Spider-Man to remain in Marvel Cinematic Universe as Disney and Sony strike deal
- Popular web-slinging superhero set to return in new sequel in 2021
- Earlier dispute between Hollywood studios left fans uncertain about Spider-Man’s fate
Spider-Man, the popular web-slinging superhero currently played by actor Tom Holland, will headline a new movie in 2021 and appear in a future Marvel Studios film under a deal announced on Friday by Sony and the Walt Disney Co.
The agreement between the Hollywood studios was welcome news to fans who had feared that a corporate dispute would keep Spider-Man out of the blockbuster Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
“I am thrilled that Spidey’s journey in the MCU will continue,” Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said in a statement.
In August, Disney-owned Marvel Studios and Sony’s Sony Pictures were at an impasse over Spider-Man’s future. Sony owns the rights to the Marvel character under a long-standing arrangement, while Disney controls others such as Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain Marvel and Black Panther.
The news about the break-up had disappointed fans, who took to Twitter to start a campaign with hashtags “#SaveSpiderMan” and “#SaveSpidey”.