
“Kevin is terrific and we are grateful for his help and guidance and appreciate the path he has helped put us on, which we will continue.”Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
However, Marvel fans did have lots to say on
Twitter, and they weren’t exactly thrilled.#BoycottSonySpiderMan— Jesse (@amoisturefarmer) August 20, 2019EXCLUSIVE: Fans of SONY clamoring for newcomer by the name of “Fevin Keige” to produce upcoming Spider-Man films pic.twitter.com/p095U9kJau— 𝙢 𝙞 𝙠 𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙩 ™ (@MikeMarchant) August 20, 2019Tom Holland holding on to Kevin Feige like: #Sony#SpiderManpic.twitter.com/Qf9acTo2Ip— MoreoM (@MorganMaggs) August 20, 2019Sony has ruined THREE Spider-Man franchises.They took control away from RaimiThey forced their universe down Webb's throat They pulled Spider-Man from the MCU— Mickey (@Mickeysei34) August 20, 2019Some had a more sanguine attitude to the standoff.It feels a little like Disney is hoping fan outrage will put enough pressure on Sony to cave to that 50/50 deal... pic.twitter.com/YdmGVm5rak— ✨ ashley ✨ (@AshleyEsqueda) August 20, 2019READ MORE... Armie Hammer Calls Out Marvel For Trump Connection After Soul Cycle Boycott Here's The List Of New Films And TV Shows Coming From Marvel Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie Confirmed As First LGBTQ Superhero For Marvel Cinematic Universe