Looks like the rumors were true. Sony has announced plans for spin-off films from their Spider-Man franchise, and they will be VENOM and THE SINISTER SIX. Sony has hired writers Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner, Ed Solomon and Drew Goddard for the spin-offs. They'll be working with producers Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach, and director Marc Webb as a “franchise brain to expand the universe for the brand and to develop a continuous tone and thread throughout the films," says Sony. Kurtzman, Orci and Solomon will write VENOM (with Kurtzman directing), and Goddard will write THE SINISTER SIX, as well as possibly direct.
Columbia Pictures president Doug Belgrad on expanding Spider-Man's cinematic universe:
“The Spider-Man film franchise is one of our studio’s greatest assets. We are thrilled with the creative team we have assembled to delve more deeply into the world that Marc, Avi and Matt have begun to explore in The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. We believe that Marc, Alex, and Drew have the uniquely exciting visions for how to expand the Spider-Man universe in each of these upcoming films.”
With Disney pumping out Marvel films and Simon Kinberg creating a comic book movie universe for Fox, it was really only a matter of time until Sony officially announced their plans. Many assumed a VENOM film could be in the cards when the spin-offs were first rumored, however I don't think anyone thought about a film focusing on THE SINISTER SIX. Drew Goddard was recently hired to write and direct a Daredevil series for Netflix, and hopefully him now working with Sony as well doesn't affect that project.
So what do you think, Spidey fans? Excited for VENOM and THE SINISTER SIX?
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 will be in theaters May 2nd, 2014, and the third and fourth films will be released on June 10, 2016 and May 4, 2018.