Sony Pictures CEO confirms Spider-Man spinoff universe is rebooting
Polygon
by Chris HaynerFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman has confirmed that the studio is rebooting its Spider-Man spinoff universe following the underwhelming success of recent films like *Kraven the Hunter* and *Madam Web*. This decision marks a significant shift in strategy for Sony, which had previously invested heavily in expanding its slate of movies featuring characters from Spider-Man's world without the involvement of Marvel Studios. The reboot aims to reset the franchise and breathe new life into its approach to storytelling, character development, and world-building.
The move comes after a series of missteps in the Spider-Man spinoff genre, with most films failing to achieve box office success. While Sony’s *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* and its sequel were critical and commercial hits, attempts to expand beyond Marvel’s influence have largely fallen flat. The underperformance of *Kraven the Hunter* and *Madam Web* has left the studio reevaluating its approach. Rothman’s announcement during an interview with *The Town* podcast suggests that Sony is taking a step back to reassess its strategy, potentially aligning more closely with audience expectations and creative innovation.
This reboot could have significant implications for gaming fans, particularly those invested in Sony’s Spider-Man titles, such as Insomniac Games’ *Spider-Man: Miles Morales* or the upcoming *Spider-Verse 2*. While the focus of the reboot is on films, the shared universe concept often influences game development, casting, and lore. A reimagined Spider-Man universe could open doors for new characters, storylines, and cross-media collaborations, potentially revitalizing the gaming side of Sony’s franchise as well.
For readers interested in gaming, this news highlights the interconnectedness of Hollywood’s superhero franchises with their video game adaptations. The success or failure of these spinoffs often dictates creative directions in gaming, casting decisions, and even marketing strategies. As Sony reboots its Spider-Man universe, gaming fans may see new opportunities for beloved characters to shine in both films and games, offering fresh experiences that align with modern storytelling trends.
Ultimately, while the reboot represents a significant pivot for Sony, its success will depend on how well the studio can balance creative risks with audience expectations. The decision to reset the franchise underscores the challenges of maintaining long-term viability in the highly competitive superhero
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Originally published on Polygon on 2/25/2026