Director Jon Watts Is Not Signed On to Direct Sony's Next SPIDER-MAN Movie
Like many of you, I’m still reeling from the shock over Sony and Marvel splitting ways on Spider-Man and the fact that the character isn’t going to be a part of the the MCU anymore. It’s a bloody shame.
When the news first dropped, it was reported that there are two more Spider-Man films currently in development at Sony and that director Jon Watts would return to direct. Well, according to Deadline, that’s not the case! Watts has not signed on to direct another Spider-Man movie! So, it seems like the only hope of us possibly getting a great Spider-Man sequel is now gone.
“Watts isn’t signed on for the next film and isn’t a certainty to be back as he is being heavily courted for other jobs.”
With Kevin Feige and Watts not involved, my faith in the future of Spider-Man is dead. Sure Tom Holland will be back, but what the hell is the point now!? The only reason that his version of the character works is because of his involvement with the MCU!
It was initially reported that the break up 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 ended up rejecting the offer. Sony released a statement placing the blame Disney saying:
“Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterized recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise. 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.”
I hate that this has happened. It’s a shame that these two studios couldn’t work out a deal to continue to play together. Looks like we’ll just have to go back to Sony not being able to figure out how to handle Spider-Man.