Sony Pictures/PASpider-Man fans are in disarray across the globe: the web-slinger is allegedly out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Sony Pictures, who own the film rights to the character, and Disney came to an agreement before Captain America: Civil War that allowed for the friendly neighbourhood hero to appear in MCU movies.
While the paperwork behind the deal is lengthy, the crux of it is this: Sony retains the film rights, financing them and receiving much of the financial reward, but Disney owns the merchandising rights to Spider-Man as well as 5 per cent of first-dollar gross (the money the movie makes on its opening day).
Sony PicturesDeadline reported their relationship has come to an end over the commodity that drives the world – money. Disney are reportedly pushing for a 50/50 financing and profit split on all things Spider-Man – particularly after Far From Home, which is the highest-grossing Spidey movie of all time taking $1.1 billion at the time of writing.
The news has not resonated well with the fans, striking a venomous chord with people who have experienced Sony’s infamously frustrating handling of the cherished character.
Marvel StudiosRyan Reynolds, who plays the sweary, chimichanga-loving Deadpool – now technically part of the MCU after Disney bought 20th Century Fox – has shared his response to the news, and it’s ignited the feels among the fans.
After being asked on Twitter if we could get a Spider-Man and Deadpool movie, Reynolds offered a bittersweet reply.
You can. But you can only see it in my heart.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 20, 2019
He wrote: ‘You can. But you can only see it in my heart.’
The response has been immediate, with users across the world forced into a glass case of emotion over the news.
“you can only see it in my heart.” pic.twitter.com/nhzAT4iS4L
— Zaira (@coupdebanks) August 20, 2019
YOU BREAK MY HEART pic.twitter.com/7DsE5kVPRx
— mika (@gyllevan) August 20, 2019
IM GONNA FUCKING CRY
— ً (@bladeswidow) August 20, 2019
Sony Pictures have since posted a statement on Twitter, citing Kevin Feige’s – Marvel’s imperial producer – large workload getting in the way of looking after a character his studio doesn’t own.
The statement also adds that they hope this decision won’t last forever – so there’s a smidgen of hope there.
Have a look at the full statement below:
Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterized recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise. 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. (1/3)
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) August 21, 2019
We hope this might change in the future, but understand that the many new responsibilities that Disney has given him – including all their newly added Marvel properties – do not allow time for him to work on IP they do not own. (2/3)
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) August 21, 2019
Kevin is terrific and we are grateful for his help and guidance and appreciate the path he has helped put us on, which we will continue. (3/3)
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) August 21, 2019
The story is far from over though. ComicBook report negotiations are still on-going. There’s also the cynical angle: have Disney stepped away from the table because they know they’re evangelical fans will step in and force Sony into a PR nightmare?
DisneyOne thing’s for certain: nobody wants Tom Holland’s Spider-Man to exit the MCU. Let’s hope the studios can sort out their differences. With great power, comes great responsibility, after all.
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After graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University with an NCTJ and BCTJ-accredited Multimedia Journalism degree, Cameron ventured into the world of print journalism at The National, while also working as a freelance film journalist on the side, becoming an accredited Rotten Tomatoes critic in the process. He’s now left his Scottish homelands and took up residence at UNILAD as a journalist.