Sony is attempting the superhero film equivalent of “doing a lot with a little.” Instead of owning the film rights to a huge connected universe, like WB’s DCEU or Marvel Studios’ MCU, Sony has the “Spider-Man” film rights. And though the character is one of the most popular superheroes in comic book and film history, there’s no obvious way to spin it off into a whole connected universe. Well, Sony is damn sure going to try, as we’ve seen with the films “Venom” and the upcoming “Morbius,” taking supporting characters and giving them their own spotlight. And that trend continues with “Jackpot.”
According to Deadline, Sony has hired Marc Guggenheim to write the script for a “Jackpot” film, spinning off from “Spider-Man” lore. Wait, you don’t know who Jackpot is and why the studio would make a film about her? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, as the character is a very minor supporting player in the lore and someone that even comic book fans would be hard-pressed to remember.
Jackpot is a superhero that has a fairly simple origin story that would likely translate well to the big screen—a pregnant woman comes into contact with a virus that manipulates DNA and grants her superhuman strength after she gives birth. A superhero mom. Simple. Well, being that we’re talking about comic books, Jackpot has a ton of more drama in her backstory and even another woman took up the mantle at one point, only to die. It’s very soap opera-y, and thus, very much a comic book story.
Interestingly enough, Guggenheim has a background that makes him perfect for adapting the character for the big screen. He, along with co-writer Brian Reed, penned a number of “Jackpot” comics and seemingly has a strong knowledge of the character. So, let’s hope this is a good sign for the future development of the film.
“Jackpot” joins a number of Sony-based Marvel films that take existing heroes from “Spider-Man” lore and gives them their own adventures. Joining “Jackpot” are films based on Madame Web (supposedly directed by SJ Clarkson), Black Cat/Silver Sable (titled “Silver & Black”), Kraven the Hunter, and many more. There’s even an unknown film being written by Roberto Orci that is supposed to connect to this new universe somehow. Needless to say, Sony is doing its best to build a connected universe built around one character. Let’s see how it turns out.