Sony Blames Disney for Snapping the Spider-Man Movie Deal
Sony has responded to yesterday’s reports that Spider-Man is out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, after a negotiation impasse with Disney’s Marvel Studios.
The studio, who owns the movie rights to Spider-Man, blamed the separation on Marvel. They claim studio head Kevin Feige was too busy working on new Marvel movie and TV projects to produce a film outside of the Marvel umbrella.
Disney’s Demands
Other reports appear to lay the blame at Disney’s feet as well. The previous deal with Sony (who paid all production costs) reportedly gave Marvel Studios 5% of Spidey movie box office and all merchandise revenue. Disney reportedly wanted to split production costs in exchange for half the box office and all of the merchandise.
That put the deal heavily in Disney’s favor. Despite Sony owning the rights, Disney would get most of the revenue the Spider-Man films would generate from ticket sales and merchandise.
Sony, of course, balked at the idea, and in a statement released late Tuesday night, they made it clear they wanted to do a deal.
“Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterized recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise,” Sony’s statement read. “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.”
While Sony appears willing to continue negotiations, unconfirmed reports say Marvel Studios considers the matter closed. They seem unwilling to discuss bringing Spider-Man back to the MCU.
The move could ultimately backfire on Marvel, as their post-Avengers movie lineup has been called lackluster at best.
Tom Holland, who plays Peter Parker/Spider-Man, has not commented on the matter, and is contracted to do two more films for Sony.
Grace Randolph insists her sources say negotiations are still ongoing. She claims the statement by Sony is a hardball move to get Disney to back off their unreasonable demands.
Marvel Fans Turn On Disney
Meanwhile, Marvel fans, initially upset with Sony, are now turning on Disney as details of their demands have surfaced.
Keep checking back for more details as they are released.
