For years, comic book fans have recognized Spider-Man as one of the Avengers, but after some complex business deals granted Sony the rights to Spider-Man and his universe in the 1990s, fans feared that a big-screen crossover would never come true. Fortunately, the latest announcement by Marvel and Sony revealed that Spider-Man may finally co-exist with his fellow Avengers in upcoming films.
Spider-Man lovers received heart-stopping news Monday night thanks to a long-awaited announcement from Marvel and Sony.
After months of speculation and unconfirmed rumors, it has finally been revealed that Sony and Marvel closed a deal to bring Spider-Man into Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU).
While they did not reveal which film Spider-Man will make an appearance in, the speculation and guessing games have already begun with most signs pointing at an Avengers-related movie.
In the comic books, Spider-Man joined the Avengers back in the ’90s but has yet to appear alongside any of his super-powered allies in theaters.
This latest deal not only confirms that Spider-Man will be swinging his way into the MCU, but it also revealed that the next installment of the multibillion-dollar Spider-Man franchise will be undergoing a serious creative overhaul.
“Under the deal the new Spider-Man will first appear in a Marvel film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe,” the statement on Marvel’s website revealed. “Sony Pictures will thereafter release the next installment of its $4 billion Spider-Man franchise, on July 28, 2017, in a film that will be co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. Together, they will collaborate on a new creative direction for the web slinger.”
Based on Marvel’s confirmed film release dates, three likely films have surfaced as front-runners for introducing fans to the new and improved Spidey.
He could appear in Captain America 3: Civil War, which is set to be released in May 2016; Doctor Strange, which is set for release in November 2016, or Guardians of the Galaxy 2, which is set to be released in May 2017.
Fans expect that Spider-Man will be joining the patriotic hero himself, Captain America, but that hasn’t been confirmed.
Either way, Marvel is just happy to be bringing Spider-Man to his rightful home on the big screens.
“Spider-Man has more than 50 years of history in Marvel’s world, and with this deal, fans will be able to experience Spider-Man taking his rightful place among other Super Heroes in the MCU,” Marvel’s statement continued.
With Fox and Marvel having a similar deal as Sony and Marvel when it comes to the rights of X-Men, some fans were hopeful that the latest crossover deal could encourage Fox to loan out the beloved academy of mutants.
Unfortunately, there are no signs that this deal is in the works nor is it likely when considering the history between Fox and Marvel.
Sony and Marvel have had a much better relationship than the comic giant has had with Fox, so it could still be quite some time before we see the X-Men joining forces with any other Marvel fan favorites.
