Sony acquired the Spider-Man film rights from Marvel and is building the Spider-Man cinematic universe known as SSU, producing films like Venom, Morbius, Madame Web, and Kraven the Hunter.
While the SSU showcases Spider-Man-related movies, Spider-Man himself doesn't always appear. The reception of these films has been mixed, with Morbius, for example, receiving negative reviews commercially.
The future of the SSU hinges on the upcoming Madame Web and Kraven the Hunter films. It remains to be seen how the SSU will evolve and whether Spider-Man will play a role in it.
Following the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, every Hollywood studio's dream has been to build a successful cinematic universe. Warner Bros. created the ‘DECU’ centered around Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. **Sony Pictures, which acquired the Spider-Man rights from Marvel, is aiming to build a Spider-Man universe, ‘SSU’, centered around Spider-Man and his supporting characters.**
Venom Poster
Venom
These are the Venom movies released in 2019 and 2021. They depict the events that unfold when Tom Hardy merges with the liquid monster 'Venom'. While critics were universally negative, audiences were overwhelmingly positive. **They were quite profitable, as people seemed to enjoy the mindless spectacle of CGI-heavy liquid monster battles.**
These are also the highest-grossing Spider-Man franchise films to date that do not feature Spider-Man. ‘Venom 2’ included a post-credits scene hinting at Venom traveling to the MCU to meet Tom Holland's Spider-Man, but this did not materialize.
Morbius Poster
Morbius
When released in 2022, Morbius was considered a potential starting point for the SSU. **Particularly, the trailer included elements overtly related to Spider-Man, leading some to speculate that Spider-Man might make a surprise appearance.**
However, upon its release, those scenes were completely removed. **There's a rumor that after reviewing the finished film, Sony executives anticipated failure and decided to conceal those parts.** Subsequently, the film became not just a failure but a subject of ridicule among superhero film fans.
Therefore, Sony is likely to treat this film as nonexistent. **However, given that Jared Leto, a talented actor, played the lead role, could we possibly see his Morbius again in the future?**
Madame Web Poster
Madame Web
‘Madame Web’ is set to be released on February 14th. **Cassandra Webb (Dakota Johnson), a firefighter with the ability to see the future, learns that three future Spider-Women are being threatened by a mysterious entity named Ezekiel Sims (Tahar Rahim).** She must thwart Ezekiel's scheme to ensure the Spider-Women's safe emergence.
Despite its name, the Spider-Man universe has yet to feature any spider-powered heroes. This time, there will be a whopping four. **There are rumors that this movie will introduce the Spider-Man of the SSU.**
Kraven the Hunter Poster
Kraven the Hunter
**This is a film starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, scheduled for release in October of this year.** Like the other films, it features Kraven the Hunter, a supporting character from the Spider-Man series, as the protagonist. While originally a villain who hunted Spider-Man, he is expected to be portrayed as an antihero in this film.
**It received an R rating due to its graphic violence.** Russell Crowe also stars as the protagonist's father. With its spectacular action and cast, it's generating anticipation independent of the Spider-Man universe.