Disney Spider Man Agreement
The Disney Spider-Man Agreement: What You Need to Know
Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe were shocked to learn in August 2019 that Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios were unable to come to an agreement regarding the continued use of Spider-Man in the MCU. However, a new agreement was reached in September, much to the relief of fans around the world. Here`s what you need to know about the Disney Spider-Man agreement.
Background
Sony Pictures has owned the film rights to Spider-Man since 1999 and has released six Spider-Man films within that time, including three starring Tobey Maguire and two starring Andrew Garfield. In 2015, Sony and Marvel Studios reached an agreement that allowed Spider-Man to appear in the MCU, beginning with Captain America: Civil War. This agreement meant that Spider-Man could appear in MCU films and allowed Marvel to use the character in their own universe storylines.
The Dispute
In August 2019, it was reported that negotiations between Sony and Disney had broken down and that Spider-Man would no longer be able to appear in MCU films. The disagreement was reportedly due to a dispute over funding and Disney`s request for a 50/50 co-financing stake in future Spider-Man movies. Sony was not willing to agree to these terms and ultimately pulled Spider-Man from the MCU.
The New Agreement
In September 2019, Sony and Disney announced that a new agreement had been reached that would allow Spider-Man to appear in one more MCU film and one standalone Sony film. As part of the deal, Disney will receive 25% of the profits from the upcoming Sony film, while retaining the rights to merchandise and half the profits from the MCU film.
What This Means for the Future
While the new agreement is a relief for fans of the MCU, it does raise questions about the future of Spider-Man in the franchise. It is unclear whether the character will be able to continue to have a significant role in the MCU or if his appearances will be limited to cameos. Meanwhile, Sony has plans to expand their own Spider-Man universe with the upcoming Morbius film and a sequel to Venom.
In conclusion, the Disney Spider-Man agreement is a win for both Sony and Disney, as well as fans of the beloved character. While it remains to be seen how his future in the MCU will play out, we can all rest easy knowing that Spider-Man will continue to swing across our screens for years to come.