Avenger No More: Spider-Man Is Probably Leaving the MCU

Mr. Stark, I don’t feel so good.

They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Take Sony Pictures, who kept making Spider-Man sequels that were worse than their predecessors.

In 2015, Sony relented and partnered up with Disney’s Marvel Studios, letting Marvel head Kevin Feige oversee their Spidey flicks, and lending their exclusively-owned Marvel property to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What followed was Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home, two of the most critically acclaimed and highest grossing Spider-Man movies of all time, not to mention Captain America: Civil War and the last two Avengers instalments.

Now, Sony’s deciding to take back the reins, having become confident enough to nix a deal to extend the partnership with Disney. So, no more Spidey in the MCU.

Fans have feelings:

Imma watch the movie and call my bank right after to dispute the transaction. You just ruined phases 4 and 5 secret wars was setup in far from home now he won’t be in it 🤣🤣🤣

— OPEN DOMINOES‼️ 50% OFF (@KiddDasher) August 20, 2019

Stan Lee about to comeback over this nonsense like #SaveSpiderMan pic.twitter.com/z1U6NEBjQC

— spartan (@neonbelly6116) August 20, 2019

Taking Spidey out of the MCU is the wrong move, guys. I won't participate in this funeral procession. pic.twitter.com/nTUVJPiZZE

— Project Steve (@ProjectSteve) August 20, 2019

pic.twitter.com/Mc9VpuTo5p

— ᱬ Scarlet Witch ᱬ (@laurenj08884409) August 20, 2019

According to Deadline, Disney wanted the next Spider-Man sequels to be co-financed by both studios. However, Sony balked at the agreement (which would have likely seen Disney, now ponying up more dough on the productions, also getting more than five per cent of first dollar grosses too).

All of this is to say: the disagreement was more of a financial one than a creative one. However, it’s going to have major creative ramifications.

At the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Tom Holland’s Peter Parker was being positioned as a true successor to Iron Man in the world of the MCU. Now, it’s likely the MCU won’t even mention the existence of a friendly-neighbourhood spider-person, let alone show Peter Parker’s likeness.

That also means no more cameos in future Disney-Marvel movies, and certainly no participation in Avengers sequels (like the 'hinted at' Secret Wars plotline). On the flip side, Sony’s Spider-Man flicks won’t be able to include anyone from the MCU (including Nick Fury, Maria Hill, Happy Hogan or Talos, who all popped up in Far From Home).

Instead, you’ll probably see Holland’s Peter Parker fraternising with Tom Hardy in the upcoming Venom 2, as well as the vampire played by Jared Leto in Morbius. Sony is still developing two more standalone Spider-Man movies with Holland in the lead as well, not to mention more entries in the animated Spider-Verse.

Variety suggests a deal could still be reached, with Sony apparently keen on the arrangement as it currently stands. Perhaps they could negotiate a happy compromise. But don’t get your hopes up. Disney may own most of the valuable properties in the known universe, but Spidey may remain out of reach.

Update: Sony now says discussions fell apart because Disney didn't want to lend them Feige anymore. Hurts to be popular!

Header Image: Sony Pictures