Following yesterday’s shocking news that Disney and Sony were cutting ties over Spider-Man and Sony’s follow-up statement, Deadline is now reporting that director Jon Watts might not be helming the studio’s next Spider-Man project.
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While Sony has two more Spider-Man movies in the works, Watts, who directed Spider-Man: Homecoming and Far From Home, has apparently not signed on yet for the two future movies. The outlet notes that Watts is being courted for other projects, so there is no guarantee the director will return for a third Spider-Man movie, despite Deadline previously reporting that he was signed on for two more.
It was initially reported that the fallout between the studios came after Sony turned down Disney’s offer that future Spider-Man movies be a 50/50 co-financing arrangement. In turn, Sony offered to keep the same arrangement under the current terms with Marvel receiving about 5% of first-dollar gross, and Disney rejecting the offer.
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Sony later stated that the initial news reports had “mischaracterized recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise,” saying that they are disappointed “but respect Disney’s decision not to have him continue as a lead producer for our next live-action Spider-Man film. We hope this might change in the future, but understand that the many new responsibilities that Disney has given him – including all their newly added Marvel properties – do not allow time for him to work on IP they do not own. Kevin is terrific and we are grateful for his help and guidance and appreciate the path he has helped put us on, which we will continue.”
Earlier this year Avengers: Endgame (also featuring Spider-Man) became the highest-grossing film of all time, followed by Spider-Man: Far From Home surpassing Skyfall to become the highest-grossing film ever for Sony, both produced by Feige. Sources told the outlet that Sony feels “they will be fine” without Feige at the producing helm. Watts and Holland are part of the creative template for the upcoming Spider-Man films, along with producer Amy Pascal.
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Sony’s upcoming slate includes the Venom sequel, starring Tom Hardy and directed by Andy Serkis, as well as Jared Leto’s Morbius, Kraven the Hunter, and a spinoff featuring Silver Sable and Black Cat.
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