Disney, Sony Announce Deal To Keep Spider-Man In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Marvel Studios and Sony reached agreement Friday on a deal to keep Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for one more film.

Sony and Marvel Studios announced the studios would co-produce a third entry in the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man series. The deal allows the character to appear in at least one future MCU film, though it wasn’t announced which film it would be.

A release date of July 16, 2021, was announced for the next Spider-Man entry, adding to MCU’s busy “Phase 4,” which includes several films and Disney+ shows.

“I am thrilled that Spidey’s journey in the MCU will continue, and I and all of us at Marvel Studios are very excited that we get to keep working on it,” Kevin Feige said in a statement. “Spider-Man is a powerful icon and hero whose story crosses all ages and audiences around the globe. He also happens to be the only hero with the superpower to cross cinematic universes, so as Sony continues to develop their own Spidey-verse you never know what surprises the future might hold.”

The deal is an about-face from August when Sony said it was ending its deal with Marvel Studios due to co-financing disagreements. It came on the heels of the release of “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” which was positively received by fans and critics, and grossed more than $1 billion at the international box office. Neither studio could reach an agreement at the time, with Disney reportedly asking for a 50/50 financing split if Feige stayed on as a producer. While it was unknown what Sony asked for, it was reported the counteroffer was similar to the original deal, which gave Marvel 5% of first-dollar gross and all merchandise revenue.

Variety reported Friday's deal will see Marvel and Disney receive around 25% of profits and retain full merchandising rights.