Spider-Man: No Way Home will kickoff a shared Sony & Marvel universe

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

After years of speculation, Sony Pictures have provided us some answers about having a planned shared universe between their studio and Marvel. It appears that this is indeed in the cards and Spider-Man: No Way Home will be the film that kicks things off.

As reported in "Variety", Sony Exec, Sanford Panitch has suggested that Spider-Man: No Way Home will kick off a shared Marvel Universe. Panitch addressed the ongoing tension and barriers that prevent MCU Spider-Man from appearing in Sony's Marvel film and he revealed that they do have a plan to rectify this and that the fans are starting to catch onto it. While he didn't go into great detail, he indicated that the tensions will be resolved and that things will be a lot clearer once Spider-Man: No Way Home is released. Here is what he had to say:

"There actually is a plan. I think now maybe it’s getting a little more clear for people where we’re headed and I think when ‘No Way Home’ comes out, even more will be revealed. The great thing is we have this very excellent relationship with Kevin [Feige]. There’s an incredible sandbox there to play with. We want those MCU movies to be absolutely huge, because that’s great for us and our Marvel characters, and I think that’s the same thing on their side. But we have a great relationship. There’s lots of opportunities, I think, that are going to happen."

For years, Sony's film rights to Marvel's Spider-Man have been very tricky and controversial. Things took a more positive turn when Sony and Marvel collaborated to bring Spider-Man into the MCU. The deal brought Spider-Man home, with Tom Holland taking on the web-slinger role for six films. The shared ownership raised the idea that MCU's Holland can technically appear in Sony's Marvel films such as Venom, Morbius, and the recently announced Kraven the Hunter. While the notion of Spider-Man appearing in the Venom universe hasn't really been addressed yet, the trailer for Morbius suggested the connection when Michael Keaton, who portrayed Adrian Toomes aka The Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming, made an appearance in that films first look. Sony clearly wants this to happen and they have been making small moves to hint that is the direction they're going.

Some hardcore Marvel fans are very skeptical of giving Sony back too much control of the character. Spider-Man has thrived in the MCU while fans are quick to point out the mediocre responses to The Amazing Spider-Man and, most notably, its sequel. There is also Venom which, while making a killing at the worldwide box office, was ripped apart by critics. I think fans would like to see this shared universe but who would be more creatively involved? Sony or Marvel? I guess time will only tell but it will be really interesting to see how it all plays out.

What are YOUR thoughts on a Sony & Marvel shared universe?