Spider-Man lives to fight another day in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after Marvel and Sony have reached a new agreement over the superhero.
It appeared that the web-slinging hero, played by Tom Holland, would be leaving the MCU after the companies clashed over a new deal.
But he will be back for his third solo movie - as well as another Marvel film - in the cinematic universe.
The new agreement has been described as a "major coup" for Marvel.
However, some critics say they are "disappointed" that he is staying in the MCU.
The Claim
Time's Eliana Dockterman explains why the Marvel Cinematic Universe needed to keep Spider-Man "so badly" .
She calls retaining the ability to use Spidey in its films a "major coup" for Marvel Studios.
Dockterman argues: "Spider-Man is arguably the most relatable character in Marvel’s arsenal - not a god like Thor or a billionaire like Iron Man or a king like Black Panther, but just a teenage kid nervous about asking out his crush. He’s also one of their most popular.
"Losing Spidey at any time would have been a blow to the cinematic universe."
She lists a number of reasons why the web-slinging hero is needed in the next phase of the MCU. He is a "familiar face at a time when Marvel needs one most", who adds humour to the Avengers and remains grounded in "the face of an increasingly galactic universe".
Dockterman also calls Spider-Man an "obvious heir" to the Iron Man in the MCU.
She adds: "Tom Holland is firmly a star that appeals to Gen Z audiences. His evolution from put-upon teen to superhero will continue to usher a whole new generation of fans into the Marvel fandom."
The Counterclaim
However, Dani Di Placido says that he is "fairly disappointed" that Spider-Man is staying in the MCU.
In an opinion piece for Forbes , he calls Marvel's reinvention of the character "clever and unique" - but feels that the chapter is over.
He also argues that Holland’s Spider-Man lacks the "everyman" quality that is "so vital to the character", describing the current Spidey as a "trust-fund kid"
Di Placido writes: "He casually inherited a series of increasingly powerful suits, and eventually, even a global surveillance and drone-strike system.
"His friends and loved ones are all completely aware and accepting of his identity, and his commitment to heroism causes him no personal suffering whatsoever, other than the occasional bruise or nosebleed. "
He concludes: "For better or worse, Peter Parker is staying put, and so is his identity as a rich kid with daddy issues.
"He’s far from the worst Spider-Man we’ve had, but he fails to embody the selfless sacrifice that defines Spider-Man."
The Facts
In 2015, Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures reached an agreement to allow Spider-Man to be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Tom Holland's web-slinging hero made his MCU debut in Captain America: Civil War a year later. He appeared in two solo movies and two Avengers movies, including this year's Spider-Man: Far from Home.
It became the highest-grossing Sony film of all time, making $1.1 billion worldwide at the box office.
Sony holds the film rights to Spider-Man after purchasing them from Marvel in 1999. At the time, Marvel was struggling financially after a series of bad investments and decline in comic book sales.
To stay afloat, the company sold the film rights to its characters, hoping to make money from merchandise and comic book sales once the films were released .
They sold the X-Men and Fantastic Four characters to Fox, as well as the rights to Spider-Man to Sony.
The first Spider-Man movies under Sony were part of the Sam Raimi-directed trilogy, starring Tobey Maguire as the web-slinger, released between 2002 and 2007.
Under the terms of the deal, Sony had to produce a new Spider-Man movie every couple of years to retain the rights. They rebooted the series with the two The Amazing Spider-Man films, starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone.
The 2015 agreement saw Sony continue to fund and have "final creative control" over future solo Spider-Man films - but Marvel Studios would produce and serve as a creative lead on these movies.
Under this deal, Marvel received all merchandise revenue and roughly a five per cent cut from the box office.
Following the release of Spider-Man: Far from Home, Marvel, under the ownership of Disney, wanted to change the deal. They reportedly wanted to co-fund future movies in return of sharing the box office profits 50-50.
This arrangement between Marvel and Sony seemingly collapsed in August, when Sony said it was "disappointed" not to be working with Disney on future Spider-Man films. They also said that it hopes things "might change in the future".
And, on Friday, they did. Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios jointly announced that Marvel will produce a third film in the Spider-Man: Homecoming series with Tom Holland reprising his role as the hero.
According to Variety , insiders say that Disney will retain its merchandise rights and fund a quarter of the financing - and in return, they will receive roughly 25 per cent of profits. The deal also means that Spider-Man will appear in one future MCU film.
The next Spider-Man movie is scheduled for release on July 16, 2021.
