Remember that time last year when Spidey was out of the MCU for a few weeks? Yeah, we didn’t think you’d forget as monumental a moment as that.
Fortunately, that situation was resolved by the end of September, which was far, far too long for most fans. Throughout that tumultuous time, Marvel supporters and stars threw in their two cents on the situation (yes, even the Russo Brothers!), undoubtedly putting pressure on the higher ups at Disney and Sony to let the web-slinger back into the MCU.
And then we found out the role the hero himself, Tom Holland, played in the proceedings, appealing to Sony Chairman Tom Rothman and Disney CEO Bob Iger to work things out and save the day.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Disney and Sony executives spoke out about the deal and what helped lead to an eventual new agreement.
As Disney’s Alan Horn said, “The fan base, which is important to all of us, seemed to really respond to what Tom [Rothman] and his folks have done before with our people. They like the fact that the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Kevin Feige were involved [in the two Spider-Man films]. We heard feedback out there that suggested that joining forces once again was probably really a good idea.”
Rothman added that he hopes the Disney-Sony partnership will continue past the upcoming third Spider-Man film. “This was a classic win-win-win. A win for Sony, a win for Disney, a win for the fans,” he said. Rothman did acknowledge that “news cycles and the rhythm of negotiations do not necessarily overlap” but that this was, to quote Shakespeare, “a consummation devoutly to be wished.” That was made quite obvious if you ask us!
The way in which fans and the media reacted to the dilemma is proof enough that Spidey is an invaluable member of the MCU. But for now, we have only been reassured that this partnership will apply to the third Spidey movie in the works. Hopefully, as Rothman expressed, some type of new deal will be reached for Spidey in future MCU movies so fans won’t have to endure excruciating doubt ever again!