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Spider-Man's Future In The MCU Is In Question, But Sony Disputes Report

Look out, there goes the Spider-Man.

42 Comments

Shortly after Marvel revealed its Phase 4 slate of Marvel Cinematic Universe films and TV shows at San Diego Comic-Con, a major shakeup is being reported that could very well change the future of the MCU. It would also impact the Spider-Man franchise of films Marvel Studios co-produces with Sony.

According to Deadline, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige will no longer serve as a producer on Sony's Spider-Man films. The news comes after a new agreement between Sony and Disney was reportedly unable to be reached. As Deadline claims, a dispute between the two companies has been going on for months. [Update: Sony has now issued a new comment in which it says it's "disappointed" in the Spider-Man dispute but expressed its gratitude for Feige's contributions. Meanwhile, Marvel star Jerry Renner has asked Sony to give Spider-Man back to Marvel.]

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Now Playing: Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige No Longer Producing Spider-Man Movies - GSU News Update

What this means for the future of Spider-Man and the MCU is unclear. Spider-Man: Far From Home was the official end of the MCU's Phase 3, setting the stage for what's to come from the universe of films. With Feige no longer being involved, it's possible that the Spider-Man franchise could instead exist outside of the MCU. Sony has already been building a non-MCU Spider-Man universe thanks to the film adaptation of Venom, as well as the upcoming Morbius movie, in which Jared Leto stars as the titular living vampire.

As sources tell Deadline, there were already two more planned Spider-Man films starring Tom Holland as the web-slinger, with director Jon Watts expected to return.

The MCU, meanwhile, is already without characters like Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans), following the events of Avengers: Endgame. However, Marvel Studios has a loaded slate of films that will introduce new characters--like the Eternals, Shang-Chi, and Blade--as well as new installments of the Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Thor franchises.

Speaking to io9, a Sony representative clarified the situation a bit, noting they believed the issue at hand was over Feige receiving a producer credit on the films. According to the representative, negotiations between the two sides still in progress. It's also noted that Feige has contributed creatively to other films based on Spider-Man IP without receiving a producer credit from Sony. What the source didn't make mention of is any implications this would have on Spider-Man's future in the MCU.

The situation could always change and the two studios could come to an agreement. Deadline, however, noted it would take something "dramatic" for that to happen. For now, an extended cut of Spider-Man: Far From Home will hit theaters on August 29.

Updated to include Sony's comment to io9.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

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skincare21

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Edited By skincare21

If Sony wants Spiderman to succeed, they have to share it with the MCU as Marvel has made it the best spiderman so far. Tom Holland has done complete Justice to the character and made both Sony and The Marvel Cinematic Universe Glow

https://nicciskincare.com

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ZombieVirolina

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Cut the cord, Disney. It’s obvious Sony wants to be an invasive entity into the MCU and taint a successful action filmmaking model with their mediocre one.

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dcole001

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If the Info coming out is true sounds like Disney is more at fault on this one. Wanting 50% of Box Office and Merchandising basically makes this a Disney Property. Sony owns the Rights. Now 80/20 Split would make sense because Disney gets Merchandising.

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deactivated-6793e8ba0e8bf

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The whole reason Sony has film rights to Spider-Man in the first place is because Marvel was on the verge of bankruptcy in the 90s. That's why a bunch of Marvel IPs were licensed out to different studios. So as much as I love Spider-Man, it doesn't make any sense for Sony to just give him back to Marvel regardless of the outcry. As much as I've enjoyed the MCU, the demands Disney puts on theaters and (from what I'm hearing) the take they were requesting from future Spider-Man films, my stance with them is waning. They're getting to be like the rich guy from Indecent Proposal, just throwing money around and buying peoples spouses, haha.

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Litchie

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Suit yourselves, Marvel. Don't sell out.

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gamingdevil800

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Edited By gamingdevil800

"I have nothing left except Spiderman"

~ Harry Osborn

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Nettuno

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Edited By Nettuno

Disney should just stick it to Sony by changing Tom Hollands spidey to the Scarlet Spider. I am pretty sure Sony doesnt own the rights to that name. They can make a funny spin on it too just to make it even more of a laugh at this stupid situation Sony has created.

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3D3

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@nettuno: Pretty sure Sony owns film rights to all Spider-Man characters.

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SirNormanislost

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@3D3: they own all Spider themed heroes with the possible exception of the main spider women (jessica drew) since her only real link to spidey is in name, her origin has nothing to do with anything spider related

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gamingdevil800

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Edited By gamingdevil800

@SirNormanislost: Apparently it goes like this according to wiki leaks:

"Kingpin" and related character listed on the attached Schedule 7B, but SPE may not use any of these until after Fox's production rights to Daredevil expire. Marvel's use of Kingpin is restricted to use in connection with Daredevil and other characters with which he appeared prior to 9/15/11.

"Jessica Drew and specifically listed related characters. SPE may depict Jessica Drew as Spider-Woman, and Marvel may only use her without any Spider-Man related elements."

Marvel and SPE must each notify the other of any intended use of these shared characters."

This may be a sneaky plan by Disney as they may intend to replace Spiderman with Spider Woman in the future.

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solid_snake1461

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This kind of drama is stupid. The contract expired so of course there won’t be more Spider Man in MCU. If they really wanted him in their movie(s), they would negotiate for a new one.

This is how things work in the adult world, kids. Law abiding and act according to contracts.

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rodent347

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@solid_snake1461:

>Corporations

>Laws

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timthegem

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The MCU's version of MJ was appalling. Nothing personal against Zendaya but it's impossible to like someone who has less of a personality than Lurch.

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OtakuD50

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@timthegem: MJ was a lot of things, but lacking a personality wasn't one of them.

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PlaystationZone

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Sony give it back to marvel know . Because it belongs there enough said

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deactivated-5fa6d5c3cf764

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@playstationzone: Why does it belong there ? they own the rights just like Disney owns the rights to their characters.

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PlaystationZone

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@wetro: yes my mistake I look it up and Stan lee sold it to Sony so they own it and Disney don’t . So my mistake on there plus Disney just getting greedy on money.

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j3DiKNiGHtDAVE

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I at least thank Sony for allowing him to be in the MCU. Spidey is my most favorite Marvel character, and I'm glad we got to see him in the MCU. And also got a great spider man game... But even though it will probably never happen, i would love to see spider man and any other Marvel character, return home.

We've seen enough attempts made by film companies with greedy intentions.

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slakor

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Edited By slakor

I guess Spider-Man reboot #8000 is incoming then. This is a good cue to boycott Spider-Man.

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SbargoVox3

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Can't wait for Spiderman to have a five minute song about Dunkin' Donuts or whatever egregious product placement Sony suits demand in the middle of the movie.

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deactivated-64efdf49333c4

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Lame. Greed always spoils it in the end. People don't understand why I like great franchises to end at 5 years max. Well, this is why. Eventually someone is going to ruin it.

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bat725

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@Barighm: Yep. Word is Disney wants a 50/50 split of the profits for every future Spider-Man movie. Sony obviously said no way.

I’m good with it. Let Sony make Spider-Man 4 with Toby and Raimi. They can introduce Spider-Girl.

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drod0756

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I tell you what drastic thing needs to happen. All Marvel fans need to boycott the next Venom film and this stupid Morbius vampire film. Sony now thinks they can replicate the success of Disney already forgetting the failures that was Amazing Spider-Man.

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gamingdevil800

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Edited By gamingdevil800

Well with Captain America and Iron Man out Spiderman is one of the most popular characters in the Marvel universe with the best rogue gallery to boot so it doesn't surprise me that negotiations are tough. If I were Sony though I'd let the MCU use Tom Holland while setting up a separate "Ultimate Spiderman" universe with Toby Maguire reprising his role to pass on the torch to a new spiderman. It would also get audiences use to the idea of there being multiple spidermen.

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el_swanno

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@gamingdevil800:

They have basically done that already with Into The Spiderverse. The Peter Parker from the start of the movie was pretty much Tobey Macguire’s character. The opening montage where he introduces himself is all recreations of scenes from Sam Raimi’s movies, including that cringeworthy dance scene.

Sony seems to be banking on Miles Morales for the future but whether that translates to live action films remains to be seen.

Remember: Miles also had a major role in the last Spider-Man game.

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Ice12Tray

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Considering the wild success of the Spider-Man movies it’s not a surprise. Disney doesn’t like profit sharing and Sony probably wants to not wait 3 years before they can have another Spider-Man movie...

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el_swanno

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@ice12tray:

I suspect there’s some behind the scenes friction between Feige and Amy Pascal. She had produced so many terrible movies, was fired by Sony, then had a massive hit with Homecoming and couldn’t plaster her name all over it enough.

Scott Rudin hates her. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kevin Feige does too. She sounds like a pain in the ass.

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gamingdevil800

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@ice12tray: Sony apparently gets all of the profits from Homecoming and Far From Home while giving Disney the ability to use Spiderman in Avengers etc for free. Likely I'd say Disney wanted to change that by getting a cut from future spidermen mcu movies or vice versa for using respective characters.

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Ice12Tray

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@gamingdevil800: I believe Disney got 5% of the opening box office, which is what actors usually put in their contracts to earn more than their salary. Then Sony put up the rest of the money for the solo movies. Without knowing all the details though we can’t say who was in the right. For all we know Disney wanted the 50/50 split across all Spider-Man movies including animated ones. I just want another spider verse movie!

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midnightevil

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Edited By midnightevil

@ice12tray: Disney should have just made an offer to buy back Spiderman from Sony. I mean they spent $4 billion on Star Wars and Marvel each and made the money back in 10 years.

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deactivated-64efdf49333c4

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@midnightevil: I doubt Sony would accept. Way too much money in the property.

Nothing stopping Disney from still using the character though.

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suprsolider

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See I told each and everyone of you. None of you listened. In fact, I kept getting told I have no idea what I am talking about.

Well, how about listening now. Spider-Man is gone from the MCU now. I told you their deal ended with Far From Home. The contract was for 5 films. Holland has a contract for 6. The five films were Civil War, Homecoming, Infinity War, Endgame and Far From Home. Holland has to do one more movie but they don't have to be in the MCU and it more than likely won't be all because Venom was a success.

So props to people making that shitty venom movie a success as now you have no Spidey in the MCU. Hope you are all happy.

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Iloveqwop

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@suprsolider: Lol IM glad hes gone. Anything to destroy this stupid comic book crap already. These movies dont even feel like movies anymore.

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monkyby87

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@suprsolider: wow, the arrogance.

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suprsolider

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Edited By suprsolider

@monkyby87:

It's the TRUTH. I kept saying it and everyone kept going, you just wait and see. Spidey isn't ever leaving the MCU.

Well here we are today with new that Spidey is now GONE from the MCU. So who was right in the end??

Now be quiet and start listening for once.

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Iloveqwop

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@suprsolider: Shut your face pleb

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suprsolider

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@iloveqwop

You shut your face before I come make you.

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Iloveqwop

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Edited By Iloveqwop

@suprsolider: How do you blame a completely separate studio, for a completely separate movie? Its the movies "Venoms" fault? lol wtf? Uhh how is there supposed to be any competition derp?

Im gonna guess you havent gotten to this nexus of logic in your deaccelerated classes because you are everything wrong with fans of these stupid movies. It has nothing to do with your opinion of a separate movie

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Roy023

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@iloveqwop: He probably spouts a million theories and was right for just once, let him have his 1 second of self-proclaimed fame. =)

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deactivated-5efed3ebc2180

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Dear Sony, go **** yourself. Killing off Spider-Man movies is apparently their hobby. And BTW, Venom was a terrible movie, only the "popcorn 'tards" and their wallets saved it. Not looking forward to its sequel at all.

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shadowwarrior4

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and here we go again

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