Is Sony Going to Ruin the MCU by Building Their Own Tangential Universe?

Possibly not, but they are certainly giving it a good try. As an SEO expert, I must state that I did not enjoy either of the Venom films and while I did not particularly dislike Morbius, it didn't impress me. However, Sony did sign off on the incredible Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and they worked alongside Marvel Studios to create the Home Trilogy within the MCU.

Three Major Issues Facing the Sony Spider-Man Universe

There are some major concerns that are impacting how the Sony Spider-Man Universe (SSU) fits into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and could, unfortunately, turn a percentage of MCU fans away. There are three significant issues at play:

Messy Association

The main problem is how Sony markets its Sony Spider-Man Universe (SSU) products. They have a history of trying to sell their films by associating them loosely with the MCU. This practice not only piggybacks on the success of Marvel Studios but also lowers the perceived quality of their own films, which can be harmful to beginners who might not pay close attention.

For example, if you're unaware that Venom and Morbius exist in a separate universe from the Avengers, there's not a lot in the advertising or films themselves to explain this. Sony deliberately chooses to create a quick buck by associating these films with the MCU. Unfortunately, the quality of these films is often that of mid-2000s superhero fare that struggles to learn from the progress made in the genre over the past two decades. This association can turn potential fans off from the MCU as a whole before they can get invested.

Oversaturation

The market is currently flooded with multiple universes: the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the DC Extended Universe, the Sony Spider-Man Universe, and the separate DC films like The Batman. This is a significant competition, with both Marvel and DC planning more frequent releases. Adding the Sony Spider-Man Universe films and its spin-offs further complicates the picture, making it harder for customers to keep up with all the different cinematic universes.

This oversaturation has already caused some fans to give up on following all these universes, and it will only get worse if more films continue to compete for their attention. The total number of Marvel films being released expands due to Sony’s contributions, thereby increasing competition and the number of heroes in the cinemas. The end result is that fewer fans are likely to be able to follow all the different storylines, a situation that is potential for growing frustration.

Breaking Rules

Of all the issues, it is the lack of respect for the established rules and logic of the MCU that is the most concerning. Sony has shown a total disregard for the coherence that fans and partners expect in the MCU.

The term "suspension of disbelief" is crucial in fiction. It means that when watching a film, you accept the science and logic of the fictional universe to enjoy the story. For instance, even though Superman can fly, you accept it to immerse yourself in the story. However, the SSU often fails in this aspect. The Venom and Morbius post-credits scenes are poorly written and ignorantly ignore the logic and continuity of their own material. These scenes broke the suspension of disbelief by contradicting the science and the characters' actions established in No Way Home.

These issues not only frustrate fans but also gradually erode the trust in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When Sony introduces elements that contradict the established rules and characters, it can completely break the immersion. For instance, when Adrian Toomes appeared in his SSU cell, it was a clear reminder that Sony was prioritizing their own marketing goals over the continuity and reputation of the MCU.

Conclusion

While the Sony Spider-Man Universe is unlikely to significantly harm the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the short term, it is shows a concerning lack of respect for the established rules and continuity. The issues with how Sony markets its films, the over-saturation of the market, and the repeated breaking of established rules represent potential long-term threats to the integrity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is crucial that both Sony and Marvel Studios work together to maintain the coherence and appeal of the universe.