Sony Taking Major Detour With its Spider-Man Cinematic Universe – Focusing on Standalones Rather Than Shared Continuity Like MCU
The trend of expanding cinematic universes through superhero movies has become a common and anticipated phenomenon among audiences in recent years. While MCU set the standard with its interconnected and shared continuity approach, Sony Pictures decided to take an unexpected turn. While Sony continues to draw inspiration from Spider-Man’s world, it has chosen to focus on standalone films, carving out its unique path in the superhero genre.
This decision allows each film to stand on its own merit, offering a fresh perspective. The studio has strategically licensed various characters, expanding its storytelling canvas while maintaining a more flexible and standalone narrative structure. Sony’s decision to prioritize standalone films not only distinguishes itself from the MCU but also presents an intriguing alternative for superhero enthusiasts.
Sony’s Distinctive Path in Crafting the Spider-Man Universe
Since securing Spider-Man‘s rights in 1999, Sony’s journey with the iconic hero has been a rollercoaster. Recently, the studio adopted an unconventional approach to the Spider-Man universe, opting for standalone movies on Spidey-based characters rather than an interconnected web. The studio rebooted Spider-Man in 2017 with Tom Holland in the lead role, collaborating with Disney for a co-production.
That film integrated the hero into Disney’s cinematic universe, But the execution of post-credits teasers attempting to link Sony’s spin-offs to Disney’s continuity fell short of expectations. In response, Sony has chosen to pivot away from the interconnected nature that characterizes the superhero genre. Rather than following the footsteps of industry giants like Disney and Warner Bros, Sony is now prioritizing standalone movies centered around its Spidey-based characters.
This departure from the norm was evident with the release of Venom in 2018, marking the beginning of a narrative approach distinct from presenting films as installments in a grand. Unlike the conventional approach embraced by other studios, Sony’s superhero films are not presented as puzzle pieces in a vast. Sony has minimized the constraints imposed by a tightly-knit universe, allowing creative freedom to explore individual characters without being bound by a broader narrative continuity.
Madame Web and Venom 3 Take Center Stage in Sony’s Solo Superhero Film Spotlight
Sony Pictures is boldly charting its course in the superhero genre, steering away from the conventional interconnected universe approach. Sony’s superhero calendar for the current year promises its most extensive lineup yet, featuring two origin stories followed by the highly anticipated Venom 3 in November. Notably, Sony Pictures is strategically positioning its upcoming projects, including Madame Web, Kraven the Hunter, and the third Venom installment, as standalone endeavors.
Internally and in marketing, each production is presented as a self-contained narrative, inviting audiences to engage without the need for franchise catch-up. Jeff Gomez, an executive transmedia producer at Starlight Runner told (via Variety),
“There may be some hesitation to emphasize the interconnectedness of these movies. Madame Web, in the comics, tied together the multiverse for Spider-Man characters. The purpose of doing that movie — I would think — would be to essentially set up a superhighway between universes.”
Adding to Sony’s superhero lineup, Kraven the Hunter is set to captivate audiences in August, showcasing the studio’s commitment to the standalone model. As Sony continues to forge its path in the comic book film genre, the emphasis on standalone narratives not only allows for creative freedom but also opens up avenues for storytelling diversity.
