We wondered what was going on when Spider-Man 3 wasn’t part of Marvel’s Phase 4 line-up, and yesterday we found out why. A new deal between Sony and Marvel to share the character couldn’t be reached which means that, as things stand, Spider-Man will no longer be part of the MCU. Obviously, fans are going crazy over the news and keeping their fingers crossed that things might change, and it seems that Sony is hoping for the same.
The studio released an official statement in response to all the reports and rumors last night, which explains that they’re “disappointed” in Disney’s decision to nix the deal following the two company’s financial disagreement. The statement praises Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and his overseeing of the wall-crawler’s adventures in the MCU as well and one promising passage even says that they hope negotiations might be opened up again in time.
“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.”
This is corroborated by insider sources who say that Spidey being removed from the MCU is just where things currently stand and the situation might change if Sony and Disney return to their discussions. The issue is that Disney wants 50% of the profits due to their producing of the last few Spider-Man movies, but Sony won’t go for that. If either studio changes their stance though, then maybe something can be done and a new agreement can be reached.
Until that time, however, it looks like Sony is moving forward with its own plans for Spider-Man without Marvel’s involvement. Two more films are in the works with Tom Holland back in the suit and Jon Watts returning as director. So, the core storyline set up in Spider-Man: Far From Home will likely continue, just without all the ties to the wider MCU. And without the opportunity for Holland to hop over for, say, Avengers 5. But hey, maybe we’ll get a Venom crossover instead?