Spider-Man has appeared in film since the1977 made-for-television movie broadcast onCBS. Themotion picture rights to Spider-Man belonged toMarvel Entertainment until 1999, whenSony Pictures bought them for $7 million[1] and produced Spider-Man's firsttheatrical film. He has beenMarvel's most successful character in theAmerican film industry ever since.
After selling the Spider-Man motion picture rights to Sony, Marvel eventually founded its own film studio,Marvel Studios, developing theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) based on the characters it still held the rights to. This changed in 2016, when Sony and theWalt Disney Company[2] entered an agreement to introduce Spider-Man to the MCU. Despite some disagreements pertaining to finances and merchandising between the two parties, the agreement has proven to be a successful endeavor for both companies. Thecrossover filmsAvengers: Infinity War (2018) andAvengers: Endgame (2019) included Spider-Man and crossed the two-billion-dollar mark at the box office. Meanwhile, Sony, in association with Marvel,[3] launched its own shared universe known asSony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU), with Sony entering a three-billion-dollar streaming agreement withNetflix and Disney.[4]
The fictional characterSpider-Man, a comic booksuperhero created byStan Lee andSteve Ditko and featured inMarvel Comics publications, has appeared as a main character in numerous theatrical and made-for-television films.
The first four films were linked to television series and screened in theaters only in certain countries.Nicholas Hammond starred as Peter Parker / Spider-Man in the 1977 made-for-television filmSpider-Man that spawned a broadcast series, and would appear as the character in two sequels edited from those episodes. In 1978, theToei Company created a theatricalspin-off from theirSpider-Man television series, with Shinji Todō reprising his role asTakuya Yamashiro / Spider-Man. None of these films had a theatrical release in the United States.
By 1999,Sony Pictures Entertainment had acquired the motion picture rights to the character for cinema and television,[5] creating twoSpider-Man animated television series, and two film series comprising their own continuities:Sam Raimi'sSpider-Man trilogy (2002–2007) starringTobey Maguire asthe character, andMarc Webb'sThe Amazing Spider-Man duology (2012–2014) starringAndrew Garfield in therole.
In February 2015,Disney,Marvel Studios, and Sony made a deal to share the Spider-Man film rights, leading to a new iteration of Spider-Man being introduced and integrated into theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The deal allowed Sony Pictures to continue to own, finance, distribute, and have final creative control of the solo Spider-Man films, withWalt Disney Studios Motion Pictures distributing the films with his other appearances in a supporting capacity.Tom Holland portraysthis version of Spider-Man, and has appeared in six films to date, fromCaptain America: Civil War (2016) toSpider-Man: No Way Home (2021). In September 2019, following a brief stand-off resulting in the termination of the old agreement, Disney and Sony relented to fan outcry and reached a new agreement for Holland's version to return for future films; the first film to be produced afterwards wasNo Way Home, where Holland appears alongside Maguire and Garfield, who reprise their roles in the film as supporting characters. A fourth MCUSpider-Man film,Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is in development at Sony and Marvel Studios for a July 2026 release.
Plans for an animated Spider-Man film were officially announced by Sony in April 2015, which eventually becameSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) fromSony Pictures Animation.Shameik Moore voices the main characterMiles Morales / Spider-Man in the film, with various other versions of Peter Parker andalternate versions of Spider-Man from themultiverse also appearing. A sequel, titledSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, was released in 2023, with a third film,Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, currently in production and set for release in 2027. Potential spin-offs are also planned.
The Spider-Man films have been generally well received. They have collectively grossed $10.2 billion at the global box office, withFar From Home becoming the first Spider-Man film to gross over $1 billion worldwide followed byNo Way Home, which became Sony'shighest-grossing film of all time.[6] In 2019,Into the Spider-Verse won theAcademy Award for Best Animated Feature. Fifteen years prior, theAcademy had awardedSpider-Man 2 theAcademy Award for Best Visual Effects.
| Film | Release date | Director | Screenwriter | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man | September 14, 1977 (1977-09-14) | E. W. Swackhamer | Alvin Boretz | Charles W. Fries, Daniel R. Goodman & Edward J. Montagne |
| Spider-Man Strikes Back | May 8, 1978 (1978-05-08) | Ron Satlof[7] | Robert Janes | |
| Spider-Man: The Dragon's Challenge | May 9, 1981 (1981-05-09) | Don McDougall | Lionel E. Siegel | |
In 1977, thepilot episode ofThe Amazing Spider-Man television series was released by Columbia Pictures asSpider-Man outside of the United States. It was directed byE. W. Swackhamer, written byAlvin Boretz and starsNicholas Hammond as the titular character,David White asJ. Jonah Jameson andJeff Donnell asMay Parker. The film premiered onCBS on September 14, 1977, and received a VHS release in 1980.
In 1978, the two-part episode "Deadly Dust" from thetelevision seriesThe Amazing Spider-Man was re-edited and released outside of the United States as a feature film,Spider-Man Strikes Back. Nicholas Hammond reprises his role as Peter Parker / Spider-Man whileRobert F. Simon replaces David White in the role ofJ. Jonah Jameson. The film was theatrically released on 8 May 1978.
In 1981, a film made fromThe Amazing Spider-Man televisionseries finale "The Chinese Web", using the same method used to makeSpider-Man Strikes Back, was released asSpider-Man: The Dragon's Challenge in European territories. Nicholas Hammond and Robert F. Simon respectively reprise their roles as Peter Parker / Spider-Man and J. Jonah Jameson. It was directed by Ron Satlof and written by Robert Janes. Other actors include Rosalind Chao, Benson Fong, and Ellen Bry.
| Film | Release date | Director | Screenwriter | Story by | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man | July 22, 1978 (1978-07-22) | Kōichi Takemoto | Susumu Takaku | Saburo Yatsude | Susumu Yoshikawa |
In 1978,Tōei released a theatrical spin-off of theirSpider-Man TV series at the Tōei Cartoon Festival. The film was directed by Kōichi Takemoto, who also directed eight episodes of the TV series. The week after the film's release, a character introduced in the film, Jūzō Mamiya (played by Noboru Nakaya), began appearing in episodes of the TV series. The film was released on July 22, 1978. Like the rest of the series, the film was made available for streaming on Marvel's official website in 2009.
The low box office performance of 1983'sSuperman III made feature-film adaptations of comic book properties a low priority in Hollywood until the late 1990s.[8] In 1985, after a brief option onSpider-Man byRoger Corman expired,[9]Marvel Comics optioned the property toCannon Films. Cannon chiefsMenahem Golan and his cousinYoram Globus agreed to payMarvel Comics $225,000 over the five-year option period, plus a percentage of any film's revenues.[10] However, the rights would revert to Marvel if a film was not made by April 1990.[11]
Tobe Hooper, then preparing bothInvaders from Mars andThe Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, was mooted as director. Golan and Globus misunderstood the concept of the character ("They thought it was like The Wolf Man", said directorJoseph Zito)[12] and instructed writerLeslie Stevens, creator ofThe Outer Limits, to write a treatment reflecting their misconception. In Stevens' story, a corporate scientist intentionally subjects ID-badge photographer Peter Parker to radioactive bombardment, transforming him into a hairy, suicidal, eight-armed monster. This human tarantula refuses to join the scientist's new master-race of mutants, battling a succession of mutations kept in a basement laboratory.[12][13]
Unhappy with this perceived debasement of his comic book creation, Marvel'sStan Lee pushed for a new story and screenplay, written for Cannon by Ted Newsom andJohn Brancato.[14] The variation on theorigin story had Otto Octavius as a teacher and mentor to a college-aged Peter Parker. The cyclotron accident which "creates" Spider-Man also deforms the scientist intoDoctor Octopus and results in his mad pursuit of proof of theFifth Force. "Doc Ock" reconstructs his cyclotron and causes electromagnetic abnormalities,anti-gravity effects, andbilocation which threatens to engulf New York City and the world.Joseph Zito, who had directed Cannon's successfulChuck Norris filmInvasion U.S.A., replaced Tobe Hooper.[15] The new director hired Barney Cohen to rewrite the script. Cohen added action scenes, a non-canonical comic-book sidekick for the villain, gave Doc Ock the catch phrase, "Okey-dokey", and altered his goal from the Fifth Force to a quest foranti-gravity. Producer Golan (using his pen name "Joseph Goldman") then made a minor polish to Cohen's rewrite. Zito scouted locations and studio facilities in both the U.S. and Europe, and oversaw storyboard breakdowns supervised byHarper Goff. Cannon planned to make the film on the then-substantial budget of between $15 and $20 million.[10]
While no casting was finalized, Zito expressed interest in actor/stunt manScott Leva, who had posed for Cannon's promotional photos and ads, and made public appearances as Spider-Man for Marvel. The up-and-coming actorTom Cruise was also discussed for the leading role. Zito consideredBob Hoskins as Doc Ock. Stan Lee expressed his desire to playDaily Bugle editorJ. Jonah Jameson.[16]Lauren Bacall andKatharine Hepburn were considered forAunt May,Gregory Peck andPaul Newman asUncle Ben,Peter Cushing as a sympathetic scientist, andAdolph Caesar as a police detective.[14] With Cannon finances siphoned by the expensiveSuperman IV: The Quest for Peace andMasters of the Universe, the company slashed the proposedSpider-Man budget to under $10 million. Director Zito opted out, unwilling to make a compromisedSpider-Man. The company commissioned low-budget rewrites from writers Shepard Goldman, Don Michael Paul, and finallyEthan Wiley, and penciled in company workhorseAlbert Pyun as director, who also made script alterations.[13]
Scott Leva was still associated with the character through Marvel (he had appeared in photo covers of the comic), and he read each draft. Leva commented: "Ted Newsom and John Brancato had written the script. It was good, but it needed a little work. Unfortunately, with every subsequent rewrite by other writers, it went from good to bad to terrible."[16] Due to Cannon's assorted financial crises, the project shut down after spending about $1.5 million on the project.[12] In 1989,Pathé, owned by corruptItalian financierGiancarlo Parretti, acquired the overextended Cannon. The filmmaking cousins parted, Globus remaining associated with Pathé, Golan leaving to run21st Century Film Corporation, keeping a number of properties (includingSpider-Man) in lieu of a cash buy-out. He also extended hisSpider-Man option with Marvel up to January 1992.[11]
Golan shelved the low-budget rewrites and attempted to finance an independent production from the original big-budget script, already budgeted, storyboarded and laid out.[17] At Cannes in May 1989, 21st Century announced a September start date, with ads touting the script by "Barney Cohen, Ted Newsom & John Brancato and Joseph Goldman".[18] As standard practice, Golan pre-sold the unmade film to raise production funds, with television rights bought byViacom and home video rights byColumbia Pictures, which wanted to establish a studio franchise.Stephen Herek was attached as director at this point.[19] Golan submitted this "new" screenplay to Columbia in late 1989 (actually the 1985 script with an adjusted "1989" date) and the studio requested yet another rewrite. Golan hiredFrank LaLoggia, who turned in his draft but grew disenchanted with 21st Century. Neil Ruttenberg was hired for one more draft, which was also "covered" by script readers at Columbia.[20] Columbia's script analysts considered all three submissions "essentially the same story". A tentative production deal was set. Stan Lee said in 1990: "21st Century [is] supposed to doSpider-Man and now they're talking to Columbia and the way it looks now, Columbia may end up buyingSpider-Man from 21st Century."[21]
21st Century's Menahem Golan still actively immersed himself mounting "his"Spider-Man, sending the original "Doc Ock" script for production bids. In 1990, he contacted Canadian effects company Light and Motion Corporation regarding the visual effects, which in turn offered the stop-motion chores to Steven Archer (Krull,Clash of the Titans).[22]
Toward the end of shootingTrue Lies,Variety carried the announcement thatCarolco Pictures had received a completed screenplay from James Cameron.[23] This script bore the names of James Cameron, John Brancato, Ted Newsom, Barry [sic] Cohen and "Joseph Goldmari", a typographical scrambling of Golan's pen name ("Joseph Goldman") with Marvel executive Joseph Calamari.[24] The script text was identical to the one Golan submitted to Columbia the previous year, with the addition of a new 1993 date. Cameron stalwartArnold Schwarzenegger was frequently linked to the project as the director's choice for Doctor Octopus.[25][26]
Months later,James Cameron submitted an undated 57-page "scriptment" with an alternate story (the copyright registration was dated 1991), part screenplay, part narrative story outline.[12] The "scriptment" told the Spider-Man origin, but used variations on the comic book charactersElectro andSandman as villains. This "Electro" (named Carlton Strand, instead of Max Dillon) was a megalomaniacal parody of corrupt capitalists. Instead of Flint Marko's character, Cameron's "Sandman" (simply named Boyd) is mutated by an accident involvingPhiladelphia Experiment-style bilocation and atom-mixing, in lieu of getting caught in a nuclear blast on a beach. The story climaxes with a battle atop theWorld Trade Center and hadPeter Parker revealing his identity toMary Jane Watson. In addition, the treatment was also heavy on profanity, and had Spider-Man and Mary Jane having sex on theBrooklyn Bridge.[27]
This treatment reflected elements in previous scripts: from the Stevens treatment, organic web-shooters, and a villain who tempts Spider-Man to join a coming "master race" of mutants; from the original screenplay and rewrite, weird electrical storms causing blackouts, freak magnetic events and bi-location; from the Ethan Wiley draft, a villain addicted to toxic super-powers and multiple experimental spiders, one of which escapes and bites Peter, causing a hallucinatory nightmare invokingFranz Kafka'sThe Metamorphosis; from the Frank LaLoggia script, a blizzard of stolen cash fluttering down onto surprised New Yorkers; and from the Neil Ruttenberg screenplay, a criminal assault on theNYC Stock Exchange.[13] In 1991, Carolco Pictures extended Golan's option agreement with Marvel through May 1996,[11] but in April 1992, Carolco ceased active production on Spider-Man due to continued financial and legal problems.[28] During this timeLeonardo DiCaprio was considered for Peter Parker / Spider-Man;Maggie Smith as Aunt May;Robyn Lively as Mary Jane Watson;R. Lee Ermey as J. Jonah Jameson;Michael Biehn as Boyd / Sandman; andLance Henriksen as Carlton Strand / Electro.[29][30]
When James Cameron agreed to makeSpider-Man, Carolco lawyers simply used his previousTerminator 2 contract as a template. A clause in this agreement gave Cameron the right to decide on movie and advertising credits. Show business trade articles and advertisements made no mention of Golan, who was still actively assembling the elements for the film.[11] In 1993, Golan complained publicly and finally instigated legal action against Carolco for disavowing his contractual guarantee credit as producer. On the other hand, Cameron had the contractual right to decide on credits.[13] Eventually, Carolco sued Viacom and Columbia to recover broadcast and home video rights, and the two studios countersued.[10]20th Century Fox, though not part of the litigation, contested Cameron's participation, claiming exclusivity on his services as a director under yet another contract.[12] In 1996, Carolco, 21st Century, and Marvel went bankrupt.
Via aquitclaim from Carolco dated March 28, 1995,MGM acquired 21st Century's film library and assets, and received "...all rights in and to all drafts and versions of the screenplay(s) forSpider-Man written by James Cameron, Ted Newsom & John Brancato, Menahem Golan, Jon [sic] Michael Paul, Ethan Wiley, Leslie Stevens, Frank Laloggia, Neil Ruttenberg, Barney Cohen, Shepard Goldman and any and all other writers."[31] MGM also sued 21st Century, Viacom, and Marvel Comics, alleging fraud in the original deal between Cannon and Marvel. In 1998, Marvel emerged from bankruptcy with a reorganization plan that merged the company withToy Biz.[11] The courts determined that the original contract of Marvel's rights to Golan had expired, returning the rights to Marvel, but the matter was still not completely resolved. In 1999, Marvel licensedSpider-Man rights toColumbia, a subsidiary ofSony Pictures Entertainment.[32] MGM disputed the legality, claiming it had theSpider-Man rights via Cannon, 21st Century, and Carolco.[33]
In the meantime, MGM/UA chief executiveJohn Calley moved toColumbia Pictures. Intimately familiar with the legal history of producerKevin McClory's claim to the rights to bothThunderball and other relatedJames Bond characters and elements, Calley announced that Columbia would produce an alternate 007 series, based on the "McClory material", which Calley acquired for Columbia.[34] Columbia had made the original 1967 film spoof ofCasino Royale, a non-Eon production.
Both studios now faced rival projects, which could undercut their own long-term financial stability and plans. Columbia had no consistent movie franchise, and had soughtSpider-Man since 1989; MGM/UA's only reliable source of theatrical income was a new James Bond film every two or three years. An alternate 007 series could diminish or even eliminate the power of MGM/UA's long-running Bond series. Likewise, an MGM/UASpider-Man film could negate Columbia's plans to create an exclusive cash cow. Both sides seemed to have strong arguments for the rights to do such films.[35]
The two studios made a trade-off in March 1999; Columbia relinquished its rights to create a new 007 series in exchange for MGM's giving up its claim toSpider-Man.[36] Columbia acquired the rights to all previous scripts in 2000,[20] but exercised options only on the "Cameron Material", i.e., both the completed multi-author screenplay and the subsequent scriptment.[12] Other sources report that Columbia's owner Sony agreed to pay $10 million, plus 5% of any movies' gross revenue and half the revenue from consumer products.[37] After more than a decade of attempts,Spider-Man truly went into production[10] and since then all of the Spider-Man films were produced and distributed byColumbia Pictures, the primary film production holding ofSony. The first three were directed bySam Raimi, and the reboot and its sequel were directed byMarc Webb.Laura Ziskin served as producer until her death in 2011.[38]
| Film | U.S. release date | Director | Screenwriter(s) | Story by | Producers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man | May 3, 2002 (2002-05-03) | Sam Raimi | David Koepp | Ian Bryce &Laura Ziskin | |
| Spider-Man 2 | June 30, 2004 (2004-06-30) | Alvin Sargent | Miles Millar,Alfred Gough &Michael Chabon | Avi Arad & Laura Ziskin | |
| Spider-Man 3 | May 4, 2007 (2007-05-04) | Sam Raimi,Ivan Raimi & Alvin Sargent | Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi | Avi Arad, Laura Ziskin &Grant Curtis | |
Spider-Man follows orphaned high schoolerPeter Parker (Tobey Maguire), who pines after popular girl-next-doorMary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst). While on a science class field trip atColumbia University, a genetically-engineered "super spider" bites Peter. As a result, Peter gains superhuman abilities, including increased strength, speed, and the abilities to scale walls and generate organic webbing. After his beloveduncle Ben (Cliff Robertson) is murdered, the teenager realizes that he must use his newfound abilities to protect New York City. Meanwhile, wealthy industrialistNorman Osborn (Willem Dafoe), the father of Peter's best friendHarry Osborn (James Franco), subjects himself to an experimental performance-enhancing serum, which creates a psychotic and murderous split personality. Donning a military battle suit, Norman becomes a freakish "Green Goblin", who begins to terrorize the city. Peter, as Spider-Man, now must battle with the Goblin, all while dealing with personal situations involving his domestic and his love life.
Two years after the events of the first film, Peter struggles to balance his superhero and private lives and still pines after Mary Jane, who is now engaged. Harry continues to believe Spider-Man is responsible for his father's death. Spider-Man contends with scientistDr. Otto Octavius / Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina), also known as Doctor Octopus, who initially mentors his alter-ego and has four mechanical tentacles fused to his spine following a failed fusion-based experiment and sets out to recreate the same that could destroy much of New York City.
Peter is still with Mary Jane, while Harry succeeds his father as the newGreen Goblin (credited asNew Goblin).Eddie Brock (Topher Grace), who, like Peter, is a photographer for theDaily Bugle, sets out to defame Spider-Man and incriminate him. Meanwhile,Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church), an escaped convict, falls into a particle accelerator and becomes a shape-shifting sand monster known as Sandman. Peter later learns that Marko killed Ben, causing Peter's own dark intentions to grow. This vendetta is enhanced by the appearance of a mysterious black aliensymbiotic substance that bonds to Peter, resulting in the formation of a new black costume. Once Peter separates himself from the alien, it finds a new host in the form of Brock, resulting in the creation ofVenom and Peter having to battle the villains in the end.
In 2007,Spider-Man 4 entered development, with Raimi attached to direct and Maguire, Dunst, and other cast members set to reprise their roles. Both a fourth and a fifth film were planned and, at one time, the idea of shooting the two sequelsconcurrently was under consideration. However, Raimi stated in March 2009 that only the fourth film was in development at that time, and that if there were fifth and sixth films, those two films would actually be a continuation of each other.[39][40][41][42]Zodiac screenwriterJames Vanderbilt was hired bySony Pictures in October 2007 to pen the screenplay after initial reports in January that Sony was in contact withDavid Koepp, who wrote the firstSpider-Man film.[43][44] The script was being rewritten byDavid Lindsay-Abaire andGary Ross in November 2008 and October 2009.[45] Sony also engaged Vanderbilt to write scripts forSpider-Man 5 andSpider-Man 6.[44]
In 2007, Raimi expressed interest in depicting the transformation of Dr. Curt Connors into his villainous alter-ego, theLizard; the character's actorDylan Baker and producer Grant Curtis were also enthusiastic about the idea.[46][47][48] Raimi also discussed his desire to upgradeBruce Campbell from acameo appearance to a significant role,[49] later revealed to beQuentin Beck / Mysterio.[50] It was reported in December 2009 thatJohn Malkovich was in negotiations to playVulture and thatAnne Hathaway would playFelicia Hardy, though she would not have transformed into the Black Cat as in the comics. Instead, Felicia was expected to become a new superpowered figure called the Vulturess.[51] Several years later, in 2013, Raimi re-clarified that the Vulturess concept was discarded and Hathaway would've indeed been Black Cat ifSpider-Man 4 had been made.[52] Concept art bystoryboard artist Jeffrey Henderson revealed in June 2016 showed the inclusion of an opening montage of Spider-Man going up against C and D-list villains, such as Mysterio,the Shocker,the Prowler, theStilt-Man andthe Rhino, with the Vulture serving as the main antagonist; Henderson recalls that the film would have opened with a montage of Spider-Man, now feeling free after breaking up with Mary Jane, catching all villains from hisrogues gallery that the crew knew Raimi would never use in his films. Henderson also disclosed that Malkovich would have played the Vulture, who would have been aprivate contractor who committed terrible actions in behalf of theU.S. government, leading him to be called the "Vulture" because he never left anything but "bones" behind, and the film's climax would have shown the Vulture and Spider-Man fighting in a bloody fight that Spider-Man would have barely won by causing the Vulture's wings to make him tumble between building until crashing into theCiticorp Building's ether and off its top, killing him.[50][53] In April 2022, Raimi stated that he had planned to includeKraven the Hunter in the film.[54]
As disagreements between Sony and Raimi threatened to push the film off the intended May 6, 2011, release date, Sony Pictures announced in January 2010 that plans forSpider-Man 4 had been canceled due to Raimi's withdrawal from the project. Raimi reportedly ended his participation due to his doubt that he could meet the planned May 6, 2011 release date while at the same time upholding the film creatively; he admitted that he was "very unhappy" with the waySpider-Man 3 had turned out, and was under pressure to make the fourth film the best that he could.[55] Raimi purportedly went through four iterations of the script with different screenwriters and still "hated it".[56]
In June 2021, animatic producer David E. Duncan, who worked onSpider-Man 4, uploaded an animatic of the canceled project dated November 12, 2009 to his Vimeo account along with the description: "One of a half dozen animatics I produced for the ill-fated 4th Raimi Spider-Man. Studio politics, creative differences and bad internet reactions (to John Malkovich as Vulture) caused the plug to be pulled December of 2009, early in the prep stage. However, one month later, Sony moved forward with Andrew Garfield reboot...". The animatic depicts a battle between Spider-Man and the Vulture.[57] Duncan later deleted the animatic from his page, but it can still be found onYouTube.[58]
Following his appearance in theMarvel Cinematic Universe filmSpider-Man: No Way Home (2021), some fans called for Sony to make a fourthSpider-Man film starring Maguire using thehashtag "#MakeRaimiSpiderMan4" onTwitter.[59] In addition, Raimi and Dunst expressed interest in a possible return in a fourth film, while Maguire stated that he was "open for anything".[60] However, Raimi later stated that he had no plans to direct such a film.[61]
| Film | U.S. release date | Director | Screenwriters | Story by | Producers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Amazing Spider-Man | July 3, 2012 (2012-07-03) | Marc Webb | Steve Kloves,Alvin Sargent &James Vanderbilt | James Vanderbilt | Avi Arad,Matt Tolmach &Laura Ziskin |
| The Amazing Spider-Man 2 | May 2, 2014 (2014-05-02) | Jeff Pinkner,Roberto Orci &Alex Kurtzman | Jeff Pinkner, Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman & James Vanderbilt | Avi Arad & Matt Tolmach |
Following the cancelation ofSpider-Man 4, Sony announced that the franchise would berebooted with a new director and cast.Marc Webb directed both of theAmazing Spider-Man films.
The film focuses onPeter Parker (Andrew Garfield) developing his abilities in high school and his relationship withGwen Stacy (Emma Stone). He fights the Lizard, the monstrous form ofDr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), who is his father's former partner and a scientist atOscorp.
Peter graduates from high school, continues his crime-fighting duties as Spider-Man, while combating the electricity-manipulatingElectro (Jamie Foxx), rekindling his relationship with Gwen, and encountering his old friendHarry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), who is slowly dying from a genetic disease.
In June 2013, Sony announced the release dates for the next twoSpider-Man films followingThe Amazing Spider-Man 2. The third film was scheduled to be released on June 10, 2016, and the fourth to be released on May 4, 2018.Paul Giamatti confirmed he would return asRhino in the third film following his brief appearance inThe Amazing Spider-Man 2.[62] That November, Sony Pictures Entertainment chiefMichael Lynton told analysts: "We do very much have the ambition about creating a bigger universe around Spider-Man. There are a number of scripts in the works".[63] Garfield stated that his contract was for three films, and was unsure of his involvement for the fourth film.[64] In February 2014, Sony announced that Webb would return to direct the third film.[65] In March, Webb stated that he would not be directing the fourth film, but would like to remain as a consultant for the series.[66]Roberto Orci toldIGN in July that he was not working on the third film due to his involvement inStar Trek Beyond.[67]Alex Kurtzman stated in an interview that the third film was still continuing production and that there was a possibility of seeing a Black Cat film.[68] Sony later announced in July thatThe Amazing Spider-Man 3 had been delayed to 2018.[69] After the announcement in February 2015 of a new series withMarvel Studios, the sequels toThe Amazing Spider-Man 2 were canceled.[70] In July 2015,Denis Leary, who portrayedGeorge Stacy in both films, revealed that the third film at one point had Spider-Man "take this formula and regenerate the people in his life that died".[71]
In December 2013, Sony issued a press release through the viral siteElectro Arrives announcing that two films were in development, with Kurtzman, Orci, andEd Solomon writing a spin-off toThe Amazing Spider-Man focused onVenom (with Kurtzman attached to direct) andDrew Goddard writing one focused on the villain teamSinister Six. Hannah Minghella and Rachel O'Connor would oversee the development and production of these films for the studio.[72][73] The Venom spin-off eventually becamethe 2018 film forSony's Spider-Man Universe. In April 2014, it was announced that Goddard would direct theSinister Six film,[74] and that both spin-offs would be released before a fourthAmazing Spider-Man,[75] with Spider-Man potentially appearing in both spin-offs.[76] Later in the month,Matt Tolmach andAvi Arad revealed theSinister Six film would be a redemption story,[77] and that the film's lineup might differ from the comics.[78] In July 2014, Sony announced thatThe Sinister Six was scheduled for release on November 11, 2016.[69] By August 2014, Sony was also looking to release a female-centered spin-off film in 2017, withLisa Joy writing, and had given theVenom spin-off the potential title ofVenom: Carnage.[79]
"I mean, yes, definitely open to something if it felt right. Peter and Spider-Man, those characters are all about service, to the greater good and the many. He's a working-class boy from Queens that knows struggle and loss and is deeply empathetic. I would try to borrow Peter Parker's ethical framework in that, if there was an opportunity to step back in and tell more of that story, I would have to feel very sure and certain in myself."
Despite the announcement in February 2015 of a new series with Marvel Studios,The Sinister Six,Venom, and female-led spin-off films set in theAmazing Spider-Man timeline were then "still moving forward". Marvel Studios presidentKevin Feige was not expected to be creatively involved with these films.[70] However,The Sinister Six was canceled due toThe Amazing Spider-Man 2 underperforming commercially,[81] and by November 2015, the other prospective spin-off films were canceled as well.[82] Sony has reworked these plans into creating a new film series based on Marvel characters associated with Spider-Man separate from both theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) or theAmazing Spider-Man franchise, starting with the release ofVenom (2018).
Following his appearance in the MCU filmSpider-Man: No Way Home (2021), some fans called for Sony to make a thirdSpider-Man film starring Garfield using the hashtag "#MakeTASM3" onTwitter.[83][84][85] In an interview withEntertainment Tonight, Garfield expressed interest in reprising his role as Peter Parker for another Spider-Man film. MCU Spider-Man actorTom Holland later expressed support for Garfield to reprise the role in a potential third film.[86]
| Film | U.S. release date | Director | Screenwriters | Story by | Producers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man: Homecoming | July 7, 2017 (2017-07-07) | Jon Watts | Jon Watts,Erik Sommers,Chris McKenna,Christopher Ford,John Francis Daley &Jonathan Goldstein | John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein | Kevin Feige andAmy Pascal |
| Spider-Man: Far From Home | July 2, 2019 (2019-07-02) | Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers | |||
| Spider-Man: No Way Home | December 17, 2021 (2021-12-17) | ||||
| Spider-Man: Brand New Day | July 31, 2026 (2026-07-31) | Destin Daniel Cretton[87] | |||
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_Second_Trilogy_Film_Logo.png){kind=logo}
Sony's 1999[88] exclusive rights acquisition, covering all Spider-Man universes[89] (including 900+ Marvel characters related to Spider-Man), is perpetual provided that Sony releases a new Spider-Man film at least once every 5.75 years.[90]
Sometime in 2014, prior to the release ofThe Amazing Spider-Man 2, there had been informal discussions betweenAmy Pascal andMarvel Studios presidentKevin Feige about whether the world and characters ofThe Amazing Spider-Man films (includingAndrew Garfield'sversion of Spider-Man) could beretroactively integrated into theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but discussions came to nothing. Pascal andAvi Arad had attempted to connect the two franchises prior to these discussions, with the pair revealing that they were intending on licensing out the design of theOscorp Tower fromThe Amazing Spider-Man (2012) so it could appear in the New York City skyline of the MCU filmThe Avengers (2012), establishing the existence of Spider-Man and associated elements in the MCU. It never materialized as a result of the building's design being finalized too late into the latter film'spost-production process.[91] Sony also mooted with the idea of doing acrossover film betweenThe Amazing Spider-Man films and theSam Raimi films with Garfield andTobey Maguire playing their respective versions of Spider-Man, with Raimi reportedly eyed to direct, but this too never came to fruition.[92] In December 2014, following thehacking of Sony Pictures' computers, Sony and Marvel Studios were revealed to have had discussions about licensing Spider-Man to appear in the MCU filmCaptain America: Civil War (2016) while having control of the film rights remaining with Sony. Talks between the studios then broke down. Instead, Sony had considered having Raimi return to direct a new trilogy.[93]
On February 9, 2015, Sony and Disney announced a licensing agreement that would allow Spider-Man to appear in the MCU, with the character appearing in an MCU film and Sony releasing aSpider-Man film co-produced by Feige and Pascal. Sony would continue to own, finance, distribute, and exercise final creative control over theSpider-Man films.[94] Feige stated that Marvel had been working to add Spider-Man to the MCU since at least October 2014.[95] The next month, Marvel Entertainment CCOJoe Quesada indicated that the Peter Parker version of the character would be used,[96] which Feige confirmed in April.[97] The following June, Feige clarified that the initial Sony deal did not allow the character to appear in any of theMCU television series, as it was "very specific... with a certain amount of back and forth allowed".[98]
Tom Holland, who portraysPeter Parker / Spider-Man in the MCU, revealed in November 2016 that he was signed for "three Spider-Man movies and three solo movies".[99] In June 2017, Holland, Feige, andJon Watts, director of the first MCUSpider-Man trilogy, confirmed that a child (portrayed by Max Favreau) wearing an Iron Man mask whomTony Stark saves from a drone inIron Man 2 (2010), was a young Peter Parker, retroactively making it the introduction of the character to the MCU.[100][101]
In August 2019, Disney and Sony could not reach a new agreement regarding the Spider-Man films, with Marvel Studios and Feige said to no longer have any involvement in any future films.Deadline Hollywood noted that Disney had hoped future films would be a "50/50 co-financing arrangement between the studios", with the possibility to extend the deal to other Spider-Man-related films, an offer Sony rejected and did not counter. Instead, Sony hoped to keep the terms of the previous agreement, where Marvel would receive 5% of the film's initial theatrical gross, with Disney refusing.[102]The Hollywood Reporter added that the lack of a new agreement would see the end of Holland's Spider-Man in the MCU.[103]Variety cited unnamed sources claiming negotiations had "hit an impasse" and that a new deal could still be reached.[104] On August 24, Feige reportedly commented at Disney'sD23 Expo: "We got to make five films within the MCU with Spider-Man: two standalone films and three with theAvengers. It was a dream that I never thought would happen. It was never meant to last forever. We knew there was a finite amount of time that we'd be able to do this, and we told the story we wanted to tell, and I'll always be thankful for that."[105]
The following month, in response to fan outcry, Disney and Sony reached a new deal, which included a third Spider-Man film as well as one other film, both set in the MCU.[106] At the time, Watts entered final negotiations to return as director.[107] In November 2021, Pascal revealed in an interview that Sony and Marvel Studios are going to continue collaborating for another trilogy of films set in the MCU.[108]
Reports indicated that the first MCU film that Spider-Man would appear in as part of the deal would beCaptain America: Civil War.[109][110] DirectorsJoe and Anthony Russo had lobbied for months to include the character in that film.[111] Anthony Russo stated that, despite Marvel telling them to have a "plan B" should the deal with Sony fail, the Russos never created one because "it was very important to us to reintroduce" Spider-Man in the film, adding, "We only have envisioned the movie with Spider-Man."[112] By the end of May 2015,Asa Butterfield, Holland,Judah Lewis,Matthew Lintz,Charlie Plummer andCharlie Rowescreen tested for the lead role, againstRobert Downey Jr., who portrays Tony Stark / Iron Man, for chemistry.[113][114] The six were chosen out of a search of over 1,500 actors to test in front of Feige, Pascal, and the Russo brothers.[113] In June, Feige and Pascal narrowed the actors considered to Holland and Rowe. Both screen tested again with Downey, with Holland also testing withChris Evans, who portraysSteve Rogers / Captain America, and emerged as the favorite.[114] Holland was ultimately cast as Spider-Man in June.[115] The following month,Marisa Tomei was in talks for the role ofMay Parker,[116] later appearing inCivil War.[117]
In the film, Parker, who has spent the last six months as the local costumed crimefighter Spider-Man, is recruited by Stark to join his team of Avengers to stop Rogers and his rogue faction of Avengers, who oppose theSokovia Accords, from fleeing with fugitiveBucky Barnes. During the fight with Rogers and his team, Parker, utilizing a Stark-upgraded version of his initial makeshift suit, proves to be a formidable opponent, and implements a tactic with which he, Stark,James Rhodes / War Machine, andVision disableScott Lang / Ant-Man in hisgiant-sized form. Upon returning home, Parker discovers some of theStark tech features of the suit he was given by Stark.
Spider-Man: Homecoming was released on July 7, 2017.[118][119] The film was directed by Watts,[115] from a screenplay byJonathan M. Goldstein &John Francis Daley and Watts &Christopher Ford andChris McKenna &Erik Sommers.[120] Holland, Tomei, and Downey reprise their roles as Peter Parker, May Parker, and Stark, respectively,[121] and are joined byMichael Keaton asAdrian Toomes / Vulture,Zendaya asMJ,Jacob Batalon asNed Leeds,Laura Harrier asLiz,Tony Revolori asFlash Thompson, andBokeem Woodbine asHerman Schultz / Shocker, who appears as a minor villain.Jon Favreau also appears asHappy Hogan, reprising his role from theIron Man films.[120][122] Production began in June 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia and ended in October.[123][124][125]
Set two months after the events ofCivil War, Parker anxiously awaits his next assignment from Stark while simultaneously balancing his life at Midtown High with his vigilante life as Spider-Man. His investigation of a series of highly weaponized robberies leads him to mysterious weapons trafficker Adrian Toomes and despite Stark's warnings not to be involved attempts to stop him.
In October 2016, Holland said the possibility of him appearing inAvengers: Infinity War was "all up in the air", but that "some sort of deal is in the mix" with Sony for him to appear.[126] Holland was eventually confirmed to appear in the film, directed by the Russo brothers, as part of theensemble cast in February 2017.[127]
Parker joins Iron Man,Doctor Strange, and theGuardians of the Galaxy in battlingThanos in the ruins of his home planet,Titan. However, Parker is among the many heroes who perish after Thanos snaps his fingers with a completed Infinity Gauntlet, which wipes out half of all life in the universe.
Holland was confirmed to be a part ofAvengers: Endgame, directed by the Russo brothers, in April 2017.[128]
After dying at the end ofInfinity War, Parker and the other victims of Thanos are resurrected byBruce Banner five years later and join the Avengers and their allies in a clash against Thanos and his army in upstate New York. At the battle's conclusion, Parker mourns Stark's death and attends his funeral with May before returning to high school to reunite with his best friend Ned.
In December 2016, Sony Pictures announced a sequel toSpider-Man: Homecoming, for release on July 5, 2019.[129] In June 2017, Feige stated that the film would be titled in a similar fashion toHomecoming, using a subtitle, and would not have a number in the title.[130] A year later, Holland revealed the film's title asSpider-Man: Far From Home.[131] Watts returned to direct, and Holland, Zendaya, Favreau, Batalon, Tomei, and Revolori reprise their roles fromHomecoming, withJake Gyllenhaal joining asQuentin Beck / Mysterio. As inHomecoming, other characters from MCU installments reprise their roles, withSamuel L. Jackson andCobie Smulders appearing asNick Fury andMaria Hill, respectively. In April 2019, Sony moved the release date to July 2, 2019.[132]
Set after the events ofEndgame, the film features Parker and his friends going to Europe on summer vacation, where Parker, intending to take a break from superheroics, is drawn back to it when he is forced to team up with Fury and Mysterio in battling theElementals.
In September 2019, Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures announced to produce a third film, after an impasse between the two companies during negotiations.[106] Watts returned to direct,[133] from a script by McKenna and Sommers.[134] Holland, Zendaya, Favreau, Batalon, Tomei, and Revolori reprise their roles,[135] and are joined byBenedict Cumberbatch andBenedict Wong in their MCU roles as Stephen Strange andWong, respectively.[136] The film links the pre-MCUSpider-Man films via themultiverse and features Maguire and Garfield reprising their respective roles as their versions of Spider-Man, whileWillem Dafoe,Alfred Molina andThomas Haden Church reprise their roles asNorman Osborn / Green Goblin,Otto Octavius / Doctor Octopus andFlint Marko / Sandman respectively from Raimi'sSpider-Man trilogy, along withJamie Foxx andRhys Ifans asMax Dillon / Electro andCurt Connors / Lizard respectively fromMarc Webb'sThe Amazing Spider-Man films.[137]Charlie Cox reprises his role asMatt Murdock fromMarvel Television'sNetflix series andTom Hardy appears, uncredited, asEddie Brock, reprising the role fromSony's Spider-Man Universe.
After Mysterio exposes Parker's identity as Spider-Man to the world inFar From Home in addition to incriminating him for his demise, ruining Parker's and his close ones' life in the process, Parker asks Strange to make it a secret again with magic, but this inadvertently breaks open the multiverse and allows visitors from alternate realities to enter Parker's universe.
Pascal confirmed plans for a sequel toNo Way Home and a second trilogy of films set in the MCU in November 2021 ahead of the film's release, with Feige confirming the active development of a fourth MCUSpider-Man film in addition to his next supporting appearance in the franchise the following month. Marvel Studios returns to co-produce the film with Sony Pictures and Pascal Pictures. Holland was expected to reprise his role, with his character undergoing a soft-reset as a result of his "momentous decision" duringNo Way Home's climax, describing public knowledge of the character's civilian persona being erased by Doctor Strange's spell.[138][139][140]
On October 23, 2024, a fourth MCUSpider-Man film was officially confirmed with Holland set to reprise his role and filming scheduled to begin in 2025.[141] Two days later,Destin Daniel Cretton was announced as the director.[87] The film is currently scheduled to be released on July 31, 2026 after being delayed a week in February 2025.[142][143] The film's title was revealed asSpider-Man: Brand New Day in March 2025.
In October 2024, Holland was reported to be reprising his role as Spider-Man inAvengers: Doomsday, set to release on December 18, 2026.[144]The Hollywood Reporter broke that principal photography for the standaloneSpider-Man: Brand New Day was delayed to mid-2025 as a means of accommodating his simultaneous commitment toDoomsday, as well as his starring role asTelemachus in theChristopher Nolan filmThe Odyssey, scheduled to premiere two weeks beforeBrand New Day.[145][146] In an interview, Holland additionally revealed that he was aware of Downey's casting as the film's lead antagonistVictor von Doom / Doctor Doom ahead of its reveal atSan Diego Comic-Con in July 2024, as the pair remained in contact after working together in the MCU.[147]
| Film | U.S. release date | Directors | Screenwriters | Producers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse | December 14, 2018 (2018-12-14) | Peter Ramsey,Rodney Rothman andBob Persichetti | Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman | Avi Arad,Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Christina Steinberg |
| Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse | June 2, 2023 (2023-06-02) | Kemp Powers,Justin K. Thompson andJoaquim Dos Santos | Phil Lord, Christopher Miller andDavid Callaham | |
| Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse | June 4, 2027 (2027-06-04) | Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson | Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Jinko Gotoh |
In April 2015, Sony announced thatPhil Lord and Christopher Miller were writing and producing a Spider-Man animated comedy in development atSony Pictures Animation. As revealed by the e-mail leak one year before, the duo had been previously courted by Sony to take over the studio's animation division. Originally scheduled to be released on December 21, 2018, Sony changed the date a week earlier on December 14.[148][149] Sony Pictures Animation presidentKristine Belson unveiled the film's logo, with theworking titleAnimated Spider-Man, atCinemaCon 2016, and declared that "conceptually and visually, [the film] will break new ground for the superhero genre."[150] Bob Persichetti would direct the animated film,[151] withPeter Ramsey andRodney Rothman serving as co-directors andMiles Morales serving as the protagonist of the film.[152]
Lord and Miller expressed interest in developing animated shorts starringSpider-Ham, who was introduced inInto the Spider-Verse.[153] The short filmSpider-Ham: Caught in a Ham was released on February 26, 2019, along with the digital release ofInto the Spider-Verse.[154]John Mulaney reprises his role as the titular character fromInto the Spider-Verse.
In November 2018, it was revealed thatInto the Spider-Verse had entered into sequel development.[155] The sequel, which continues Morales' story and features a romance withGwen Stacy / Spider-Woman,[156] was directed byJoaquim Dos Santos and written byDavid Callaham.[157] In February 2021, Miller revealed that both he and Lord were co-writing the screenplay with Callaham, and that Peter Ramsey would serve as an executive producer, after co-directing the first film.[158] By April,Kemp Powers andJustin K. Thompson (the latter of which had previously served as production designer on the first film) were announced to co-direct the film alongside Dos Santos.[159] In April 2022, it was announced that the film had been retitled, with the(Part One) moniker removed in favor of separating the film and its sequel.[160] It was released on June 2, 2023 after being delayed from its initial April 8, 2022 release date.[161][162]
The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story is a short film that debuted atAnnecy International Animation Film Festival on June 12, 2023.[163] It was later released onYouTube on March 27, 2024.[164]
It was directed by Jarelle Dampier and written by Khaila Amazan throughSony Pictures Imageworks' LENS program and is set betweenInto the Spider-Verse andAcross the Spider-Verse. It focuses on Miles' life as he, overwhelmed by school work, exams and relationships, as well as his secret identity as Spider-Man, "starts to feel the pressure [...], which results in a scary, trippy little jaunt through his subconscious."[165]
In December 2021, Lord and Miller revealed thatAcross the Spider-Verse was being split into two parts after they had written down the story they wanted to tell for the sequel and realized that it was too much for a single film. Work on both parts was taking place simultaneously.[166] In April 2022, it was announced that the film had been retitled fromSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part Two) toSpider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.[160] The film was originally set to be released on March 29, 2024 after being delayed from its initial release window of 2022 and 2023, but due to the2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, was removed from Sony's release schedule in late July 2023 , withGhostbusters: Frozen Empire taking over its original release date.[167][162][168] Sony later confirmed a release date of June 4, 2027 duringCinemaCon 2025.[169]
Along with the announcement of a sequel, a spin-off focused on female Spider-characters was revealed to be in development, withLauren Montgomery in talks to direct the film, while Bek Smith was set to write.[155] The spin-off will star Gwen Stacy / Spider-Woman, and is set to feature the charactersCindy Moon / Silk andJessica Drew / Spider-Woman.[156] Pascal felt that "it's great that we're going to be able to tell movies about female superheroes in this realm" as she believes "there are going to be characters that really resonate for people".[156] On how the spin-off film will be connected toAcross the Spider-Verse, Pascal said that it will act as a "launching pad" for the spin-off.[156]Hailee Steinfeld expressed interest in reprising her role as Gwen in the film.[170]
Mulaney expressed interest in a spin-off film starring Spider-Ham, with the potential plot being a "Watergate-like story" which could focus on the character's career as a reporter.[171]
Work on an expanded universe using supporting characters from theSpider-Man films began by December 2013. After the relative critical failure ofThe Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), these plans were abandoned and in February 2015, Sony announced a deal to collaborate withMarvel Studios on futureSpider-Man films and integrate the character into theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This relationship producedSpider-Man: Homecoming (2017),Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), andSpider-Man: No Way Home (2021), while Sony separately redevelopedVenom (2018) as a standalone film beginning a new franchise namedSony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU). The franchise continued withVenom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) andMorbius (2022), both of which established that the MCU and SSU would be connected through themultiverse, a concept previously explored inNo Way Home.
Themid-credits scene ofLet There Be Carnage seesEddie Brock andVenom (both played byTom Hardy) transported from their hotel to an unfamiliar location and witnessing the MCU version ofJ. Jonah Jameson (J. K. Simmons) talking about Spider-Man's identity asPeter Parker (Tom Holland). This is continued in the mid-credits scene ofNo Way Home, where Brock and Venom are transported back into their original universe, leaving a small piece of the Venom symbiote behind.
Michael Keaton reprises hisHomecoming role asAdrian Toomes / Vulture during the post-credits scenes inMorbius. Following the casting ofDoctor Strange's second spell permanently erasing the world's knowledge of Parker's civilian identity, Toomes is accidentally transported from the MCU to the SSU, ending up in a vacated prison cell in the latter universe. Upon being released immediately due to lacking a criminal record in the new universe, Toomes begins to surmise Spider-Man's involvement in his displacement. He soon constructs a new Vulture suit and arranges to meet Dr.Michael Morbius (Jared Leto), to whom he proposes they form a team.[172]
The birth of the SSU's Peter Parker is depicted inMadame Web (2024), set in 2003. An uncredited infant actor portrays the character. The film also features this universe's versions ofBen Parker (Adam Scott) andMary Parker (Emma Roberts), along with mentions ofMay Parker andRichard Parker.[173]
On May 31, 2010, an animated4D film, titledMarvel Super Heroes 4D, was launched atMadame Tussauds London, featuring Spider-Man andIron Man leading theAvengers againstDoctor Doom.[174] On April 26, 2012, an updated version of the film with a different plot, featuring Spider-Man in a diminished capacity, was opened atMadame Tussauds New York.[175][176][177] The film featuresTom Kenny as the voice of Spider-Man.[178]
AtComic-Con 2013,Dan Buckley, president ofMarvel Worldwide, Inc announced the development of acrossovertelevision special of the animated seriesPhineas and Ferb, that would feature characters fromMarvel Entertainment.[179] The special aired between August 16–25, 2013 onDisney Channel andDisney XD,[180][181] featuringDrake Bell reprising his role fromUltimate Spider-Man andAvengers Assemble as Peter Parker / Spider-Man, alongsideDanny Trejo asVenom.[182]
ProducerAmy Pascal revealed in May 2023 that a live-action film centered onMiles Morales was in development after the character was featured in the animatedSpider-Verse films.[183] Pascal andChristopher Miller said the film would be made following theMarvel Cinematic Universe filmSpider-Man: Brand New Day (2026) and the animatedSpider-Verse filmSpider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (2027).[184]
This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in multiple "franchises" of Spider-Man films.
Spider-Man co-creatorStan Lee has madecameo appearances in all films fromSpider-Man (2002) untilSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) following his death in November that year.
Bruce Campbell, a long-time colleague ofSam Raimi, has a cameo appearance in all films in the original trilogy: a wrestling ring announcer who gives Peter the name "Spider-Man" instead of the "Human Spider"; an usher to Mary Jane's play who refuses to let Peter enter after arriving late; and a Frenchmaître d' who messes up Peter's proposal to Mary Jane.[190] In the ultimately unmadeSpider-Man 4, Campbell's character would have been revealed asQuentin Beck / Mysterio.[191] Mysterio would be later portrayed byJake Gyllenhaal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe filmSpider-Man: Far From Home (2019).
| Films | Live-action | Animated | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man | Spider-Man 2 | Spider-Man 3 | The Amazing Spider-Man | The Amazing Spider-Man 2 | Spider-Man: Homecoming | Spider-Man: Far From Home | Spider-Man: No Way Home | Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse | Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse | Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse | |
| 2002 | 2004 | 2007 | 2012 | 2014 | 2017 | 2019 | 2021 | 2018 | 2023 | 2027 | |
| Executive producer(s) | Avi Arad Stan Lee | Stan Lee Kevin Feige Joseph M. Caracciolo | Stan Lee Kevin Feige Michael Grillo | E. Bennett Walsh Stan Lee Alex Kurtzman Roberto Orci | Louis D'Esposito Victoria Alonso Patricia Whitcher Jeremy Latcham Avi Arad Matt Tolmach Stan Lee | Louis D'Esposito Victoria Alonso Thomas M. Hammel Eric Hauserman Carroll Rachel O'Connor Stan Lee Avi Arad Matt Tolmach | Louis D'Esposito Victoria Alonso JoAnn Perritano Rachel O'Connor Avi Arad Matt Tolmach | Will Allegra Brian Michael Bendis Stan Lee | Bob Persichetti Peter Ramsey Rodney Rothman Aditya Sood Brian Michael Bendis[192] | Aditya Sood Christina Steinberg | |
| Composer(s) | Danny Elfman | Christopher Young | James Horner | Hans Zimmer The Magnificent Six[a] | Michael Giacchino | Daniel Pemberton | |||||
| Director of photography | Don Burgess | Bill Pope | John Schwartzman | Dan Mindel | Salvatore Totino | Matthew J. Lloyd | Mauro Fiore | — | — | — | |
| Editor(s) | Bob Murawski Arthur Coburn | Bob Murawski | Alan Edward Bell Michael McCusker Pietro Scalia | Pietro Scalia | Dan Lebental Debbie Berman | Dan Lebental Leigh Folsom-Boyd | Jeffrey Ford Leigh Folsom Boyd | Robert Fisher Jr. | Michael Andrews | TBA | |
Sam Raimi'sSpider-Man trilogy was released onDVD, the first two being released exclusively as two-disc sets and onVHS, with the third film being released in both single and two-disc editions. All three films were later packaged in a "Motion Picture DVD Trilogy" box set.Spider-Man 3 (2007) was initially the onlySpider-Man film to be released individually on the high-definitionBlu-ray format. The first two films were made available on Blu-ray, but only as part of a boxed set with the third film, calledSpider-Man: The High-Definition Trilogy. The first two films lacked the bonus features from the DVDs, althoughSpider-Man 2 (2004) did contain both cuts of the film.[citation needed] Sony re-released the three films on June 12, 2012.[193] The DVDs of the first two films reinstated a selection of the bonus features missing from the earlier Blu-ray releases, although theSpider-Man 3 reissue did not include the bonus disc of additional special features that appeared on earlier Blu-ray releases. All three films which comprise the Raimi-trilogy are available in the U.S. oniTunes.[194][195][196]
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) became the first Spider-Man film released onUltra HD Blu-ray on March 1, 2016. Sony released the home video release ofSpider-Man: Homecoming (2017) on UHD and other home video formats on October 17, 2017,[197] as well as sets featuring all of their other Spider-Man movies on UHD. This includedSpider-Man: Limited Edition Collection, which includes all three Raimi films, andThe Amazing Spider-Man: Limited Edition Collection, which includes bothMarc Webb films.[198]
In April 2021, Disney and Sony Pictures reached a multi-year deal to let Sony's titles (such as films from theSpider-Man franchise) stream onHulu andDisney+. A significant number of Sony titles began streaming on Hulu starting in June 2021.[199] It includes films from 2022 onwards. While the deal only concerns the United States, titles from Sony Pictures began to also be added to Disney+ in regions outside of the U.S., as early as June 2022, starting with the majority of theSpider-Man films.[200]
In March 2024, Sony announced that all of their live-action Spider-Man films would be re-released in theaters as part of Columbia Pictures' 100th anniversary celebration.[201] The original trilogy films were re-released on April 15, 22, and 29, 2024, respectively.The Amazing Spider-Man films were re-released on May 6 and 13. The threeMarvel Cinematic UniverseSpider-Man films were re-released on May 20, May 27, and June 3.
| Film | Release date | Box office gross | Box office ranking | Budget | Ref. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | Other territories | North America | Other territories | Worldwide | All time North America | All time worldwide | |||
| 1977 film | |||||||||
| Spider-Man | — | 1977 | — | $9,000,000 | $9,000,000 | — | Unknown | Unknown | [202] |
| Sam Raimi films | |||||||||
| Spider-Man | May 3, 2002 | $407,774,549 | $418,020,347 | $825,820,266 | 35 | 82 | $139 million | [203] | |
| Spider-Man 2 | May 7, 2004 | $374,337,514 | $410,198,687 | $784,561,571 | 46 | 95 | $200 million | [204] | |
| Spider-Man 3 | May 4, 2007 | May 1, 2007 | $337,281,992 | $554,359,494 | $891,697,618 | 60 | 64 | $258 million | [205] |
| Marc Webb films | |||||||||
| The Amazing Spider-Man | July 6, 2012 | June 27, 2012 | $262,782,352 | $495,918,171 | $758,725,893 | 115 | 104 | $230 million | [206] |
| The Amazing Spider-Man 2 | May 2, 2014 | April 16, 2014 | $203,605,622 | $513,278,887 | $716,934,779 | 208 | 121 | $250 million | [207] |
| Marvel Cinematic Universe | |||||||||
| Spider-Man: Homecoming | July 7, 2017 | July 5, 2017 | $334,952,829 | $545,983,955 | $880,978,185 | 64 | 68 | $175 million | [208] |
| Spider-Man: Far From Home | July 5, 2019 | June 28, 2019 | $391,283,774 | $741,414,082 | $1,132,723,226 | 40 | 25 | $160 million | [209] |
| Spider-Man: No Way Home | December 17, 2021 | December 15, 2021 | $814,866,759 | $1,106,533,944 | $1,921,426,073 | 3 | 7 | $200 million | [210] |
| Animated Spider-Verse | |||||||||
| Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse | December 14, 2018 | December 12, 2018 | $190,241,310 | $203,361,125 | $393,602,435 | 232 | 335 | $90 million | [211] |
| Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse | June 2, 2023 | $381,593,754 | $309,230,984 | $690,824,738 | 50 | 147 | $100 million | [212] | |
| Total | $3,698,438,020 | $5,307,299,676 | $9,006,294,784 | 3 | 2 | $1.702 billion | [213] [214] | ||
All three films of the Raimi-trilogy set opening day records in North America.[215] TheSpider-Man films are among the top of North American rankings offilms based on Marvel Comics, withSpider-Man: No Way Home ranking 2nd,Spider-Man ranking 10th,Spider-Man: Far From Home ranking 11th,Spider-Man 2 ranking 13th,Spider-Man 3 ranking 15th, andSpider-Man: Homecoming ranking 16th.[216] In North America,Spider-Man: No Way Home,Spider-Man,Spider-Man: Far From Home,Spider-Man 2,Spider-Man 3 andSpider-Man: Homecoming are ranked 2nd, 14th, 15th, 17th, 19th, and 22nd for allsuperhero films.[217] Worldwide,Spider-Man: No Way Home,Spider-Man: Far From Home,Spider-Man 3, andSpider-Man: Homecoming are ranked 3rd, 11th, 16th, and 17th forall superhero films. The Raimi-trilogy and the MCU films (Homecoming,Far From Home, andNo Way Home) are six of the seven most successful films produced by Sony/Columbia Pictures in North America,[218] withNo Way Home becoming Sony's highest-grossing film both in North America and worldwide.
| Film | Known box office ticket sales | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| United States and Canada | Other territories | Worldwide | |
| Sam Raimi films | |||
| Spider-Man | 70,626,300[219] | 55,422,620[a] | 126,048,920 |
| Spider-Man 2 | 60,158,700[219] | 44,373,272[b] | 104,531,972 |
| Spider-Man 3 | 48,914,300[219] | 61,237,414[c] | 110,151,714 |
| Marc Webb films | |||
| The Amazing Spider-Man | 33,677,900[219] | 45,703,072[d] | 79,380,972 |
| The Amazing Spider-Man 2 | 24,363,300[219] | 38,344,664[e] | 62,707,964 |
| Marvel Cinematic Universe | |||
| Spider-Man: Homecoming | 37,418,200[219] | 68,217,737[f] | 105,635,937 |
| Spider-Man: Far From Home | 43,340,300[219] | 94,868,990[g] | 138,209,290 |
| Spider-Man: No Way Home | 82,901,987[249] | 113,246,350[h] | 196,148,337 |
| Animated Spider-Verse | |||
| Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse | 21,093,500[219] | 24,735,866[i] | 45,829,366 |
| Total | 422,494,487 | 546,149,985 | 968,644,472 |
| Film | Critical | Public | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic | CinemaScore | ||
| Spider-Man | 90% (249 reviews)[257] | 73 (38 reviews)[258] | A−[259] | |
| Spider-Man 2 | 93% (275 reviews)[260] | 83 (41 reviews)[261] | A−[259] | |
| Spider-Man 3 | 63% (263 reviews)[262] | 59 (40 reviews)[263] | B+[259] | |
| The Amazing Spider-Man | 71% (339 reviews)[264] | 66 (42 reviews)[265] | A−[266] | |
| The Amazing Spider-Man 2 | 50% (313 reviews)[267] | 53 (50 reviews)[268] | B+[269] | |
| Spider-Man: Homecoming | 92% (400 reviews)[270] | 73 (51 reviews)[271] | A[272] | |
| Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse | 97% (398 reviews)[273] | 87 (50 reviews)[274] | A+[275] | |
| Spider-Man: Far From Home | 90% (459 reviews)[276] | 69 (55 reviews)[277] | A[272] | |
| Spider-Man: No Way Home | 93% (432 reviews)[278] | 71 (60 reviews)[279] | A+[275] | |
| Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse | 95% (385 reviews)[280] | 86 (60 reviews)[281] | A[282] | |
David Ansen ofNewsweek enjoyedSpider-Man as a fun film to watch, though he consideredSpider-Man 2 to be "a little too self-important for its own good." Ansen sawSpider-Man 3 as a return to form, finding it "the most grandiose chapter and the nuttiest."[283] Tom Charity ofCNN appreciated the films' "solidly redemptive moral convictions", also noting the vast improvement of the visual effects from the first film to the third. While he saw the second film's Doc Ock as the "most engaging" villain, he applauded the third film's Sandman as "a triumph of CGI wizardry."[284] Richard Corliss ofTime enjoyed the action of the films and thought that they did better than most action movies by "rethinking the characters, the franchise and the genre."[285]
Colin Covert of theStar Tribune praisedSpider-Man as a "superb debut" of the superhero as well asSpider-Man 2 as a "superior sequel" for filmgoers who are fans "of spectacle and of story." Covert expressed disappointment inSpider-Man 3 as too ambitious with the multiple storylines leaving one "feeling overstuffed yet shortchanged."[286] Manohla Dargis ofThe New York Times enjoyed the humor of the first two films, but found it missing in the third installment. Dargis also noted, "The bittersweet paradox of this franchise is that while the stories have grown progressively less interesting the special effects have improved tremendously."[287] Robert Denerstein of theRocky Mountain News ranked the films from his favorite to his least favorite:Spider-Man 2,Spider-Man, andSpider-Man 3. While Denerstein missed the presence of Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus from the second film, he found the third film – despite being "bigger, though not necessarily better" – to have a "satisfying conclusion."[288]
AlthoughSpider-Man 3 does have its own soundtrack,the album does not feature any of the film's score composed byChristopher Young. All songs included on the album, with the exceptions ofChubby Checker's cover of "The Twist" and theSnow Patrol single "Signal Fire", are not heard in the film.
| Title | U.S. release date | Length | Artist(s) | Label | Film |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Hero" | March 1, 2002 (2002-03-01) | 3:20 | Chad Kroeger andJosey Scott | Roadrunner,Sony Music Entertainment | Spider-Man |
| "What We're All About(The Original Version)" | April 17, 2002 (2002-04-17) | 3:49 | Sum 41 featuringKerry King fromSlayer | Aquarius | |
| "Vindicated" | May 31, 2004 (2004-05-31) | 3:21 | Dashboard Confessional | Vagrant,Interscope | Spider-Man 2 |
| "Signal Fire" | April 24, 2007 (2007-04-24) | 4:29 | Snow Patrol | Fiction,Record Collection | Spider-Man 3 |
| "It's On Again" | March 31, 2014 (2014-03-31) | 3:49 | Alicia Keys,Kendrick Lamar,Pharrell Williams and Hans Zimmer | RCA | The Amazing Spider-Man 2 |
| "The Edge" | April 1, 2014 (2014-04-01) | 3:02 | Tonight Alive | Sony Music Australia | |
| "Sunflower" | October 19, 2018 (2018-10-19) | 2:38 | Post Malone andSwae Lee | Republic | Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse |
| "What's Up Danger" | November 1, 2018 (2018-11-01) | 3:20 | Blackway andBlack Caviar | ||
| "Calling" | May 31, 2023 (2023-05-31) | 3:39 | Metro Boomin, Swae Lee,Nav andA Boogie wit da Hoodie | Boominati, Republic | Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse |
The trick to making any incarnation of Spider-Man great, whether comics, animation or film is Peter Parker. Get Peter's character right and the rest falls into place.
China's national average price for a movie ticket is about 20 yuan ($2.40).
Average urban ticket price 2004 – 20 CNY
B+ CinemaScore and an A- for those under 25
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