Spider-Man is back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel Studios and Sony Entertainment have reached a deal to continue the web-slinger’s adventures in the MCU for a bit longer. Accordingly, a third Spider-Man film has been set for release on July 16, 2021 with Marvel Studios and Sony both co-producing. Marvel Studios architect Kevin Feige will return to don production duties.
Commenting on Spidey being reinstated in the MCU, Feige was naturally ecstatic and had this to say:
I am thrilled that Spidey’s journey in the MCU will continue, and I and all of us at Marvel Studios are very excited that we get to keep working on it. Spider-Man is a powerful icon and hero whose story crosses all ages and audiences around the globe. He also happens to be the only hero with the superpower to cross cinematic universes, so as Sony continues to develop their own Spidey-verse you never know what surprises the future might hold.
Sony’s Amy Pascal was equally excited about the news, claiming in a statement, “This is terrific. Peter Parker’s story took a dramatic turn in Far From Home and I could not be happier we will all be working together as we see where his journey goes.”
Last month, news broke that Disney and Sony negotiations had failed to reach a consensus, leaving Spider-Man out of the MCU and fans heartbroken. Tom Holland himself looked quite disappointed but had managed to maintain a neutral conduct across events. A cryptic post by Holland with a screaming DiCaprio from The Wolf of Wall Street was the first sign that the studios had brokered an agreement. As part of the new deal, Disney will get 25% of the movie’s revenues in exchange for putting in 25% co-financing, while still getting to retain merchandising rights.
There’s still a lot of stuff to be finalized. Director Jon Watts is rumored to be in negotiations to return and in all likelihood, he will. This would make him the only director to helm an MCU trilogy after James Gunn with Guardians of the Galaxy; Gunn still holds the title if films solely produced by Marvel Studios are factored in. As part of the deal, Spider-Man will also be a part of one Marvel Studios film but it remains to be seen whether that will be an Avengers movie or a team-up with another hero.
But of course, all that in due time. The biggest takeaway is that Spider-Man is back in the MCU for the foreseeable future. While it’s just a two-film extension, the fact that this implies the cliffhanger from the post-credits scenes of Far From Home will be resolved is exciting. You know what’s more exciting? Seeing J. Jonah Jameson in the MCU and possibly bashing other heroes of New York City. Will he brand Iron Man a menace? Will he badmouth Captain America? It’s going to be a whole lot more fun.
Spider-Man 3 (that’s what we’ll call it for now I guess) is set for release on July 16, 2021. This also kicks off our Appocalypse Hub for the movie where you’ll learn all details about the film.