Sony's Spider-Man Universe Reboot: A Franchise Without Its Hero
In a move that defies conventional wisdom, Sony Pictures has announced plans to reboot its Spider-Man Universe, a series of films that notably excludes the web-slinger himself. This decision comes despite a track record of diminishing returns and critical indifference, raising eyebrows across Hollywood and among fans.
The Definition of Insanity in Hollywood
The old adage that insanity is repeating the same actions while expecting different results seems apt here. Sony's chief executive and chair, Tom Rothman, confirmed on The Town podcast that the studio will revive its superhero franchise, which has produced lackluster entries like Venom, Morbius, and Madame Web. Rothman emphasized, "Scarcity has value ... you got to make the audience miss you," hinting at a strategy of restraint. However, this approach has yet to prove successful, as the franchise struggles without its central character.
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception
Of the six films released in Sony's Spider-Man Universe, only the first Venom in 2018 was a financial hit, grossing $856 million worldwide, though it received tepid reviews. Subsequent installments have faltered:
- Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) earned $506 million.
- Venom: The Last Dance (2024) brought in $478 million.
- Morbius (2022) managed $167.5 million on a $75 million budget, becoming more of a cultural joke than a cinematic success.
- Madame Web (2024) grossed around $100 million against an $80 million-plus budget.
- Kraven the Hunter (2024) flopped with $62 million worldwide, likened to Moby-Dick without the whale.
This downward trend highlights the franchise's inability to sustain momentum or garner critical acclaim without Spider-Man's presence.
Contractual and Strategic Dilemmas
Speculation abounds regarding Sony's reluctance to include Spider-Man in these films. One theory suggests contractual obligations with Marvel, which produces the successful Tom Holland-led Spider-Man movies, benefiting Sony financially. Another possibility is fear of confusing audiences or damaging the profitable partnership. However, with multiverses becoming commonplace in superhero cinema, as seen in DC's plans for multiple Batmans, this hesitation seems outdated. The absence of a clear reason only fuels frustration among viewers.
The Future of the Franchise
Rothman's announcement leaves many questions unanswered. Will Sony learn from past mistakes and introduce Spider-Man in future reboots, or continue mining peripheral characters? The studio's strategy of scarcity may backfire if audiences grow weary of a hero-less universe. As one critic noted, scarcity has value, but at some point, you actually need the whale. For Sony's Spider-Man Universe to thrive, it must embrace its namesake or risk further irrelevance.
