Sony Pictures is preparing to usher in a new era for its live-action Spider-Man universe, and the shift will likely result in multiple actors leaving their roles at the same time.
During a recent appearance on The Town podcast (via The Hollywood Reporter), Sony Pictures chairman and CEO Tom Rothman confirmed that the studio plans to reset its live-action Spider-Man–related film universe.
The move effectively clears the slate for new casting across projects that previously featured characters such as Venom, Morbius, Madame Web, and Kraven the Hunter, played by Tom Hardy, Jared Leto, Dakota Johnson, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, respectively.
When asked about the future of the franchise outside the animated Spider-Verse films, which will continue with Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (2027), Rothman said the studio intends to pursue a “fresh reboot” with “new people,” indicating that actors connected to the existing continuity are unlikely to return.
The Failure of the Sony Spider-Man Universe
The decision follows a mixed run for Sony’s interconnected slate often referred to as the Sony Spider-Man Universe. The series began with Venom (2018), starring Tom Hardy, which proved a commercial success and eventually led to a trilogy that concluded with Venom: The Last Dance (2024). Collectively, the three films grossed roughly $1.84 billion worldwide.
However, later entries struggled to replicate that success. Morbius (2022), starring Jared Leto, as well as Madame Web (2024) with Dakota Johnson and Kraven the Hunter (2024) starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, received largely negative reviews and underperformed at the box office. Despite teases in mid-credits scenes, the films also failed to establish a cohesive shared storyline connecting them.
Confirmed Spider-Man Projects
Sony is also moving forward with other Spider-Man–related projects. The studio’s next entry tied to the wider franchise is Spider-Noir (2026), starring Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly/The Spider. Cage previously voiced the character in Into the Spider-Verse (2018).
A fourth Venom film has also been confirmed, however, it will be a fully animated feature, with directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein — the team behind Final Destination: Bloodlines — attached. Whether Tom Hardy will reprise his role as Venom is unknown.
Meanwhile, Sony’s collaboration with Marvel Studios continues within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tom Holland is set to return as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and scheduled for theatrical release on July 31.
The film will reunite Holland with Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, while introducing new cast members including Sadie Sink.
Do you think Sony should reset the SSU or give up altogether? Who do you think should replace the likes of Tom Hardy as Venom? Should Spider-Man appear this time, and if so, who should play him? Tom Holland or a new actor altogether? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below!
