Tom Holland thanks fans for their support after a ‘crazy week’ as Spider-Man is axed from the Marvel Universe
TOM Holland has addressed the controversial decision to axe Spider-Man from the Marvel Universe for the first time following a rift between Disney and Sony Pictures.
The Brit star, 23, made a surprise appearance at the D23 Expo today where he was reportedly greeted by chants of "Save Spider-Man".
Webslinger Tom, who was at the expo to promote new flick Onward with Chris Pratt, told the audience: “Hey everyone, I know it’s been a crazy week, but I want to thank you for your support. I love you 3000.”
And after leaving the stage, he insisted to that he will continue as Spider-man.
He said: "It’s been five amazing years. I’ve had the time of my life. Who knows what the future holds? But all I know is that I’m going to continue playing Spider-Man and having the time of my life.
"It’s going to be so fun, however we choose to do it. The future for Spider-Man will be different, but it will be equally as awesome and amazing, and we’ll find new ways to make it even cooler.”
His comments come following report that, amid a stand-off between Disney and Spider-Man producers Sony Pictures, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige is not going to make any more Spider-Man films.
Disney, which owns Marvel, wanted to renegotiate terms with Sony, which own the rights to Spider-Man, to receive a bigger cut of profits from future releases than the five percent agreed in a 2015 deal.
However, Sony only wanted an extention of the 2015 contract, which saw Marvel become the producer Spider-Man films for tech giant.
Just days ago Tom's dad joined in on the Save Spider-Man protests while his son quietly went about his business as usual on Instagram.
Dominic Holland shared the "SaveSpiderMan" hashtag on social media, including a link to his blog where he commented on the whole debacle.
He explained: "I know nothing about the impasse between Sony and Marvel. I have no inside track on such issues.
"But whatever is decided by the big suits at these big Hollywood studios – my hunch is that the show will continue.
"Too much at stake and too many dollars riding on it – and besides, everyone wants the same thing; namely, Spider-Man on large screens keeping people safe and entertained. And with Tom in the suit, for the time-being at least."
Spidey fans wasted little time calling for a boycott of other hit Marvel movies - while others went further still and said that Tom should refuse to play the character.
One tweeted: ";Tom Holland should boycott and drop out of Spider-Man 3 to force Sony to work with Marvel. Spider-Man 3 would TANK without Holland & the MCU behind it."
Another said: "The best way to show our response to Sony after cutting ties with Marvel is to boycott Sony’s biggest upcoming blockbusters. Let them Know we want Spider-Man where he belongs!"
A third fumed: "I suggest we boycott the next Spider-Man film so Sony gets the point that Spidey made money off the backs of MCU movies and without that they won't make as much."
Another fan added: "I’m absolutely broken about Sony trying to remove #SpiderMan from the MCU after how close he was with Tony Stark. A real d*** move on their part."
They added the hashtags: "#BoycottSony #BoycottSonySpiderMan."
Even Avengers star Jeremy Renner got involved, demanding Spider-Man return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Sony said in a statement: "Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterized recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise.
"We are disappointed, but respect Disney’s decision not to have him continue as a lead producer of our next live action Spider-Man film."
"We hope this might change in the future, but understand that the many new responsibilities that Disney has given him – including all their newly added Marvel properties – do not allow time for him to work on IP they do not own.
"Kevin is terrific and we are grateful for his help and guidance and appreciate the path he has helped put us on, which we will continue.”
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The stand-off between the studios reportedly stems from a reworking of the deal that would have seen Disney getting a 50-50 stake in the upcoming Spider-Man movies.
Feige's previous last two movies broke two records, with Disney’s Avengers: Endgame the highest grossing film of all time and Spider-Man: Far From Home the highest-grossing film for Sony Pictures.
Holland has previously confirmed that he is due to play the hero in a third move for the franchise after Homecoming and Far From Home.
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