It's no secret that superhero movies are everywhere. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has revolutionized the film industry by introducing serialized storytelling, therefore giving moviegoers incentive to see every single new release. As such, plenty of other studios have gotten into the game, with Sony doing so with its still-developing franchise using the characters from Spider-Man comics.
Venom kick started Sony's Spider-Verse, and a few other projects have been announced as well. One of which was a movie about lesser known vigilante Nightwatch, with the legendary director Spike Lee originally attached to the movie. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that's coming to fruition-- at least not with Lee behind the camera.
Spike Lee has recently done a new batch of press for his acclaimed drama BlacKkKlansman, which will be available for home purchase shortly. When asked by Screen Rant if he's still working on the Nightwatch movie, he responded promptly, with "Nah."
Well, it doesn't get more honest than that. Spike Lee has never been a director to mince words, so he was all too happy to shut down the earlier reports of his involvement with Nightwatch. It's unclear if the Lee dropped out of the project, or if he was only ever flirting with the idea of helming his own superhero movie. Regardless, it appears that the prolific filmmaker isn't joining Sony's new shared universe.
Although Spike Lee might not be directing a Nightwatch movie, that doesn't mean that Sony won't be moving forward with its Spider-Man inspired franchise. Despite mixed reviews and some trepidation by the hardcore fandom, Ruben Fleischer's Venom actually ended up making a ton of money at the box office. A sequel seems all but guaranteed, as does new and exciting additions to the brand new film world.
News of Spike Lee's involvement in a potential Nightwatch movie came about a year ago, with rumored details even coming out about the Spider-project. Luke Cage showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker was reported to be working on the script for Spike Lee, which seemed like an excellent melding of the minds. Unfortunately, it's currently unclear if the movie is happening at all, and if Coker is still working on a script for the lesser known marvel vigilante.
In Marvel comics, Nightwatch is a doctor named Kevin Trench, who becomes involved in heroics when he witnesses a superpowered vigilante die at the hands of his enemy. But it turns out that it's an older version of Trench, and he soon becomes bonded with the same costume, which grant him a ton of powers and reacts to his person and mind similar to Marvel's symbiotes. Except far less terrifying.
It's currently unclear if the Nightwatch movie will move forward, but CinemaBlend will keep you updated on Sony's Spider-Verse as more details become public. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your trips to the movies in the New Year.
