While the Marvel heroes themselves soon set to clash with one another in their forthcoming Captain America: Civil War, another internal battle apparently happens behind-the-scenes, as reports speculate Marvel and Sony can't agree on who should play Spider-Man in the new movie(s).
The rumors originate from the Meet the Movie Press podcast. Or, more specifically, from The Wrap reporter Jeff Sneider. He claims his sources tell him three actors remain in contention for the part, Tom Holland, Charlie Plummer and Matthew Lintz, while both studios have their personal favorites. Marvel's folks want Plummer to be cast in the part, but Sony believes Holland is more suited to put on the tights.
Asa Butterfield was claimed to be the frontrunner for the part back in April and May. But oddly enough, his name no longer seems in contention for the role.
Production on Civil War is currently underway now. Earlier reports stated the casting announcement would be made by this time and that the actor would begin filming his scenes this month. With no decision made, however, it looks like the shooting schedule for Spider-Man scenes may be pushed back to July.
While many expected Spider-Man to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe sometime in the near future, the announcement of Sony and Marvel teaming together to bring him into it this soon still came as a surprise. Namely, that both big time executives could come to an agreement on this level. So it's not too shocking to hear difficulties like this happening between the two. But with money on the line and investments to be made, somebody is going to have to back down and let the other win, and smart money is placed on the ones who made the highest grossing film so far this year.
In the meantime, perhaps Sony can more firmly place their authority on who'll play the titular superhero in their upcoming animated movie, produced and co-written by Phil Lord and Chris Miller (The Lego Movie).
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