We’re likely going to see more collaboration between Sony Pictures and the Disney-owned Marvel Studios for future “Spider-Man” installments with teasing of a new trilogy from producer Amy Pascal and “Spider-Man 4” potentially already in development stages.
There had been assumptions about the new deal struck between former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Sony’s Tom Rothman, during an in-depth interview with The Hollywood Reporter, actor Tom Holland revealed what the deal actually entails. And though original trade reports said he was scheduled to be featured in a Marvel Studios event movie, everyone assumed whatever form the next ‘Avengers‘ movie takes, it’s not as cut-and-dry as they made it out to be.
“That’s not accurate at all,” Holland told THR when asked about an outstanding Marvel Studios pic still being on the docket. “The new deal that was struck up was this understanding between the two studios that should Marvel want me to appear in one of their movies, then it would be an open conversation. I don’t think it’s as black and white as ‘I have a three-picture deal with Marvel and a three-picture deal with Sony.’ It’s just this open conversation and open dialogue between Mr. Iger and Mr. Rothman.”
The prevailing expectation is that Marvel Studios will continue to be creatively involved with Spidey’s future movies after Pascal’s comments.
At one time, before the release of the billion-dollar-plus hit “Spider-Man: Far From Home” there was an expectation that Sony would take back Spider-Man severing his use in the MCU (Marvel also demanded a cut of those earnings as they hadn’t had any previously). Holland spearheaded an attempt to get the two companies back to the bargaining table leading to “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” and future films to be directly set in the MCU.
However, it does sound like the lines of communication between the two studios are stronger than they were at the start of the deal. Does that expand into the wave of Sony-made spinoffs? That remains to be seen.
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is set to debut in theaters on December 17. Check out some new clips from the film below.