We postulate the future of Sony's Spider-man franchise (or lack thereof).
For any of you who have enjoyed the single most amazing run of superhero films ever produced, Sony Pictures' Spider-man films might not even make your list. We wouldn't blame you: The Amazing Spider-man 2's over-bloated storyline earned it the smallest box office totals of the franchise (including Sam Raimi's version), immediately placing Ol' Web Head at the back of superhero bus. In July, Sony moved The Amazing Spider-Man 3 from 2016 to 2018 (which really means it won't happen at all), replacing it with a 'soft reboot' and featuring The Sinister Six. There's also been talk of a female superhero film (maybe Spider-woman). But no one knew the true issues facing the studio, that is until the largest hack in Hollywood's history opened the door to a company struggling to figure out their next moves. According to details revealed in hacked email correspondences involving Amy Pascal and Bob Iger, the studio has considered a new relationship with Marvel-owner Disney to have Spider-man appear in 2016's Captain America: Civil War.
The emails included correspondences with Sony CEO Kaz Hirai and Disney CEO Bob Iger, according to The Wall Street Journal. An October 30th email from Sony president Doug Belgrad discussed the possibility of Marvel producing a new Spider-Man trilogy that would see Sony retain "creative control, marketing and distribution." This also jibes with a Hollywood Reporter source that confirms Marvel approached Sony about Spider-Man.
Unfortunately, the Captain America and trilogy talks later broke down because Lego Movie directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord were working on a Spider-Man animated comedy that would have conflicted.
If you're not already aware, Sony holds the licensing rights to produce Spider-Man movies, but Marvel still could be in the hunt, provided that a Sony meeting set for January moves forward. At that time, the studio will discuss its long-term plans for the franchise, which means Marvel could and should be there. Again for the uninitiated, Spider-man plays a pivotal role in the 2006 comic Civil War, caught between the war over The Superhuman Registration Act. Although having Spider-man around for the 2016 release is important, it's not critical, as the studio is replacing him with Chadwick Bozeman's Black Panther. Honestly, it might be time for Sony to return the right back to Marvel, in exchange for a few billion dollars. Marvel is the only one that can produce this type of project, as their marketing arm and deep history with the characters give them a distinct advantage.
Still, Sony is apparently not too hip on doing this, as evidenced by more hacked emails that show they want the franchise to be "quality." Yet, we all know their track record hasn't been spotless, going back to their horrible treatment of Venom in the Tobey Maquire series. Also, with WB and Fox apparently on the rise with their superhero properties, Sony is definitely bringing up the rear. This lack of confidence and enthusiasm with its fans represent potential nails in the coffin, already dooming a studio which lost $1 billion in 2013. And the future doesn't look bright: a Sinister Six film starring a silly Russian Paul Giamatti-controlled robotic Rhino an a Green Goblin that arrived half-baked? I don't think so. It's time, Sony. Give up Peter Parker and focus on James Bond. It's your last best hope.
Please Leave A Comment-
Comments