A new development has emerged following a long period of uncertainty associated with Spider-Man 4, with sources informing Deadline that Destin Daniel Cretton, who made his directorial debut in the MCU with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is linked with the upcoming sequel.
It is understood that Cretton, a potential replacement for Jon Watts, is in “early talks” to direct the next Spidey chapter, while it remains unclear if formal negotiations have begun. Cretton is currently attached to direct episodes of the upcoming Wonder Man series with Marvel, further validating his status as one-to-watch with the studio.
Sony and Marvel, at this stage, have yet to make a statement on the report. Any casting and plot information at this time would be speculation at best, and only time will tell, but Amy Pascal and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige are connected to the film as producers. We’ll comment back when we know more.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, published in February 2023, Feige confirmed that the studio had “a story” for Spider-Man 4. “We have big ideas for that, and our writers are just putting pen to paper now,” he added.
Watts, who helmed three highly successful Spider-Man films (the last of which grossed almost $2 billion at the global box office), walked away from Marvel altogether in 2022 (leaving the Fantastic Four film in the rear-view), to crack on with an original picture, Wolfs, starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Watts revealed the moment he decided to move away from Marvel.
Next up from the MCU is Agatha All Along, out on September 18.