It’s been talked about for years, and the subject of much fevered speculation in recent months, especially following the relative disappointment of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, but now it’s official: Marvel and Sony are joining forces to co-produce the web-slinger’s next films.
Under the terms of the deal, Spider-Man will first appear in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film – potentially Captain America: Civil War, since he appears in the comic book version, provided that won’t make the already hero-stuffed film too crowded – followed by the next, Sony-produced Spider-film, which is now scheduled for July 28, 2017. And in a more surprising, but natural move, Marvel boss Kevin Feige will be involved in future decisions about the web slinger, working alongside former Sony boss Amy Pascal to develop what is described as a new creative direction for the character. Sony is keeping hold of the rights to Spidey, and will have final creative control on its Spider-Man output. It's something of a landmark deal for two studios, but surely a given at this point with the growing demand.
Nothing was mentioned in the announcement about whether this means a new actor will be replacing Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker and his heroic alter ego, but all the talk of a new creative direction makes us think there will be some changes ahead, though hopefully not yet another origin story.
“I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie,” says Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige in the announcement. “Amy has been deeply involved in the realization on film of one of the world’s most beloved characters. Marvel’s involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU. I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years.”
Disney/Marvel is also shifting some release dates around to maximise the fact that Spider-Man is now technically a team player. Thor: Ragnarok has been moved to November 2017 from its July date. Black Panther will now open in July 2018, moving from October 2017. Captain Marvel moved to November 2018 from July 2018, while Inhumans is headed for for July 2019 from its original October 2018 date.
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