Spider-Man, Spider-Man! Does whatever an Avenger can? If your comic book-loving friends are acting a little strange today, it’s only because their spidey senses are tingling at the news that Marvel and Sony are teaming up and bringing Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While the web-slinger has had adventures with other Marvel heroes in the comics, it was doubtful it would ever happen on screen, because several years ago Marvel split the movie rights of its superheroes between various studios. Long story short, the chances of seeing Spider-Man hanging out with Thor were virtually nil. Until now. In a press release Marvel stated “The new relationship follows a decade of speculation among fans about whether Spider-Man – who has always been an integral and important part of the larger Marvel Universe in the comic books – could become part of the Marvel Universe on the big screen. Spider-Man has more than 50 years of history in Marvel’s world, and with this deal, fans will be able to experience Spider-Man taking his rightful place among other Super Heroes in the MCU.”
The rest of the statement contains the usual corporate back-slapping and talk of good vibes, collaboration and friendship between Sony and Marvel. “This is the right decision for the franchise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans,” said Sony’s head honcho Michael Lynton (read: we’re all going to make a lot of money). Sony’s Amy Pascal (of Sony Pictures Hack fame) will work with Marvel’s Kevin Feige to bring us more Spider-man movies. The underperformance of the last Spider-Man movie had put Pascal’s future at the company in jeopardy. Peter Parker will make his next cinematic appearance in the next Captain America film, before possibly joining the rest of the Avengers. Andrew Garfield will not be returning to the role, however.
