Sony Developing An All Female Team-Up Movie Set In The SPIDER-MAN Universe?

While some people are under some sort of impression that Spider-Man is going to be joining the ranks of Marvel's cinematic universe, at moment that is all opinion and rumor. Sony is clearly moving forward with more movies, and they don't seem to care much about including Parker in the MCU. Honestly, I don't think Marvel Studios even needs characters like Spider-Man or the X-Men, consider their huge lineup for Phase Three. If they did share or barrow Spider-Man, it would be the most expensive/pointless fan service moment ever. It would actually only benefit Sony, and this the reason I think Marvel will never do it. Captain America: Civil War is basically the best entry point for Spider-Man, and it's seems like Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther will be filling that gap.

Sony has been scrambling to figure out how to win-over audiences after their Amazing Spider-Man franchise keeps dipping in profits, and fan support. Interesting ideas have been springing-up of how to expand the Spider-Man universe. This comes at a cost though, the studio has basically put Amazing Spider-Man 3 on ice. Along with the rumored axing of Alex Kurtzman's Venom spin-off, as Alex moves on to direct Universal's Mummy reboot instead. It's doubtful that Venom will actually get made, and could likely be folded in Sinister Six.

The studio was so eager to get their villain movie Sinister Six up and running, they pulled it's writer and director Drew Goddard (The Martian, Cloverfield, Cabin In The Woods, Daredevil) off Marvel's Daredevil series. The Venom symboite was linked to being held at Oscorp, so it's extremely possible Venom will somehow factor-in to the film. Goddard is an extremely talented writer and director, I have a lot of support for this project. However, producers like Avi Arad could fuck-up it's potential with god-awful notes. There have been rumblings the film could also see a light-reboot of Peter Parker, and could see someone replacing Andrew Garfield.

That remains to be seen, but hiring another actor could help further distance the franchise from the last two installments. Considering Andrew is the literal face of the rebooted franchise. Webb could stay or go, but if Sinister Six connects with audiences. I don't doubt they'll try to get Goddard as their archtiure of their Spidey universe. I'm fine with Sinister Six happening, and thought Weta Workshop did a decent job on the Green Goblin costume, which looked inspired by Metal Gear Solid. The lineup apparently will include Goblin (Norman or Harry?), Doc Ock, Vulture, Kraven, Mysterio and Rhino. This is fine and dandy, but else is Sony planning on giving us, while they try to fix the main guy?

Well we've been hearing about a female-led Spider-Man movie which is coming out in 2016, with a script from Lisa Joy Nolan (Westworld, Burn Notice, Pushing Daises). BadassDigest might have found out what the studio's plan is for the film. The project has the working title Glass Celling (a reference to both Shattered Dimensions and real-world struggle women face in the workforce?), and could include an entire team of female characters. Could this be the same movie Lisa wrote for the studio?

Devin gives the impression this is possibly the direction that project could be going. And provides us with a list of possible characters that could team-up together in the film. They include Felicia Hardy aka Black Cat (currently played by Felicity Jones), Spider-Girl (I'm hoping for Ayna Cortez), Silver Sable, Cindy Moon (Silk) and even possibly Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman). The latter would be a giant slap in the face to Marvel, because the character rights might belong to Sony. But Jessica has extremely strong ties to Hydra, SHIELD and The Avengers.

The brand new Spidey character Silk is mentioned, and could be a way to get around the issue of Jessica Drew. Considering that Marvel might try to block the use of her, or the character might fall-under some sort of shared rights. It's doubtful Sony will want to share any of these characters with Marvel. Cindy Moon is also one of the many ladies who becomes romantically involved with Peter Parker. It doesn't hurt that Cindy is an Asian-American superhero, and would make her the first mainstream female superhero played by a visible minority. Marvel Comics is also giving the character her own series, which speaks volumes.

We've all assumed that Felicia Hardy could the lead of the film, but Cindy could make a lot more sense. Considering her powers, backstory and connection to Park could make a better candidate for spin-offs and solo adventures. Having a female version of Spider-Man is great way to move forward, and help develop the franchise to modern times. As we're seeing studios begin to embrace the era of the female heroine.

There are plenty of actresses that could be excellent for the role. Brenda Song from 21 Jump Street and The Social Network comes to mind. However, I'm sure Sin City A Dame To Kill For and Sucker Punch actress Jaime Chung would get huge support. Previously, working with Andrew Garfield might make Brenda the stronger candidate. While Jaime has an excellent track record of action roles, and has a decent level of awareness. She's even voicing a Marvel character for Disney's Big Hero 6.

Sony got the jump on both Marvel Studios and Warner Bros. with their intentions being revealed months before Wonder Woman coming June 2017 and Captain Marvel coming July 2018 were announced. If the film does happen and is released in 2017, it could be our first modern mainstream female-led superhero film. While most are cynical about the prospect of Sony making more Spidey movies. At least, this might be our first out-the-gate modern mainstream female superhero movie. Still, this seems a bit more interesting than trying to give us a entire feature film set around Venom.





Black Cat is seemingly the only real lock here, since the character was introduced in Amazing Spider-Man 2 as working for Oscorp. Talented actress Felicity Jones plays her, and it's expected she'll develop into the cat burglar turned Spidey partner eventually.

The question most might ask is are there enough villains to go around? I'm sure that some of the these characters could be introduced or even become the heroic leads in Sinister Six. The straight-answer is that there are plenty of villains besides those six.

Ones that are seemingly absent from future plans include Carnage, Scorpion, Chameleon, The Jackal, Kaine, Wilson Fisk (apparently shared with Marvel), Hobgoblin, Tombstone, The Shocker, Hammerhead, Sandman and Morbius (along with Venom was teased in Amazing Spider-Man 2). It's apparent that Sony has access to a huge list of rogues to use for future movies.

Along with plenty of female villains such as Elaine Coll (Scorpia), Frances Barrison (Shriek), Donna Deigo (Scream), Anastasia Kravinoff (Grim Huntress and daughter of Kraven) and extremely obscure Delilah (Spider-Man's long-lost villainous sister). Donna over at HitFix actually wrote a stellar article mapping-out all the excellent unused female villains of the Spider-Man comics. Here's hoping we see of couple them show-up, sooner rather than later.

These world-building films aren't terrible ideas, but the fan base is already fed-up with Sony and are wishing Marvel would just takeover. I think if we go into these two films with low-expectations and maybe they'll surprise us. Writing-off the entire idea without hearing directing and casting information is a bit premature, since we would be getting the heroines we've been asking before Marvel and DC does.

Will Sony actually follow-through with this project? And do you think it's a good idea to expand the franchise this way?

SOURCE: BADASSDIGEST

Lisa Joy Nolan Will Pen Female-Driven SPIDER-MAN Spin-Off Coming In 2017, Is This A BLACK CAT Movie?

Deadline is reporting that Sony is looking to rollout another Amazing Spider-Man spin-off, on the heels of announcing the release date for Sinister Six. They say that, Sony is eyeing a 2017 release date for an untitled spin-off that would focus on an unnamed female character. A script will be penned by Christopher Nolan's screenwriting sister-in-law Lisa Joy Nolan (Burn Notice, Pushing Daises).

Lisa Joy Nolan ico-wrote HBO's upcoming Westworld series with her husband Jonathan Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight). She also recently sold an original spec-script to Legendary Pictures after a bidding-war.

The studio apparently has the rights to use Marvel characters such as Silver Sable, Spider-Woman (all of the different characters) and Spider-Girl. However, Felicia Hardy played by Felicity Jones was introduced in Amazing Spider-Man 2. Hardy eventually dons a mask, becoming the burglar turned Spidey ally The Black Cat. We are assuming that Black Cat is indeed the character that Sony will be trying to spin-off, since she is the most recognizable female character from the Spider-Man comics.

Hardy could also play a role in the Sinister Six film, which could lead to her branching out from villain to hero within that installment.

Sam Raimi tried to include Black Cat in his failed attempt to make Spider-Man 4, which had Anne Hathaway cast in the role. Anne would eventually leave the project, and take the role of Selina Kyle/Catwoman instead in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises. Hathway's performance turning-out to be the highlight of the film.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

MAJOR SPOILERS: What Could We Expect To See In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 3?

It's a bit early for a write-up like this, but since a majority of the international markets are getting the film early. I decided to get his out of the way. I'm sure I missed a bunch of tidbits that were teased in Amazing Spider-Man 2. However, I have a few theories and ideas of where the third installment could be going. I'm not reviewing the film, but there are major plot SPOILERS contained in the explanations. You've been been warned!

SINISTER SIX: While it was assumed that Electro was going to be one of the six members, Max doesn't make it out alive. His return isn't very likely, and I assume that Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard will be reluctant to join the villainous team. At the end of the first film we see Curt pleading the shadowy figure to leave Peter allow, I doubt they'll be able to convince him to kill Spider-Man.

It looks like Harry Osborn and his shadowy friend are using "willing" hired guns to operate the Oscorp tech. Breaking Aleksei Mikhailovich Sytsevich out of prison to operate the Rhino mech-suit, at the end of the movie. Considering a majority of the tech is robotics, I'm starting to believe that this shadowy man might be in fact Dr. Spencer Smythe. A notorious robotics engineer who has a grudge against Spider-Man, creating the Spider Slayers. His son Alistair has already been revealed as working for Oscorp and is played by B.J. Novac. Currently, the Sinister Six lineup includes Goblin, Doc Ock, Vulture and The Rhino. I won't rule out The Lizard entirely, but it's possible from the poor reception of the character, they might not bring him back.

FELICIA HARDY/BLACK CAT: It's revealed that indeed Felicity Jones is playing Felicia Hardy, and works for Oscorp as an assistant to Norman Osborn. It's unknown where her loyalties lay, but starting her off as a villain wouldn't be hard to see. Hardy's father was a famous cat bugler, who worked for Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk. Felicia would eventually take a position at Fisk Enterprises, something that was mirrored with her employment at Oscorp. Considering that Mary Jane Watson might not even be featured in Amazing Spider-Man 3, originally played by Shailene Woodley (completed cut-out of the films and eventually recast). It's possible we could see Parker and Hardy become an item, before Mary Jane enters the picture. This wouldn't be going against the comics, since Black Cat and Spider-Man did briefly date.

Black Cat is the type of Spidey character the franchise needs. Considering we've never had a female villain in the franchise. And we know that Sam Raimi had originally intended to use the Black Cat (played by Anne Hathaway) in his never-filmed Spider-Man 4. Female characters are rare in this franchise, let alone ones that play both villain and hero. If Sony is looking for spin-offs a Black Cat film could be spot-on. Producers have been talking non-traditional lineups for the Sinister Six, adding a female character like Hardy into the mix would mess with the boys-only supervillain group.

DR. ALISTAIR SMYTHE/SPIDER SLAYER: B.J. Novac is revealed to be Dr. Alistair Smythe in the film, and is the son of notorious villain Spencer Smythe (possible identity of the shadowy figure), who invents the Spider Slayers. These are group of robots who are programmed to hunt, capture and or kill Spider-Man. Alistair himself is turned into one of these Slayers, as he's eventually becomes a cyborg. I'm not sure that's a route they'll want to go, but that door is a possibility. I still think that Spencer is the one who built, the Vulture wings and Ock's arms. Basically, becoming an evil version of Lucius Fox, providing all the robotics and bio-tech weapons he needs. Smythe could fall into the realm of an untraditional member of the Sinister Six, if they go that way. It's very possible he could end-up becoming the new Doctor Octopus.

MACDONALD GARGAN/SCORPION/VENOM: The Venom symbiote has been revealed to be an Oscorp experiment, and could easily join the ranks of The Sinister Six. It's possible we could see a new origin of Venom, but since he's getting his own spin-off movie, that could be saved for another film. The producers haven't actually revealed which host Venom will be using, my assumption is that they could end up using either MacDonald Gargan or Flash Thompson. The Gargan version of Venom worked for Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers, which could be another untraditional Sinister Six member. Plus, Mac has a long history fighting against Spider-Man as the villain Scorpion.

Having Mac start out in the Scorpion suit then having his ass handed to him by Spidey. Could fuel his anger to go a little more extreme than the other members, by bonding with the Venom symboite. At the end of the film seeing the government using it for their own means, with Flash Thompson as the host could be the way to go. Flash taking the more heroic role of Venom, recently in the comics. It's less likely we'll see the return of Eddie Brock, since that version has already been done by Raimi. Marc Webb and Sony have been seemingly trying to reinvent the villains, so not using Brock as Venom might be a good creative move. Since characters like Gargan and Thompson (a disabled veteran turned superhero) have stronger stories and arcs than Eddie.

SERGEI KRAVINOFF/KRAVEN THE HUNTER: We're starting to see that some characters from the video game tie-ins are making their way into the sequels. Felicia Hardy and Alistair Smythe were featured characters in The Amazing Spider-Man Game, and would eventually have small roles in Amazing Spider-Man 2. It's plausible to think that The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Game, could have a similar trend. In the new game we see notorious Spidey villain Kraven The Hunter, playing mentor rather than antagonist. Parker is going to need his own team-mates, if he's going up against The Sinister Six. Kraven might have been originally a member of the Six, but we've heard from producers the lineup won't be entirely traditional.

In the Ultimate comics (which the new movies are sort of based on), Sergei is an Australian (rather than Russian) reality TV host. Who wants to hunt and kill Spider-Man live on television to boost his ratings. His family has many links to Spider-Man as well his half-brother just happens to be spy for hire  and master of disguise, Dmitri Smerdyakov better known as The Chameleon. His offspring (which includes two sons and a daughter) also took up his mantle. If we do see Kraven, the writers could make him friend or foe. Sergei is one of the most popular Spidey characters, and it's shocking they haven't used him in the movies.

WILSON FISK/KINGPIN: Like Kraven, Wilson Fisk of Fisk Enterprises is featured heavily in the new video game. In the game Fisk and Oscorp start to work together, in some sort of merger. Marvel's Kevin Feige has revealed that they share the Kingpin rights, as the villain is equally known as a Spider-Man baddie as he is a Daredevil villain. We've seen Oscorp take-up a majority of threat for the city, but it would be interesting to see Osborn working alongside Fisk. Organized crime has always been apart of the Spider-Man comics, and not including that might change in the future. Fisk could have employed people like Aleksei Mikhailovich Sytsevich (The Rhino), Herman Schultz (Shocker), Lonnie Thompson Lincoln (Tombstone) and crime lord rival Hammerhead.

Fisk is also the reason Felicia Hardy gets her Black Cat powers, and the two might be tied-together (at one point Felicia works for Wilson), if Sony wants to eventually turn Hardy into Black Cat. Although, they've been messing around with origins lately, so changing Black Cat's origins as well wouldn't be surprising.

DR. MICHAEL MORBIUS: I'm not entirely sure if the Easter Egg with Morbius in the film was nothing more than just that, a tease. I haven't actually seen anything that suggests that, Sony has the rights to use Morbius in their films (as a vampire, he could be directly connected with Blade movie rights, which included all Marvel vampire characters) and have the intention to do so if they did. Showing up at the end of the original Blade film (in an alternate ending), could mean the character is either at Marvel Studios or shared with Sony (Kevin Feige hasn't confirmed this). He is a cool and complex character, that has spin-off potential and would make a cool team-up parter for Parker. I'm sure Marvel Studios would want to use Morbius, if they ever put together Midnight Sons or Legion of Monsters movies.

It's also established that since the Connors innocent, they've scrapped the animal divisions at Oscorp, so it's unknown if Michael is even still doing research at the company. This suggests we'll see less animal-spliced (Eels/Electro and Lizard/Connors) characters in future films. That could exclude Morbius and his bat experiments, that led him to turn himself into living vampiric creature.

Paul Giamatti Will Return As The Rhino In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 3, Giving The Impression That Sinister Six Is Indeed The Plan

Paul Giamatti confirms to Collider that he'll be returning for Amazing Spider-Man 3 and not as sure about Amazing Spider-Man 4. There have been rumblings that the Sinister Six would be the major plot point in Amazing Spider-Man 3. Having a team of villains going up against Spidey could be something fans are dying to see on screen. We've been hearing about Sinister Six since news of the reboot first starting coming out. Making this not a new revelation but interesting none the less.

The villains currently shown or attached to the new franchise include The Lizard, Electro, The Rhino and Green Goblin. Adrian Tombs aka The Vulture (Colm Feore) has also been rumored as showing up in the second film but nothing confirmed. Another couple of candidates include Kraven The Hunter, The Chameleon and Mysterio. It's also up in the air if Dr. Connors will reprise his evil ways or will be stuck in prison reforming himself. We honestly don't know what they final Sinister Six lineup will be and might even include Black Cat (Felicity Jones?).

SPOILER SPECULATION: Could The Rhino Be A Replacement For The Kingpin In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 As A Russian Mob Boss?

A great deal of villains will be showing up in Amazing Spider-Man 2. Rhino (Paul Giamatti) and Electro (Jamie Foxx) have been confirmed while a recent addition of Norman Osborn (Chris Cooper) could mean the Green Goblin might appear as well. While it's tempting to think that all these villains will be connected by the Sinister Six and Oscorp, it might not be the case.

We know that Oscorp will factor in with Osborn and also possibly Electro but an actual criminal could be the main villain of the film. The Rhino is best known as a buffoonish Soviet thug who robs banks but that will likely be slightly altered for the film. A recent image posted by director Marc Webb on Twitter gives us a clue to where they might be going with the Rhino. As the image shows a page full of Russian ring tattoos (for fingers) which could mean Rhino is a former convict (Whiplash in Iron Man 2) or apart of the Russian mafia. I'm going with the latter. 

A possible replacement for The Kingpin? One of Spider-Man's biggest and well-known villains has been the Kingpin (Wilson Fisk) but since his rights (along with Daredevil) reverted back to Marvel he likely won't be apart of the Spidey franchise. Webb could include a new gangland boss of New York City in the place of Kingpin which seemingly could be The Rhino. Spidey's crime fighting has never actually had organized crime react to him in the films, besides a few run of the mill crooks.  It would be nice to see a villain that wasn't just a science experiment gone wrong for once. A bunch of side villains including Hammerhead and Tombstone that were straight up criminals could also be connected to the Rhino. The criminal aspect might also help backup rumblings that Felicity Jones might be playing cat bugler Black Cat. At least in the cartoon series Alistaire Smythe (who creates the Spider Slayer robots) works for The Kingpin, helping him take down Spider-Man. Smythe was included in the recent video game tie-in for the last film. 

Felicity Jones Confirms Role In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2

Felicity Jones (Like Crazy) has finally mentioned her involvement with The Amazing Spider-Man 2. The British actress confirmed to RTLNetherlands (via CBM) that she indeed is apart of the massive film which is currently in production. Originally, Deadline reported on Jones being looked at for a role but when revealing another project of her's quietly confirmed Felicity joining Spidey 2.  Her role hasn't been revealed but speculation points to either Black Cat (Felicia Hardy) or Peter's co-worker Betty Brant. The rest of the impressive and growing cast includes Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Sally Field, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Shailenne Woodley, Paul Giamatti and Colm Feore.

"I've never done a superhero movie. It's very nice to you as an actor in several worlds to go and to experiment."

Felicity Jones Confirmed For Amazing Spider-Man 2?

Deadline has just seemingly confirmed that Felicity Jones (Like Crazy) has taken an unnamed role in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Her role isn't named but likely could be Felicia Hardy or Betty Brant. They had originally reported that Felicity was in talks along with Paul Giamatti for a third female role in the film. Instead of "in talks" the wording in the new article says "stars" which gives the impression she's locked-in. Jones had been previously linked to lead roles in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Snow White And The Hunstman.

Before Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 4 got the axe Anne Hathaway had been cast in the role of Black Cat. It's a strong possibility that Spidey could finally get a crime fighting partner since the amount of villains are rising as Rhino (Giamatti) and Electro (Foxx) will be the baddies along with the rumored involvement of Green Goblin.

It had been thought that Webb and Sony were looking to create a Spider-Man universe bigger than previously seen in the Raimi films. I could see Black Cat ending up the "Black Widow/Catwoman" of this new branch of Sony's Marvel cinematic universe. Gwen and Mary Jane are sort of stuck as love-interests/damsels while it would be nice have a female superhero/anti-hero to root for. Plus, the comics were known for Spidey's classic team-ups to have him solo all the time doesn't make much sense if Sony has access to characters like Black Cat, The Prowler, Silver Sable and Venom.

Also, news that production has begun via director Marc Webb's twitter account as he announced they would be shooting in 35mm. The last film had shot digitally so it should effect the overall look of the sequel. It sounds like the first step to Webb having a little more control over the production than he did on the last installment. I would assume in-part thanks to his new contract when Sony had to re-sign him for the second film.

Paul Giamatti In Talks For Rhino In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, Felicity Jones Might Also Take A Role

You might remember a couple of years back actor Paul Giamatti said he wanted a shot at playing Spidey villain The Rhino while being interviewed on Conan. HeatVision reports that the actor is now in talks for the role in Amazing Spider-Man 2. Originally, the character was a criminal from the Soviet Block that used a super suit to steal gold and rob banks. It's unknown which version of The Rhino we'll be seeing but the old talk of the Sinister Six is looking like a possibility now.

British actress Felicity Jones best known for Like Crazy is also being linked for an unnamed role. It's possible she could be up for Felicia Hardy/Black Cat or Parker's Daily Bugle co-worker Betty Brant. Black Cat is a sometime crime-fighting partner of Spider-Man's and also happens to be in Peter's circle of high school/college friends. The character had originally been included in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 4. Before the production was shutdown Anne Hathaway had the role. She would eventually take a similar part in The Dark Knight Rises as Selina Kyle/Catwoman. Jones has previously been linked for female leads before with Snow White And Huntsman and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

This casting is becoming overwhelmingly awesome. The rest of the new additions include Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained) as Max Dillion/Electro, Dane Dehaan (Lawless, Chronicle) as Harry Osborn and Shailene Woodly (Descendants) as Mary Jane Watson. Amazing Spider-Man 2 will be swinging into theaters on May 2nd 2014.

SPECULATION: Black Cat To Appear In Amazing Spider-Man 2?

There is speculation that we could finally see Spidey get a crime fighting partner in Amazing Spider-Man 2. In the new film's video game the infamous Black Cat comes into play and seems to give the impression that she will make an appearance in future films. Sony had been calling the shots with what made it in this connected game so the chances are good. This has led to rumblings online that Black Cat could be making her way into the sequel.

One of the biggest problems with the Spider-Man film mythology is that Parker ends up getting his ass handed to him by every villain. It would be fresh to see him finally partner up with one of the few other heroes in the Spidey universe. Considering a decent amount of characters in this world are at Sony's disposal but have yet to be used in the movies. Now that Marvel Studios has created their own Marvel universe it would be nice to see Sony attempt this with their Spider-Man characters. The few other heroes include Scarlet Spider/Kaine (clones of Peter Parker), Morbius The Living Vampire (rights could be with Marvel), mercenary Silver Sable, along with anti-heroes Scream and Venom (getting spin-off film).

Black Cat is the secret identity of New York socialite Felicia Hardy, who just happens to be a friend of Peter Parker and moonlights as a cat bugler. While she turns out to be a villain at first her new interest in Spidey makes her change sides to win his heart. Considering the limited amount of Marvel heroines in these films it would be a welcomed change to the cliched damsel in distress.

This isn't hard to believe since the character Felicia Hardy had been wanted for Sam Raimi's axed Spider-Man 4. io9 had word actresses such as Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes) and Romola Garai (Atonement, The Last Days of Mars) had been rumored for the role. Anne Hathaway had been cast in Spider-Man 4 as the daughter of The Vulture which might have been turned out her becoming Black Cat. Of course the film was scrapped and Anne ended up landing the role of Catwoman in the The Dark Knight Rises. Considering the ages of the new leads I'm sure if they do end up casting the role they might go a bit younger.