Spider-Man’s rights are split: Marvel/Disney owns the character in comics and merchandising, while Sony Pictures owns the film rights. Sony has held the movie rights since the late 1990s, so solo Spider-Man films are Sony productions, even though Marvel Studios often collaborates on them.

Quick scoop

  • Comics and merch: Marvel/Disney.
  • Movies: Sony Pictures.
  • MCU appearances: possible through Sony-Disney licensing and co-production deals.

What that means

Spider-Man is still a Marvel character, but Sony controls the screen rights for films. That is why Spider-Man can show up in the MCU while also starring in Sony-led movies like the live-action Spider-Man films and Spider-Verse projects.

Latest buzz

There have been rumors that Sony might consider selling the rights back, but those reports are speculative and not confirmed. The practical answer today is still the same: Sony owns the movie rights; Marvel/Disney owns the character’s broader comic and merchandise rights.

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Area Who controls it
Comics Marvel/Disney
Merchandise Marvel/Disney
Film rights Sony Pictures
TL;DR: **Sony owns the movie rights to Spider-Man, while Marvel/Disney owns the character in comics and merchandising**.