Tom Holland Places Faith in Sony and Will Continue Playing Spider-Man (UPDATE)

UPDATE (September 6, 2019): English actor Tom Holland revealed in a recent interview with GQ that he has full faith in Sony‘s ability to make great Spider-Man movies independent of Marvel and Kevin Feige, and that he will continue playing the friendly neighborhood web slinger.

“I’m not shy about expressing how incredible the last five years have been with Marvel,” Holland said. “I’ve truly had the time of my life, and in so many respects, they have made my dreams come true as an actor.”

He continued: “Sony has also been really good to me, and the global success of Spider-Man: Far From Home is a real testament to their support, skill and commitment. The legacy and future of Spidey rests in Sony’s safe hands. I really am nothing but grateful, and I’ve made friends for life along the way.”

UPDATE (August 23, 2019): Now that Sony has pulled Spider-Man out of the MCU, Joan Celia Lee has spoken out against Disney and Marvel, criticizing the two for their ill treatment of her late father, Stan Lee.

Lee says that Disney and Marvel had no respect for her father, and “From day one, they have commoditized my father’s work and never shown him or his legacy any respect or decency.” She revealed that when Stan Lee passed away, neither Marvel nor Disney reached out to her with any words of condolences. “In the end, no one could have treated my father worse than Marvel and Disney’s executives.”

Lee also believes that the battle of the character’s rights is a good thing, and something her father would have appreciated. “Marvel and Disney seeking total control of my father’s creations must be checked and balanced by others who, while still seeking to profit, have genuine respect for Stan Lee and his legacy,” the actress said. “Whether it’s Sony or someone else’s, the continued evolution of Stan’s characters and his legacy deserves multiple points of view.”

UPDATE (August 21, 2019): Sony Pictures has released an official statement in response to Marvel Studios‘ announcement that it will no longer co-produce Spider-Man films. Sony told The Hollywood Reporter, “Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterized recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise… 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.”

It is said that Sony believes that Marvel Studios’ president Kevin Feige could have too many projects running at once, following Disney’s recent acquisition of more Marvel characters as a result of purchasing 21st Century Fox. In a statement, Sony said, “We hope this might change in the future, but understand that the many new responsibilities that Disney has given him — including all their newly added Marvel properties — do not allow time for him to work on IP they do not own… Kevin is terrific and we are grateful for his help and guidance and appreciate the path he has helped put us on, which we will continue.”

Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterized recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise. 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. (1/3)

— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) August 21, 2019

Kevin is terrific and we are grateful for his help and guidance and appreciate the path he has helped put us on, which we will continue. (3/3)

— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) August 21, 2019

Original Story (August 20, 2019): Disney and Sony’s partnership has been strained, as Deadline reports Marvel Studios and president Kevin Feige will no longer be producing future Spider-Man films. Disney’s initial deal with Sony for Spider-Man came with the agreement that Marvel Studios would only receive a small percentage of co-produced solo film grosses in exchange for using the character in MCU movies like Avengers: Infinity War.

However, since the deal has ended and Spider-Man: Far From Home has become Sony’s highest-grossing film of all time, Marvel sought to split future film profits 50/50, but according to reports, Sony didn’t accept or even give a counter deal. Sony is currently in the works to develop its own Spider-Man mini-universe, using the likes of Tom Hardy’s Venom and other villains from the rogues’ gallery. Two films from director Jon Watts and star Tom Holland are still expected, but Feige won’t be the lead creative producer of those pictures.

According to Deadline, which broke the news, Sony proposed keeping the same arrangement they’ve always had, where Marvel receives approximately 5% of first-dollar gross, but Disney refused. As Deadline puts it, “essentially Sony has made a decision that is similar to saying, thank you, but we think we can win the championship without Michael Jordan.”

Meanwhile, io9 recently got word from a Sony rep, tweeting that the rep affirmed “it’s their belief this dispute is simply over a producer credit and negotiations are ongoing. [the rep] further clarified Feige has contributed to other Spider-centric movies that he did not receive a producer credit on.”

In drama-free Marvel news, check out The Russo Brothers responding to Twitter questions about Avengers: Endgame.

Disney-Sony Standoff Ends Marvel Studios & Kevin Feige’s Involvement In ‘Spider-Man’ https://t.co/edEDsO8EjP

— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) August 20, 2019

Update: A Sony rep told us it’s their belief this dispute is simply over a producer credit and negotiations are ongoing. They further clarified Feige has contributed to other Spider-centric movies that he did not receive a producer credit on. https://t.co/IwwnqBOJ7S

— io9 (@io9) August 20, 2019