Sony and Disney Deal at Impass; MCU Spider-Man May Be Done [Update: Sony Responds]
By: Bryce L. Jackson
Negotiations have stalled between Sony and Disney that could threaten Spider-Man’s involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
According to reports, Disney wanted to change some details in the deal that would have Disney wanting Sony to share financing obligations 50/50 with Disney. Sony would rather remain with the current terms of Disney receiving 5% of first dollar gross. With the two companies at odds over these terms, they have seemingly waled away from the bargaining table. Without an agreement, Kevin Feige would lose lead creative producer rights to the Spider-Man property, thus taking Tom Holland’s Spider-Man out of the MCU. Meanwhile, Tom Holland and the current cast still have films remaining in their contracts and would continue to fulfill that obligation under Sony’s direction.
As the story has developed, it seems that the two parties may still work out a deal that will keep Spider-Man in the MCU
As the story has developed it has been learned that terms can still be agreed upon between the two companies that can keep Spidey in the MCU if they can iron out the dispute and that the two parties haven;t called the deal “dead”. Depending on the reporting, Sony and Disney has either just had a disagreement on the terms or shrewd businessmen are playing chicken into getting the better deal for their company. In essence, with the Sony-backed Spider-Man: Far From Home now being the top grossing film in the company’s history, they aim to remain in charge of the property. While Disney wants Sony to go half on the production of future films to pad their own bottom line.
[Update: Sony issues a statement]
“Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterized recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise. We are disappointed, but respect Disney’s decision not to have him continue as a lead producer of our next live action Spider-Man film. We hope this might change in the future, but understand that the many new responsibilities that Disney has given him — including all their newly added Marvel properties — do not allow time for him to work on IP they do not own. Kevin is terrific and we are grateful for his help and guidance and appreciate the path he has helped put us on, which we will continue.”