The decision by Sony to sever their working arrangement with Marvel Studios on the Spider-Man franchise has caused a huge number of headaches already, both for those working behind-the-scenes at the companies and fans across the world, many of whom are attempting to mobilize online in an attempt to influence the outcome of the matter.
Statements may have been issued by both sides, but the person that people really want to hear from is star Tom Holland, who’s yet to publicly comment on the matter, although that hasn’t stopped fans from scrutinizing his every move on social media. As a lifelong Spider-Man aficionado that was also a noted fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe long before he was ever a part of it, it will be interesting to hear what the actor makes of the situation when he finally issues a statement.
Even if the divorce with Marvel Studios threatens to get messy in the long run though, Sony can sleep easier knowing that Holland no longer has any contractual obligation to appear outside of the Spider-Man franchise. The actor signed a six-film deal when he accepted the role, which would cover three entries in a standalone Spider-Man series, as well as three further appearances in the wider MCU.
After Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home, the 23 year-old only has one movie left on his contract, which coincidentally happens to be for a standalone Spider-Man that Sony can now exert total control over, just weeks after Far From Home became the highest-grossing title in the studio’s history.
Again, that means he’s no longer contractually obligated to appear in anything else but the upcoming threequel. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily rule him out of showing up in say Venom 3 or even another Spider-Man movie, but as of right now, the only thing he’s still obligated to do as Peter Parker is the Far From Home sequel. And after that, he’ll be free of his contractual obligations.