I don’t want to overreact, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was fun while it lasted. Fans were treated to two solo outings for the webbed hero, alongside appearances in “Captain America: Civil War” and both of the latest “Avengers” films.
But with the recent news of a potentially permanent split between Spider-Man and the MCU, things are suddenly looking grim.
After months of back-and-forth negotiations between Disney and Sony, the two companies couldn’t reach an agreement over rights to the classic character.
While Sony currently controls therights to the character, at least in film,the parties had reached an agreement in 2015 allowing Marvel their own usage of Spider-Man. As per the partnership, Marvel wouldn’t pay Sony to use the character in their own crossover films. Additionally, Sony wouldn’t receive any percentage of revenue from these films.
In exchange, Marvel wouldn’t receive any box office revenue from Sony’s standalone films, like the recent “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” But Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, could oversee production ofthe Sony films and remain involvedwith the character’s growth.
The result? A deal still benefiting both parties greatly. While Marvel has controlled the rights for T.V. and merchandise, these categories aren’t exactly a gold mine. It’s difficult to deny Spider-Man’s ever-growing popularity, in large part due to actor Tom Holland’s charisma.
But good things don’t last, and we should have known better. Reportedly due to Disney seeking a 50/50 stake in profits — a substantial, bold increase from years past— Sony has quickly backed out of the partnership entirely.
So what does this mean for Marvel fans?
First and foremost, don’t get your hopes up. The future isn’t looking bright. Spider-Man likely won’t be appearing in any more MCU films. No, not even the crossovers. While “Far From Home” established Peter Parker as one of the new, lead faces of the Avengers and Iron Man’s rightful successor, these long-term plans are effectively scrapped and Peter Parker will be no more.
And even if Sony continues to make their own Spider-Man films, they’ll be devoid of any Marvel references or characters Disney owns. We don’t want another “Venom,” but it’s looking more likely by the second.
It’s a messy, lose-lose situation and fans are already up in arms, threatening to boycott future films unless anew deal is struck. Spider-Man is a core member of the MCU now, and whether it be through Disney backing down or Sony realizing their own franchise is nothing without Holland’s version of the character, both companies will continue to lose goodwill, profits and loyal fans until they figure out a compromise.
Hopefully that compromise comes sooner rather than later.
Max Rothenberg can be reached at [email protected]