Spider-Man's place in Marvel universe at risk

Wednesday, 21 August 2019 15:56

A profit-sharing dispute between Walt Disney and Sony Pictures has threatened Spider-Man's part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Sony expressed disappointment by Disney’s demand for a greater stake in the Spider-Man films.

It also highlighted Disney’s refusal to allow Marvel President Kevin Feige to continue as a producer on the projects.

"Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterised recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise," the statement read. "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."

Sony, however, expressed hope that things "might change in future".

Since 1985 Sony has held the rights to the Marvel character, but in 2015, a partnership with Disney and Marvel allowed Spider-Man to be in MCU films.

More from Entertainment

'Wuthering Heights' goes big on emotion, Margot Robbie says

The emotional side of Emerald Fennell's highly anticipated adaptation of Emily Bronte's 1847 novel "Wuthering Heights" may surprise audiences, actor Margot Robbie said as she joined her co-star Jacob Elordi and the film's cast at the movie's rain-lashed London premiere on Thursday.
US TV show host Savannah Guthrie pleads for safe return of missing mother

Popular US morning news anchor Savannah Guthrie posted a video message on Wednesday addressing anyone who might be holding her missing elderly mother, presumed abducted from her Arizona home this week, pleading for them to open a line of communication.
Amazon plans AI use to speed up TV and film production

Amazon plans to use artificial intelligence to speed up the process for making movies and TV shows even as Hollywood fears that AI will cut jobs and permanently reshape the industry.
Netflix faces grilling over Warner Bros deal

US senators grilled Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos on Tuesday at a hearing over how his company's proposed $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery will affect competition across the entertainment industry.