Marvel Makes a Deal with Sony to Bring Spider-Man into the MCU

By Cindy Davis | Marvel Movies | February 10, 2015 |

By Cindy Davis | Marvel Movies | February 10, 2015 |

Well now, things just got really interesting. Last night Sony and Marvel entered into a partnership that will allow Spider-Man to appear in both studios’ films. For those of you who’ve been aching for Spidey to be a part of the MCU — as he is in the comics — this is a pretty cool move. I do wonder how casting will work; will Marvel and Sony use the same actor? (Andrew Garfield will not return.)

Under the new deal, Spider-Man’s first appearance will be in a Marvel movie (rumor has it, Captain America: Civil War) and thereafter, Sony will release their next franchise film July 28, 2017. Here are the official statements by Disney Chairman and CEO, Bob Iger, Marvel Studios head, Kevin Feige, and Sony Pictures Chairman and CEO, Michael Lynton:

“Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s great characters, beloved around the world. We’re thrilled to work with Sony Pictures to bring the iconic web-slinger into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which opens up fantastic new opportunities for storytelling and franchise building.” (Iger)

“We always want to collaborate with the best and most successful filmmakers to grow our franchises and develop our characters. Marvel, Kevin Feige and Amy, who helped orchestrate this deal, are the perfect team to help produce the next chapter of Spider-Man. This is the right decision for the franchise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans.” (Lynton)

“I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie. 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.” (Feige)

In addition to the big news, Marvel also announced its adjusted upcoming release slate as follows:

Thor: Ragnarok has been moved from July 28th to November 3rd, 2017

Black Panther: July 6, 2018

Captain Marvel: November 2, 2018

Inhumans: July 12, 2019

It’s really great to see studios playing together nicely, and while they say it’s a move for the fans, it sure won’t hurt their profit margin either.

Cindy Davis, (Twitter)