Spider-Man and Venom: The Meeting that Almost Happened in the MCU may be Coming in the Next Movie

The Anticipated Crossover: Spider-Man and Venom

Spider-Man and Venom have long been iconic adversaries in the comic book world, and fans have eagerly awaited their clash on the big screen. The idea of these two characters interacting within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a dream for many, and it seemed like it was on the verge of happening. But what went wrong, and is there still hope for this epic encounter? Let’s dive into the details.

The Complex Web of Rights and Studios

One of the main reasons the Spider-Man and Venom crossover hasn’t materialized in the MCU is due to the complex web of rights and studio agreements. In the 1990s, Marvel sold the rights to many of its characters to different studios due to financial struggles. This led to Spider-Man and his associated characters being owned by Sony, while other Marvel characters were scattered across various studios.

When the MCU began with “Iron Man” in 2008, Marvel didn’t have the rights to all its characters. It wasn’t until Disney acquired Marvel and later Fox that the MCU could start integrating characters like the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. However, Sony remains a separate entity with the rights to Spider-Man, making any crossover a complicated affair.

The Negotiations and Near Misses

In 2016, a significant breakthrough occurred when Marvel Studios’ head, Kevin Feige, negotiated a complex and costly deal with Sony’s Amy Pascal to bring Spider-Man into the MCU, starting with “Captain America: Civil War.” This agreement allowed Spider-Man to appear in MCU films, but it came with many financial and creative limitations for both studios.

Meanwhile, Sony began developing its own shared universe with Spider-Man characters, leading to films like “Venom,” “Morbius,” and “Kraven.” References between the two universes started to appear, with characters like the Vulture crossing over. The multiverse concept introduced by Marvel further blurred the lines, making it possible for these characters to coexist in some form.

The Multiverse Opens New Doors

The multiverse concept was fully embraced in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” opening the door for characters from different universes to interact. In a post-credit scene of “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” Venom recognizes Spider-Man on TV, hinting at a potential crossover.

In “No Way Home,” a post-credit scene shows Venom and Eddie Brock briefly transported to the MCU, only to return to their universe, leaving behind a small piece of the symbiote. This tantalizing hint suggests that Venom is now part of the MCU, setting the stage for a possible future encounter with Spider-Man.

The Future of Spider-Man and Venom in the MCU

Despite the potential, the third Venom film concluded the character’s trilogy, and Sony’s Spider-Man universe has been put on hold. Tom Hardy, who plays Eddie Brock, expressed his desire for a crossover, but it didn’t happen due to studio complexities. However, the possibility remains, especially with the multiverse in play.

The upcoming “Secret Wars” storyline in the MCU could provide the perfect opportunity for Spider-Man and Venom to meet. In the original “Secret Wars” comics, Spider-Man acquires the black suit, later revealed to be a symbiote, which becomes Venom. This connection could be explored in future films, bringing the two characters together in a way that fans have longed to see.

Conclusion: Hope for the Future

While the Spider-Man and Venom crossover hasn’t happened yet, the pieces are in place for it to occur. The multiverse, the symbiote left in the MCU, and the potential for “Secret Wars” all point to a possible future encounter. Fans should remain hopeful, as the ever-evolving landscape of the MCU could still deliver this epic showdown.

What do you think? Will Spider-Man and Venom finally meet in the MCU? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates on this exciting possibility.