Tom Holland will no longer be suiting up as Spider-Man for Marvel due to a dispute between studio bosses.
Sony and Disney chiefs have been unable to hit upon a deal for the web-slinger’s future as a Marvel superhero, and that means if Holland is to return as Peter Parker’s alter ego, it won’t be alongside any of his Avengers mates.
Spider-Man was a Sony Pictures-owned franchise before Disney chiefs launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the studio heads were able to come to an agreement that allowed the character to join his fellow comic book heroes in five films, including Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame.
Meanwhile, Disney bosses picked up a share of Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home’s profits.
The breakdown of that deal means Marvel boss Kevin Feige will no longer serve as a producer on any future Spider-Man movie, and Holland will not appear in another Marvel blockbuster as Peter Parker.
In response to the reports of the deal, a Sony Pictures spokesperson released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, which mainly focused on Feige’s departure as producer of the films.
“Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterised recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise,” the statement began. “We are disappointed, but respect Disney’s decision not to have him continue as a lead producer of 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.”
