The Spider-Man Multiverse: Morbius and the Sony Universe
The Spider-Man Multiverse: Morbius and the Sony Universe
Many confusion arises regarding the portrayal and placement of characters in the complex world of comic adaptations. Specifically, in the case of Morbius, his ties to the Spider-Man universe can be quite confusing. Let's clarify the details and explore the intriguing places where Morbius fits within the overall context of these films and franchises.
What is Morbius in the Spider-Man Film?
For those unfamiliar, Morbius (2022) is a distinct project that adds a new character to the Sony Spider-Man Universe. Morbius, who is a vampire with enhanced abilities, is previously known primarily through the Venom series of films. This rare storyline remains independent yet connected to the overall Spider-Man cinematic timeline managed by Sony.
The Sony Spider-Man Universe: Creating a Rich Multiverse
When we talk about the Sony Spider-Man Universe, it is important to understand the sheer richness of this multiverse that Sony is attempting to build. Films like Venom, Venom 2: Let There Be Carnage, and Morbius all exist in a harmonious but separate universe, diverging from the more famous and interconnected MARVEL Cinematic Universe (MCU) where characters like Spider-Man (Alfred Molina) were initially introduced.
Is Morbius in the MCU?
Chiefly, Morbius is not part of the MCU. He belongs to the Sony-owned Spider-Man Universe, a separate entity that has its own narrative paths and focuses on different storyline timelines. This universe diverges significantly from the MCU and allows for the exploration of unique and original characters like Morbius. However, the multiverse theory suggests that it could potentially cross over, perhaps in future projects or post-credit scenes, as seen with the Venom series.
For instance, in Morbius, Pete Dumont (Jared Leto), the main villain, makes a guest appearance at the end of the film. This serves as a potential entry point for future crossovers and inter-universe interactions, allowing for Morbius to possibly exist in a shared multiverse where the boundaries between different Spider-Man universes are not so rigidly defined.
Ownership and Distribution
Ownership and distribution rights play a crucial role in understanding the nature of these films. Sony continues to own the cinematic rights to Spider-Man and his associated characters, including Morbius, from the comics. In contrast, the MCU is owned by Disney and has its own set of heroes and storylines, including Spider-Man (Tom Holland and Tobey Maguire).
Initially, Marvel and Sony had negotiated the past uses of Spider-Man in MCU films, such as Spider-Man (2002) and Joe Quesada's casting as Spider-Man. However, as of now, it is uncertain if there will be further Spider-Man appearances in the MCU. The relationship between Sony and Disney regarding Spider-Man is complex, and the future of Spider-Man across these two universes remains an open question.
Given the storyline of Morbius, it is indeed part of the Sony Spider-Man universe. While it initially seemed misguided for Sony to create such a tumultuous Spider-Man multiverse, there is potential for future expansions and interactions with the MCU. This places characters like Morbius in a transformative space where they can tell unique stories while remaining part of a larger, rich narrative tapestry.
Conclusion
Morbius, while not part of the MCU, is an integral part of the Sony Spider-Man multiverse. His storyline continues to evolve beyond the current projects and could offer exciting new avenues for future crossovers. Fans of Spider-Man, both in the MCU and in the Sony universe, can look forward to new and engaging stories that expand the boundaries of the Spider-Man mythos.