Spider-Man Reboot: Sony and Marvel Must Now Decide Between Peter Parker and Miles Morales

Marvel fans rejoiced last week with the announcement that Spider-Man would officially join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but a major question still remains. Which Spider-Man will Sony Entertainment Studios and Marvel Studios choose to portray, Peter Parker or Miles Morales?

In the press release that announced the deal between both studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group President Doug Belgrad seemingly shot down the rumors that the person under the Spider-Man mask would now be Miles Morales.

“Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios share a love for the characters in the Spider-Man universe and have a long, successful history of working together. This new level of collaboration is the perfect way to take Peter Parker’s story into the future,” said Belgrad.

However, that hasn’t stopped the rampant speculation that the latest reiteration of Spider-Man would be Morales. Morales is the Ultimate Spider-Man, the web-slinger of an alternate universe where Peter Parker no longer exists. He has been well-received by fans since his debut in 2011. The rumors have since created a divide between fans over which version of the web-slinger should be chosen by Marvel.

Fans supporting Morales argue that a new story, never before told on film, would be refreshing to moviegoers. Peter Parker has appeared in 5 films, first appearing in 2002. The half-African American, half-Latino background of Morales would also provide more diversity to the MCU. Supporters for Peter Parker have also been very vocal, arguing that Parker is the one and only Spider-Man.

According to report by Variety, Logan Lerman and Dylan O’Brien are being considered for the role of Spider-Man. The report may indicate the reboot may end up being Peter Parker, but the search for the next Spider-Man is still in its infancy.

Marvel announced that Spider-Man will first appear in a film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, presumed to be Captain America: Civil War. The next chapter of the Spider-Man franchise will be released thereafter on July 28, 2017. The film will be co-produced by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal, the former co-chairman of Sony Entertainment Studios.

The third installment of Marvel’s Captain America franchise is based on the Civil War storyline. In the comics, Spider-Man plays an important role throughout the story arc. Captain America: Civil War is set to be released on May 6, 2016. If Spider-Man makes an appearance in the film, the casting of Spider-Man should be made soon. Until then, the discussion of Spider-Man’s secret identity will continue to rage on.