Sony’s Attempt at a Spider-Man Universe Without Spider-Man
Sony Pictures once aimed to create a cinematic universe featuring characters from the Spider-Man comics but notably excluded the web-slinger himself. This ambitious plan didn’t go as hoped, with "Morbius" quickly becoming notorious among superhero movies for all the wrong reasons. Many fans and critics regard it as one of the worst entries in the genre.
The Infamous "Morbius" Movie
Despite having a well-known character and star power, "Morbius," starring Jared Leto, failed to impress. The film’s lackluster reception and performance were emblematic of Sony’s struggles with this cinematic universe concept. This led to the eventual dissolution of their shared universe plans.
A Director’s Perspective
Interestingly, before "Morbius" hit theaters, Sony approached director Ari Aster, known for "Midsommar" and "Hereditary," to direct the film. Aster revealed this tidbit during an appearance on the Mixed Signals podcast. Although he didn’t go into much detail about the discussions, it seems clear that things didn’t progress far.
What Could Have Been
Had Ari Aster taken the helm, "Morbius" might have been a very different movie. Aster’s unique filmmaking style, marked by psychological and horror elements, could have offered a new angle on the superhero genre. However, given the project’s trajectory, it might still have been a challenging start.
Conclusion
The "Morbius" endeavor serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when a studio attempts to expand a universe without its central character. Despite the potential talent involved, the project’s outcome underscores the challenges in creating successful spin-offs without a strong foundation.
