The other day, Tom Holland not only revealed he has been reading a script for “Spider-Man 4” but confirmed on “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon” that they aim to begin shooting in the summer of 2025. We had previously learned in September that “Shang-Chi & The Legend of The Ten Rings” director Destin Daniel Cretton (“American Born Chinese”) would be taking the reins from Jon Watts after exiting “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” wrapping on the upcoming MCU series “Wonder Man” starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“Watchmen”), and actively working on a “Shang-Chi” sequel (Marvel Studios is obviously extremely happy with the director’s output for them).

Another exciting tidbit has been announced: Sony Pictures finally gave “Spider-Man 4” a proper release date of July 24, 2026. A couple of months after the release of The Russo Brothers’ “Avengers: Doomsday,” which is set for May 1, 2026, where there is an expectation we’ll see Holland shoot scenes as both films are said to be mainly shooting in the United Kingdom. The two productions being in such close proximity should make cross-pollination between the MCU projects a lot easier than if they had been shot in different countries.

Cretton is certainly an excellent choice as Marvel Studios obviously sees a partner in the filmmaker, and we’ll see how many “Spider-Man” installments he’ll end up making for them. There was plenty of great action, romance, heart, and charm in “Shang-Chi,” which could easily rub off on “Spider-Man 4.” Also, given the reworking of villains The Mandarin and Dr. Fu Manchu into Wenwu from Cretton, there is some promise we’ll get a fantastic villain as well (The Prowler, Kingpin, The Hand, The Maggia, Scorpion, and Vulture are all suitable choices).

Of course, this is a prime spot for the fourth installment but a bit of a change-up from the previous holiday release for “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which saw the trilogy capper earn Sony a hefty $1.95 billion at the international box office. The Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures collaboration on these solo “Spider-Man” films has been extremely lucrative, with the previous trilogy amassing an impressive combined $2.9 billion.

Meanwhile, the Sonyverse is having a bit of a tough time with critics, and projects like “Morbius” and “Madame Web” turning into punchlines while they had disastrous outings (essentially rejected by audiences). On deck for Sony are “Venom: The Last Dance” (getting mixed to negative reactions in some early press screenings) and “Kraven The Hunter,” while other spinoff productions haven’t been announced for the near future.

SOURCE: SONY PICTURES