Sony, Marvel Part Ways on Future Spider-Man Films

The co-production agreement between Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios that allowed Spider-Man to exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will not be renewed, as reported on August 21 by multiple sources.

The news comes days after Sony reported that its latest co-production with Marvel, Spider-Man: Far from Home, has grossed $1.109 billion worldwide, making it Sony’s most successful film ever. The film also served as the springboard for the MCU’s next major storyline.

According to The Hollywood Reporter: “The breakdown between the two parties came after Marvel and its parent company, Disney, requested a bigger piece of Spider-Man movies going forward, a suggestion which Sony turned down in preference for an extension of the existing agreement, which sees Marvel receiving a modest five percent of first-dollar gross, as well as all merchandising revenue.

“Sony film studio chief Tom Rothman and Marvel president Kevin Feige have been talking for months. In the end, neither party was willing to cede enough ground to come to an agreement, leading to the breakup of the partnership and removal of Feige from his producing role on any future Spider-Man movies from Sony.”

A statement from Sony obtained exclusively by The Hollywood Reporter said, “We are disappointed, but respect Disney’s decision not to have [Feige] continue as a lead producer of our next live action Spider-Man film.”