Sony Plans to Reboot Wider Spider-Man Universe After Kraven, Madame Web, and Morbius Failures

IGN
by Rebekah Valentine
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sony Film CEO Tom Rothman has confirmed that Sony plans to reboot its broader Spider-Man Universe following a string of box office failures, including *Kraven the Hunter*, *Madame Web*, and *Morbius*. During an interview with Matt Belloni on *The Town*, Rothman provided brief but clear responses, stating that while the larger Spider-Verse is not dead, Sony will revisit these films in the future with a fresh approach involving new personnel. This decision comes after several high-profile flops that have tarnished the franchise's reputation. Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU) has struggled since its inception in 2018 with *Venom*. While films like *Let There Be Carnage* and *The Last Dance* achieved moderate box office success, they were met with critical and audience disdain. The situation worsened with *Morbius*, which was widely panned and even became a meme. This trend continued with *Kraven the Hunter*, described by Sony's outgoing CEO as one of the worst launches in his tenure. These failures have led to significant damage to the franchise's credibility. The poor reception of SSU films has been heavily criticized, not only by audiences but also by press outlets. Reviews for these movies were generally negative, with scores ranging from 3/10 for *Kraven* to a slightly better 7/10 for *Let There Be Carnage*. These low ratings have further alienated fans and critics alike. While Rothman did not provide specific details about the reboot, it is clear that Sony recognizes the need for change. The company aims to revitalize its Spider-Man Universe with a fresh approach, potentially reinvigorating the franchise's creative direction and public perception. This move could be significant for gaming enthusiasts as well, given Sony's ties to video game adaptations like *Spider-Man* on PlayStation platforms. For now, fans can look forward to the release of the main Marvel Studios' *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, which is set to hit theaters in July 2024. Whether this reboot will successfully turn around Sony's fortunes remains to be seen, but it underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in maintaining a successful cinematic universe.
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Originally published on IGN on 2/24/2026