Sony Opens Marvel Character Access for Future Spider-Man Films

Rumored deal could bring more Spidey-adjacent characters into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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According to a new report, Sony Pictures is now open to sharing more of its Marvel characters, including Venom, Carnage, Black Cat, and others, with Marvel Studios for future Spider-Man films. This marks a shift from previous tensions between the two studios over character rights and could lead to expanded storytelling opportunities for the web-slinger within the MCU.

Why it matters

The reported collaboration between Sony and Marvel Studios would give the MCU greater access to Spider-Man's rich supporting cast of heroes and villains, allowing for more comic-accurate storylines and character interactions that fans have long desired. This could significantly expand the narrative possibilities for future Spider-Man films.

The details

According to insider Daniel Richtman, Sony Pictures has reversed its previous stance and is now open to sharing more of its Marvel characters, including Venom, Carnage, Black Cat, and others, with Marvel Studios. This comes after Black Panther director Ryan Coogler was reportedly shut down when he pitched using the character Kraven the Hunter in an MCU film, as Sony had plans for a solo Kraven movie. The new reported partnership between the studios would give the MCU greater access to the significant roster of Spider-Man-related characters that Sony controls the rights to.

  • In 2018, Sony Pictures attempted to create its own story centered on Spidey-adjacent antiheroes and villains.
  • In 2024, Sony Pictures released the final movie in its Sony's Spider-Man Universe franchise, Kraven the Hunter.
  • In July 2026, Marvel Studios is set to release Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Tom Holland's fourth solo movie in the MCU.

The players

Sony Pictures

The film studio that holds the rights to the Spider-Man character and supporting cast.

Marvel Studios

The production company behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has collaborated with Sony to bring Spider-Man into the MCU.

Daniel Richtman

An industry insider who reported on Sony's reported change of plans for the Marvel characters whose rights they own.

Ryan Coogler

The director of Black Panther, who previously pitched using the character Kraven the Hunter in an MCU film, but was shut down by Sony.

Kraven the Hunter

A Spider-Man villain whose rights are controlled by Sony Pictures.

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What’s next

Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures reportedly have plans to expand Tom Holland's Spider-Man story into a second trilogy, with at least two more movies planned for release in the MCU following Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

The takeaway

The reported collaboration between Sony and Marvel Studios could lead to expanded storytelling opportunities for Spider-Man within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, allowing for more comic-accurate character interactions and narrative possibilities that fans have long desired.