This is a huge punch in the gut…
The longstanding Disney-Sony fight over the rights of Spider-Man have seemingly come to and end, and not in the best way. In a statement, Sony said it was “disappointed” that Marvel president Kevin Feige would no longer act as lead producer on the film franchise. This was squarely placing the blame on Disney for cutting the successful inter-studio co-operation of the Marvel superhero short. As a result, Sony Pictures will carry on the Spider-Man franchise without Marvel Studios’ involvement.
A Sony spokesperson, said in a statement, “We are disappointed, but respect Disney’s decision not to have him continue as a lead producer of our next live-action Spider-Man film.”
It was said that Feige, who helmed the Marvel Cinematic Universe for Disney-owned Marvel, may have too much on his plate, especially when that Disney recently acquired additional Marvel characters through its acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
However, new reports reveal that Feige won’t produce any further Spider-Man films because of an inability by Disney and Sony Pictures to reach new terms that would have given the former a co-financing stake going forward. Additionally, Disney asked that future Spider-Man films be a 50/50 co-financing arrangement between the studios, an offer which Sony turned down flat.
Under current terms, Marvel receives about 5 percent of first dollar gross.
Despite not being able to see our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in future MCU storylines, Sony says that there are two more Spider-Man films in the works and the studio hopes to have director Jon Watts and Tom Holland back in action.
By: Maytinee Kramer