In a move that may come as a relief to some but a surprise to others, Sony has reportedly canceled another Spider-Man-related project. After the Spider-Man spinoff Silk from Amazon became the center of controversy at the streamer, and Madame Web tanked badly at the box office, Sony allegedly decided to shelve the project.
While some fans lament the cancellation of Silk, others believe it’s essential to consider Sony’s recent track record and the potential benefits of this move. Considering back-to-back box office disappointments and disastrous projects under the banner, netizens believe Sony’s decision might be a smart move.
Sony has Reportedly Canceled Spider-Man Spinoff, Silk
After previously announcing the development of a Spider-Man spinoff Silk in 2022, as a collaboration between Sony’s Spider-Verse team and Amazon Studios, the former allegedly decided to cancel the project. According to reports from Deadline, it has been stated that Sony reportedly shelved Silk after going through 3 different versions.
According to Game Rant, after Sony announced their plans to develop a project surrounding the popular fan-favorite spider-person Silk, the spinoff became a center of controversy at Amazon’s streaming platform. Reportedly, Studio executives wanted to change the show, so it didn’t focus majorly on Silk. Further, with the WGA strike, the project was paused midway through production.
#Silk series is no longer moving forward at Amazon
• Went through 3 different versions before it was scrapped
• Major request by execs was to change the show so it didn’t focus so heavily on Silk
• Sony is shopping the series to other networks pic.twitter.com/PhirDR0qmZ
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) May 17, 2024
Therefore, after constant pauses and issues with the Spider-Man spinoff Silk, Sony reportedly decided that it was finally time to cancel the show completely.
Sony’s Recent Missteps and Concerning Creative Decisions
While issues regarding the project played a major role in the cancellation of Silk, it seems Sony’s decision came majorly on the heels of the disappointing performance of Dakota Johnson’s Madame Web, which tanked miserably at the box office. Moreover, one cannot deny Sony’s repeated failed attempts at reviving the Spider-Man franchise.
Not to mention, Sony’s comic book tentpole, Jared Leto‘s Morbius, failed to impress critics and derive the reception it had expected. Produced with $75M, Morbius only managed to bag $162M as per The Numbers. Additionally, as per Variety, slated to release on January 12, 2024, the highly publicized Spider-Man spin-off El Muerto starring Bad Bunny got put on hold.
Therefore, Sony’s constant box office failures and issues with projects raised concerns about the studio’s creative direction. Meanwhile, in light of these missteps, canceling another Spider-Man project appeared to be a smart move for Sony.
Fans Consider Silk Cancellation is a Smart Move
As the alleged report of Sony canceling Silk hit social media, the decision met with a lukewarm reception. While some may lament the cancellation, others claim that it’s apparently a smart move, considering Sony’s recent track record. With dividend arguments, most fans believe there are potential benefits to this move.
Probably for the best. Any time a show goes through that many changes it is always worrisome
— CinemaBums (@Cinema_Bums) May 17, 2024
After Madam Web tanked so badly this is a smart move.
Make an anime or video game live action isn’t needed.
— Cell (@DekuFinalFlash) May 17, 2024
It’s better than serving us an underwhelming movie
— BrainVille (@BluxHug) May 17, 2024
Here’s an idea..Sony, give the Spider-Man franchise back to Marvel
— Might Titan (@MightTitan1) May 17, 2024
Forgot this was even happening I don’t know much about the character so don’t really care this is happening I hope Sony stops making shitty movies https://t.co/Cq4GlAjh2D
— Kendog47 (@kendog11516) May 17, 2024
Canceling Silk will not only allow the studio to regroup, reassess, and potentially refocus its efforts on more promising projects, but with MCU setting the bar high for superhero movies, it will also allow Sony to bring its A-game to compete. Fans believe this reported cancellation can offer the studio some time to develop a clearer creative vision, which will help avoid further damage to the Spider-Man brand.
