LOS ANGELES: Marvel’s superhero films could lose their most famous character after Sony confirmed Tuesday that talks over its deal to share Spider-Man with the Disney-owned studio have broken down.
The Marvel movies have together grossed $22 billion at the global box office, and British actor Tom Holland’s Spider-Man has become an increasingly central figure in the most lucrative franchise in film history.
But while the teen web-slinger has for decades been the crown jewel of the Marvel comic book empire on which the films are based, Sony owns the character’s movie rights.
He only began appearing in Disney-owned Marvel’s “cinematic universe” after the Hollywood giants stuck an almost-unprecedented, and still highly secretive, 2015 deal to co-produce and split profits across the films.
A key aspect of that partnership has now broken down.
Sony confirmed that Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige — widely credited with the phenomenal boom in comic book movies of the past decade — will no longer produce Spider-Man films, with a spokesman adding the studio was “disappointed.”
“We hope this might change in the future, but understand that the many new responsibilities that Disney has given him... do not allow time for him to work on IP (intellectual property) they do not own,” the Sony spokesman said in a statement sent to AFP.
The separation makes it “almost certain” that the character Spider-Man will be absent from crossover appearances in future Marvel films, according to Hollywood Reporter journalist Graeme McMillan.
Multiple Hollywood media outlets reported earlier Tuesday that Disney and Sony had failed to agree on financial terms for future Spider-Man films.
According to Deadline, which broke the news, Disney had wanted to significantly increase its financial stake in new Spider-Man movies, while Sony refused to alter existing terms.
Sony said the reports “mischaracterized recent discussions,” but thanked Feige for “the path he has helped put us on, which we will continue.”
In financial terms, Spider-Man is one of the most successful superheroes in movie history.
Holland’s iteration of Spider-Man has delivered box office gold — he has appeared in a total of five Marvel Studios and Sony films since the collaboration deal, which collectively grossed almost $8 billion worldwide.
These included Marvel’s “Avengers: Endgame,” the highest-grossing movie of all time.
At Comic-Con last month, Marvel Studios set out a timeline of films and television shows scheduled for the next two years including new outings for popular characters Thor, Black Widow, Doctor Strange and Loki — but none featuring Spider-Man.
Feige is also expected to be busy overseeing new Marvel franchises acquired by Disney in its purchase of 21st Century Fox, which include the popular “X-Men.”
Sony last year produced an Oscar-winning Spider-Man animation separate from Marvel Studios’ domain, as well as a standalone film centered on popular Spider-Man villain Venom.
Disney did not immediately respond to request for comment.
Spider-Man’s Marvel future in peril as Sony deal breaks down
Spider-Man’s Marvel future in peril as Sony deal breaks down
- The Marvel movies have together grossed $22 billion at the global box office
- A key aspect of that partnership has now broken down
Saudi Cup 2026: Fashion stars spend a day at the races
RIYADH: Fashion-forward attendees pulled out all the stops at the Saudi Cup 2026, held from Feb. 13-14 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.
Cultures from across the world were represented at the races, while Saudi attire also hailed from across the Kingdom.
“I want to reflect on our culture,” one guest told Arab News. “So I’m wearing Najdi (fashion) in lavender color and holding lavender flowers,” she added, referring to the lavender flowers that are abundant in some areas of the Kingdom in spring.
Overall, the women came out in front. For every male guest dressed in a lavender or burgundy thobe, there were multiple women donning traditional clothing in all shapes, colours and forms.
Guests showed off race-appropriate headwear, patterned thobes and Saudi-inspired embroidery.
Fashion also played a major role in the event further away from the stands as the Saudi Fashion Commission hosted a Saudi 100 Brands showcase.
The event marks the fourth year in a row that the initiative has featured at the internationally recognized sporting and cultural event.
The fashion program is spread over two days, with runway presentations scheduled throughout the evenings. On Feb. 13, collections were presented by Saudi fashion brands THEXO, Enays and Sulitude. Feb. 14 features runway shows by MD29, Adara By Fa and Hajruss.
Alongside the runway program, a dedicated exhibition space showcases selected jewelry and accessories pieces, allowing visitors to view the work up close.
Participating designers will present collections that draw on Saudi references while engaging with contemporary design, offering insight into how local fashion continues to develop.
“Since 2022, the Saudi 100 Brands program has been an integral part of the Saudi Cup, positioning fashion as a cultural expression within one of the Kingdom’s most globally visible events,” said Saudi Fashion Commission Chief Executive Burak Cakmak, in a previously released statement.
“This platform has enabled brands to bring together heritage and contemporary narratives that reflect identity, creativity and innovation,” Cakmak said. “This year represents a natural evolution from an exhibition to a curated showcase, reinforcing fashion’s role as a dynamic cultural platform within the Saudi Cup.”
