Although Sony and Marvel Studios have shared custody of Tom Holland's Spider-Man so that
he can exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe alongside the Avengers, the former studio
is still pushing ahead with its own universe of Spidey villains and anti-heroes.
"Venom" was a surprise hit back in 2018, raking in $856 million — so audiences are clearly
interested in Sony's edgy approach to superheroes.
It's no surprise, then, that the studio is working on a solo "Kraven the Hunter" film
starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, as well as a "Madame Web" adventure with Dakota Johnson
and Sydney Sweeney.
Meanwhile, Jared Leto's "Morbius" is finally set to arrive in theaters on April 1, and
it's been a long time coming.
The movie was originally intended to debut on July 10, 2020, but that was delayed almost
immediately— and then the pandemic hit, causing Sony to push the release back several
more times.
"Morbius" follows Leto as Dr. Michael Morbius, a genius who is determined to find a cure
for the rare blood disorder that he's suffered from since childhood.
His research leads him to an experimental procedure using bats, and it transforms him
into a vicious beast with the comic-accurate gray skin and red eyes, enhanced senses, super-strength,
and the ability to fly.
Unfortunately, he also has to contend with Matt Smith's Loxias Crown and FBI Agent Simon
Stroud, played by Tyrese Gibson.
The first reactions from critics have made their way online, and they paint an interesting
picture of Sony's latest Marvel movie.
Collider contributor Sab Astley blasted the movie for its poor story, tweeting,
"Morbius is about as bad as you were expecting.
A 2005 plot collides with visually confusing CGI to create a bit of a snooze fest.
But don't worry, they've saved the worst for last.
Featuring some of the worst post credits scenes you've EVER seen, Sony are off their rocker."
The We Have a Hulk podcast's Nicola Austin echoed the sentiment, noting that it doesn't
live up to the "Venom" corner of Sony's Marvel universe.
She posted,
"Well Morbius is unfortunately not great (some really shoddy vfx & 00s formulaic plot) & definitely
not as fun as Venom.
Really confused at the future of the Sony Spiderverse following the post-credits scenes
& the editing."
Meanwhile, Escape Film Club tweeted that the film's visuals can't save it, posting,
"Morbius proves that no matter how many famous faces or shiny visuals you squeeze in, Sony
will always find a way to impressively misunderstand basic storytelling."
Film critic Ren Viera followed that up, writing,
"Matt Smith gloriously hams up the place and Oliver Wood delivers some visual flare to
the action sequences.
Aside from that, the bad plotting & messy cgi, confusing editing & worse sound mix result
in absolute incoherence.
But the post-credits manage to outdo it all."
One of the biggest questions fans have about "Morbius" is: When is he going to meet the
other Sony Marvel characters, like Venom?
Obviously, an earlier trailer reveals a look at Michael Keaton's Vulture, which implies
that a Sinister-Six style team-up is on the way at some point.
Sony has been keen to make a movie about the squad of "Spider-Man" villains for quite some
time, and the original plan was to spin it out of "The Amazing Spider-Man" franchise.
For the moment, it's not clear if, or when, Morbius will cross over with the likes of
Venom, Vulture, or Kraven.
Although, Jared Leto previously told Screen Rant that of all the Marvel characters the
Living Vampire could meet, quote, "Venom would make a lot of sense.
That would be fun."
It's worth pointing out that just because the film has had a negative reaction from
critics doesn't mean it won't be successful at the box office.
At the end of the day, if "Morbius" is hugely profitable, then Sony will likely continue
to use the character in sequels and crossovers.
Leto himself revealed on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" that he could easily cross
over into the upcoming "Blade" movie.
For now, it's probably best to go into "Morbius" with a little caution.
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