Tom Holland, Avengers Co-Stars Talk Spider-Man Split From Marvel Cinematic Universe

Tom Holland, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and some of the stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe opened up at Disneys D23 expo about the Spider-Man split between Sony and Marvel Studios.

Holland who played Peter Parker in five MCU films despite Sony owning the classic superhero didnt address the situation outright while promoting his animated film Onward at D23, but he did tell the audience, Its been a crazy week, but I want you to know I am grateful from the bottom of my heart and I love you 3,000.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Holland elaborated on the situation, Basically, weve made five great movies. Its been five amazing years. Ive had the time of my life. Who knows what the future holds? But all I know is that Im going to continue playing Spider-Man and having the time of my life. Its going to be so fun, however we choose to do it. The future for Spider-Man will be different, but it will be equally as awesome and amazing, and well find new ways to make it even cooler.

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Under a unique partnership between two rival studios, Sony following a pair of disappointing Amazing Spider-Man films loaned out the character to Marvel Studios as part of a profit-sharing deal. Hollands Spider-Man appeared in three MCU films Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame as well as the standalone Homecoming and Far From Home, both co-produced by the Disney-owned Marvel Studios and Sonys Columbia Pictures.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the partnership between Sony and Marvel would end after stalled negotiations, making Spider-Mans future in the MCU tenuous. Sony cited Feiges increased workload Phase 4 films and the numerous Disney+ television projects as one of the reasons for the Spider-Man split.

Feige didnt address the situation during Marvels D23 panel, but he told EW, Im feeling about Spider-Man gratitude and joy. We got to make five films within the MCU with Spider-Man: two standalone films and three with the Avengers. It was a dream that I never thought would happen. It was never meant to last forever. We knew there was a finite amount of time that wed be able to do this, and we told the story we wanted to tell, and Ill always be thankful for that.

At D23, Rolling Stone Senior Writer Jamil Smith spoke to several of Hollands Avengers co-stars about Spider-Mans departure from the MCU.

Its really upsetting, Scarlet Witch portrayer Elizabeth Olsen said. Hes such an addition, hes such a light and an energy and a humor. He added so much to the franchise, its really disappointing.

Paul Bettany, who plays Vision in the MCU, told Smith that, more than the Spider-Man character, he would miss Hollands presence at events like D23 and Comic-Con. Having him around on the set and at these events, hes such a shining light and always happy, Bettany said. Im really gonna miss him. Hes so gifted.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier stars Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie echoed their fellow Avengers stars. We havent given up hope yet, Stan said of a possible Sony/Marvel reunion. Were saying, Lets hopefully have them work it out. Because it would be weird to not have him. You have to trust Kevin Feige.

Mackie added, And theres no one else to make fun of My boots would have no heel if we dont have him.

Agent Carter star Hayley Atwell likened the situation to MCU fans emotional attachment to the superheroes on-screen. Its not always just the happy ending; theres got to be the bittersweet reality of people dont always end up where you want them to be or theyre not always going to be around, Atwell sold Smith. Thats an important life lesson to know, its something every human being faces at some point.