Marvel Hoping To Ultimately Reclaim SPIDER-MAN Rights; "Much Younger" Actor Wanted
Marvel Studios has been trying to get their hands on Spider-Man for years apparently, offering Sony Pictures BILLIONS to get him back. Hit the jump for details on that, what age range they're looking for in terms of actors, Avi Arad's role in the reboot, and much more!
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to their insiders for details on the deal between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures, and the whole thing is very interesting. The Disney has been trying for years to get the rights to Spider-Man apparently, offering billions (meaning that they consider his acquisition on the same level as the Star Wars franchise). Sony refused though, and still no money has changed hands between the two studios. In fact, the deal might not be what you expect!
Apparently, it's "instead seen as a quid pro quo transaction" which will see both Marvel and Sony feel the benefits. The former (who still control the merchandising rights to the character) are said to be very pleased as the effect on sales this deal will have should be bigger than any financial sort of offering Sony could have come up with. One insider claims that: "Sony would never have made this deal if they still retained the merchandising rights. Even a poor performing movie could be saved by strong merchandise sales, and Spider-Man is one of the bigger brands out there."
Despite the fact that Marvel are effectively taking over the franchise, Sony and Pascal will still have influence over who ends up playing the character, and the hunt is now on for "an actor much younger than 31-year-old Andrew Garfield." They're also looking for a writer, so maybe Drew Goddard has been dumped along with Marc Webb (who has now also been confirmed as not making a return) and everyone else who was attached to the upcoming movies. Matt Tolmach and Satan Avi Arad have been downgraded to executive producers from producers, a meaningless title which will see tham have "no real say in the creative direction of the franchise".
Meanwhile, one of the most interesting tidbits is the fact that, "One knowledgeable source sees the move as a first step to Marvel re-acquiring the rights to Spider-Man down the road, while another believes Disney is positioning itself to acquire Sony should it ever become available." If the franchise's fortunes turn around, it's hard to imagine Sony ever giving up Spidey, but you have to imagine that Kevin Feige has a plan. What do you guys think of these latest details?
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