We're still about two weeks out from the release of SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING, but we've been hearing plenty about Sony's plans for the future of the Spiderverse. Along with all the various spin-offs, a sequel to SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING is also in the works, and, like SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING, it will also pair a Marvel Cinematic Universe character up with Spider-Man (Tom Holland).
In THR's recent feature about Sony's partnership with Marvel in regards to Spider-Man, it was revealed that the studio will get a to-be-determined Marvel character for the upcoming sequel. Sources say that it won't be Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) this time around, but other than that, your guess is as good as mine. I understand why Iron Man was included in SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING as it confirms to audiences that the film does indeed take place in the MCU, but do we really need to pair Spider-Man up with another character? Sony obviously wants to take full advantage of their new relationship with Marvel, but Spider-Man has more than enough charisma to stand alone.
The report doesn't specify whether Spidey's new co-star will be an existing MCU character or one who has yet to appear, but we may want to keep an eye on who Spider-Man clicks with in the upcoming AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. The rest of Sony's Spiderverse is expanding quickly, with projects centered around Venom, Kraven the Hunter, Black Cat, Silver Sable, and Mysterio in various stages of development. Tom Holland is apparently only contractually obligated to appear in the two sequels to SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING, but Amy Pascal has teased that "there's a chance" he'll make an appearance in one or more of the spin-offs. SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING will hit theaters on July 7, 2017, and its sequel is already set for a July 5, 2019 release.
The official synopsis for SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING:
A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.
Which Marvel Cinematic Universe character would you like to see Spider-Man pair up with in the sequel?