Turning Sony’s Spider-Man Spinoffs into Success

Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) of spinoffs has struggled to live up to expectations, especially with recent disappointments like Madame Webb. Despite these setbacks, there’s still potential for Sony to turn these failed spinoffs into box office successes. The SSU has failed to deliver on its promise of world-building and hit-making, largely due to its focus on lackluster stories and characters that didn’t resonate with audiences. Sony’s recent decision to pause these spinoffs in favor of focusing on Spider-Man himself is a step in the right direction, but there are still ways to salvage and even elevate the SSU, both for future films and to bring new life to the characters.

The first idea to capitalize on the existing properties is a “Spider-Man Villains Battle Royale,” a concept that could breathe life into the flawed SSU. Imagine Kraven: The Hunter set up as a movie where Kraven hunts down Venom, only to discover that Venom was never the killer he thought. This mistake leads to an unexpected team-up between Kraven and Venom against Morbius, one of the universe’s other villains. This storyline, though simplistic, is a strong example of how Sony could have better utilized the characters they had.

A full-scale crossover movie could help restore the SSU to its former glory. Instead of endlessly teasing interconnected stories, Sony could deliver a massive all-villain ensemble film. This could be built around Kraven hunting Venom in New York, eventually teaming up to fight Morbius, whose powers are growing uncontrollably. Introducing Madame Web and her team of Spider-Women would add more layers, even if it means ignoring some continuity issues. With a $120 million budget and a summer release during a holiday like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, this crossover could potentially recover the losses from previous SSU films and create a fresh narrative direction.

However, there’s an even bigger opportunity Sony missed: reviving Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man. Garfield’s portrayal was often overshadowed by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but there’s an undeniable potential for his version of Peter Parker. Sony could take advantage of this by developing a Sinister Six movie, which brings together villains from both the SSU and the pre-MCU Spider-Man films. A plotline where Garfield’s Spider-Man is ambushed by a multiverse villain, who gathers classic foes like Doc Ock, Green Goblin, and Venom, would tap into the nostalgia for fans of earlier films while introducing new threats and alliances.

This crossover could lead to an epic multiverse battle, where Garfield’s Spider-Man is joined by Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker and Alfred Molina’s Doc Ock. The addition of Doc Ock, having retained technology from his own universe, could set the stage for a story arc where he becomes a central villain—a “Master Planner” figure. The plot could culminate in a battle between the Spider-Men and the Sinister Six, setting up for future films. The end of the first movie could reveal a twist, with Doc Ock switching minds with Maguire’s Spider-Man, setting the stage for a second film where Garfield must save him.

The two-film arc would allow room for numerous villains, including Electro, Mysterio, and Vulture, creating a blockbuster experience that combines the best of both Sony’s and Marvel’s storytelling. It could revive the Amazing Spider-Man series, which never fully achieved its potential, and provide a fresh angle for the SSU while paving the way for a new franchise. This would be a bold step forward for Sony, and a much-needed shot in the arm for the SSU, ensuring that it doesn’t fade into irrelevance.

In addition, Sony could take another route to salvage the SSU by embracing the multiverse through the introduction of a new Spider-Man: Miles Morales. With the success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Miles has become a global sensation, beloved by fans worldwide. By introducing him into the SSU, Sony could not only revive the franchise but also position Miles as a fresh take on the Spider-Man legacy. A storyline that kills off the current Spider-Man at the start of a Sinister Six movie could make way for Miles to step into the role. With his own popularity, this could rejuvenate the SSU and offer a new, exciting direction for Sony’s Spider-Man-related films.

By weaving these elements together, Sony could give the SSU its second chance. It’s clear that the SSU’s previous mistakes stemmed from a lack of cohesion and failure to capitalize on the richness of Spider-Man’s lore. A thoughtful, strategic approach could change all that. Whether it’s a massive villain crossover or the introduction of new characters like Miles Morales, there are plenty of opportunities for Sony to turn the SSU from a failure into a major success.

The key lies in not rushing into more spinoffs with half-baked ideas, but instead taking the time to create an interconnected universe that both honors Spider-Man’s rich legacy and introduces fresh, compelling narratives. Sony must embrace bold moves, like reviving Garfield’s Spider-Man or leveraging the popularity of Miles Morales, to create something audiences want and, more importantly, something that can stand on its own while fitting into a larger cinematic universe. By refocusing on quality storytelling and thinking long-term, Sony can turn their failed spinoffs into the box office gold they originally hoped for.