Summary
The working relationship between Marvel Studios and Sony for the rights toSpider-Manhas proven complex and drawn out. However, it has mainly benefited Marvel Studios, as the popular web-slinger has been able to be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There have now been threeSpider-Manmovies, while a fourth one is currently in the works as Tom Holland’s journey in the MCU continues. However, something that he hasn’t done is appear in one of Marvel Studios' Disney Plus television shows.
The television wing of Marvel Studios is growing in importance compared to the movies, with many major storylines playing out there, such as the multiverse plot inLoki. There are already high expectations aboutwhat is coming forDaredevil: Born Again, with many fans speculating about the possibility of a Spider-Man cameo within the film. However, it’s unlikely that Spider-Man will be swinging into Hell’s Kitchen when the show drops on Disney Plus.
Marvel Studios' Head of Television, Streaming, and Animation, Brad Winderbaum, recently spoke to thePhase Hero podcastabout whether or not Spider-Man is able to appear in future MCU television shows. He admitted, “I’m not sure exactly what the rules are, but I think they have long-form television rights at Sony…he can do like 30-minute animation, I think.”
This would explain why Spider-Man hasn’t appeared in any of the MCU shows that currently exist within the MCU. He’s not able to be part of any shows at the moment, regardless of what Marvel Studios might want to do creatively. It was recently reported that Holland’s Spider-Man isgoing to be taken in a new direction creativelywhen it comes toSpider-Man 4, with a new supporting cast also expected. Had Marvel been able to use Spider-Man in television shows, then that could have been teased to increase the buzz and get people talking about him. This would have been particularlyuseful inDaredevil: Born Again, which is set to be more violent and aggressive than in previous shows, and would have worked as a launching pad for Spider-Man’s changing attitude.
The fact that Marvel Studios can use animated versions of the MCU star for 30 minutes explains why they have been able to launchYour Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Manthis year on Disney Plus. The animated show has proven to be popular with fans so far, likely scratching the itch that people have to see Spider-Man on the small screen and in the cinemas. However, those shorter animated shows appeared to be all that fans are going to get from Spider-Man within the MCU on Disney Plus, regardless of how popular the character is. That was the deal they agreed with Sony, and while it doesn’t harm how Spider-Man is viewed, it does stop Marvel from developing the character in this long-form setting.
It’s a shame that Marvel Studios isn’t able to use Spider-Man in any capacityin future television shows, especially since there is set to be a concentrated effort to create more long-term television shows moving forward. Fans would certainly love to seeSpider-Manhave his own television show or appear in another, but at this stage in time, it seems unlikely to happen.
