Well, that didn’t take very long to figure out now, did it? After a few weeks of disruption in the Marvel Cinematic Universe based around reports that Sony and Disney could not settle on an agreement about sharing Spider-Man, the two studios just confirmed that a third Spider-Man movie will be released in theaters on July 16, 2021, and will be jointly produced by the two studios, with Tom Holland in the lead role. Said Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige in the release:
I am thrilled that Spidey’s journey in the MCU will continue, and I and all of us at Marvel Studios are very excited that we get to keep working on it. Spider-Man is a powerful icon and hero whose story crosses all ages and audiences around the globe. He also happens to be the only hero with the superpower to cross cinematic universes, so as Sony continues to develop their own Spidey-verse you never know what surprises the future might hold.
Like Thanos, this felt... inevitable. Arguments between the two studios stemmed from profit sharing, but eventually, the two studios were bound to realize that they stood to earn FAR more together than they would if Sony dragged Tom Holland’s Spider-Man back to their side of the playing field. Audiences seemed to love having Spider-Man on screen in the MCU, so working out a deal to keep him there makes the most sense, creatively and financially.
There’s wording in the press release, however, that makes this sound like a bigger deal than just the untitled Third MCU Spider-Man movie. The text actually states:
As part of the arrangement, Spider-Man will also appear in a future Marvel Studios film.
“Also” appear. In addition to the third Spider-Man movie. So, let the speculation begin. Which one will Spider-Man appear, in?
Additionally, Kevin Feige all but says out loud that in these negotiations, they have figured out how to use Tom Holland in the growing Spider-verse that is being set up at Sony. “You never know what surprises the future might hold?” Tell us more, Mr. Feige!
On the Sony side, the Spider-Man universe includes Jared Leto’s Morbius project, as well as the announced Venom 2 with Tom Hardy in the lead and Andy Serkis directing. There have been teased plans for movies built around characters like Madame Webb, Kraven the Hunter and Silver Sable. But will they actually happen, and could they involve Tom Holland?
For now, let’s focus on this news. Sony and Marvel seems to have worked out a short-term agreement, and possibly are hinting at a long-term plan. What do you guys think? Is this the right move for both studios? How relieved do you think Tom Holland is right now? And where do you want to see the third MCU Spider-Man story go? Hit us up with your theories in the comments section below.
