by Matthew Yapp Spider-Man has returned to the Marvel cinematic universe, announced a joint statement from Marvel and Sony Pictures. This comes only a month after an ongoing deal between Marvel Studios and Sony was ended due to disagreements on how costs and profits for the Spider-Man films should be split. The character is licensed to Marvel by Sony, who owns the rights to the characters cinematic use. Disney was seeking a large cut of the future Spider-Man films and Sony was seeking to keep the same deal that had been used for Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home. The new deal, as reported by variety, will grant Disney a quarter of future films profits while allowing Disney to maintain their marketing rights for the character. Disney is also expected to pay for a quarter of the films costs. Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, stated in the joint release, “I am thrilled that Spidey’s journey in the MCU will continue, and I and all of us at Marvel Studios are very excited that we get to keep working on it. Spider-Man is a powerful icon and hero whose story crosses all ages and audiences around the globe. He also happens to be the only hero with the superpower to cross cinematic universes, so as Sony continues to develop their own Spidey-verse you never know what surprises the future might hold.” Sony Chief Communications Officer Robert Lawson “We have had a great collaboration over the last four years, and our mutual desire to continue was equal to that of the many fans We are delighted to be moving forward together.” The film, which will feature Tom Holland reprising his role as Spider-Man, will once again be produced by Kevin Feige. It is expected for release in July of 2021.
