The internet was torn asunder yesterday when it was revealed that negotiations between Sony and Marvel to continue their sharing of Spider-Man had broken down, meaning the wall-crawler will be leaving the MCU effective immediately. Fans have gone into meltdown over the news, with many conflicting follow-up reports confusing things. However, Sony has released an official statement on the matter now which confirms that the split is indeed happening.
The studio’s statement promises that Spidey’s story will still continue on from where things were left off in Spider-Man: Far From Home though, even if Peter Parker can’t rub shoulders with the Avengers any longer. The statement, which you can read in full here, cites that they’re “disappointed” that Kevin Feige will no longer spearhead the character’s movies but that they “respect Disney’s decision.”
It’s the last line that’s the most intriguing, though, as it gives us the first hint at what Sony will do next. “Kevin is terrific,” it says, “and we are grateful for his help and guidance and appreciate the path he has helped put us on, which we will continue.”
The original story of the split suggested that Tom Holland and director Jon Watts will be returning for two more movies over at Sony, which fits in line with the studio’s tease that their efforts will follow the story Feige began in the MCU. We can perhaps infer, then, that the arc which kicked off in Far From Home – that of Peter’s secret identity being outed to the world – will go ahead. Just don’t expect Nick Fury to show up next time or for Spidey to crossover in, say, Avengers 5.
Sony’s stock has already fallen since the news, with fans even calling for a boycott of their movies (despite it being Disney’s decision to split after Sony wouldn’t agree to a 50/50 share of the profits). As things stand though, Spider-Man in the MCU is no more. But at the very least, Peter Parker’s adventures will still continue on the big screen. They’ll just look at lot different from now on.