S.J. Clarkson to helm Marvel project for Sony which could be Madame Web

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Although the Marvel Cinematic Universe will get to play with Spider-Man for a few more years, Sony has been setting up their own slice of the Marvel universe, which is now known by the somewhat cumbersome title of Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters. The SPUMC kicked off with VENOM, and will soon be followed by MORBIUS and VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE, but the studio has plenty of other projects centered around characters in the Spider-Man universe as well, including MADAME WEB.

Last September, Sony tapped MORBIUS writers Matt Sazam and Burk Sharpless to write the script for the MADAME WEB film, and Variety has now reported that S.J. Clarkson is set to direct a female-centric movie from Sony's collection of Marvel characters. While the identity of that character hasn't been officially confirmed, Variety's insiders say that it's a "strong possibility" that the film is MADAME WEB. Clarkson is primarily known for her work in television, having helmed episodes of Heroes, Dexter, Bates Motel, Orange is the New Black, Jessica Jones, The Defenders, and Succession. She was also tapped to direct the fourth installment of J.J. Abrams' STAR TREK reboot series before the project was shelved.

If, like me, you're not up on just who Madame Web is, the character is traditionally depicted as an elderly blind woman suffering from a chronic neuromuscular disease that hinders her moment and respiratory functions. As a byproduct of her condition, Madame Web remains connected to a life support system that looks very much like a spider's web. Not without powers of her own, Cassandra is clairvoyant and imbued with precognitive abilities that allow her to see other's paths along the "web of life." Variety notes that the film could transform the character somewhat, which would let her take on a more active role. Sony is looking at a number of A-list actors to join the film, such as Charlize Theron and Amy Adams, but nobody has been approached for the part just yet.

As far as Sony's other Marvel movies, MORBIUS is slated to hit theaters on March 19, 2021, with VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE following on June 25, 2021.