How Sony Can Make the Spider-Verse Work

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It sure seems like it’s all systems go with Sony’s iteration of the Spider-Verse. First up, Venom will hit theaters on October 5, 2018. To say it’s getting a mixed reaction so far would be an understatement. At times, I’ve felt like the only person on the Internet that’s actually excited for this movie. But, there’s a plethora of films in discussion for the Spider-Verse, none of which actually feature Spider-Man.

So, considering that fact, and considering that when you look at all those who have attempted to compete with the vast Marvel Cinematic Universe and failed, you can’t help but feel a sense of apprehension when something that sounds as ambitious as the Spider-Verse comes along. I have to say – most of the X-Men movies….trash. Every Fantastic Four movie….trash. Those Andrew Garfield Spider-Man movies….trash.

And, then, there’s the largely disappointing DCEU. We’ll dig into that later. So, yeah – I get why people are more likely to laugh than celebrate when a studio comes along and says they’re going to create this expansive universe of comic book films. Marvel’s the only one who’s done it right, and let’s be real…the odds of a “cinematic universe” clicking the way the MCU has are astronomical. The further along we get into this journey, the more I realize how much Marvel has really hit the jackpot like no one else has.

But, right now, as it stands here in late August, I find myself a believer in Tom Hardy and Venom. And, there’s definitely a path to a successful interlocking web (pun intended, ’cause #nice) of films based on some of Spidey’s supporting characters. A while ago, I jotted down a few key ideas as to how Sony could make this bold idea work. Let’s pop open that notebook.

Don’t be DC

If I’m even remotely thinking about taking on a task as tall as what Sony is apparently aiming for with the Spider-Verse, I’m studying what DC did closely….because there’s a ton to learn from what they did wrong. Sometimes, it feels like DC looked at what Marvel was doing and said, “okay – we’re going to do the opposite of everything they do.” Wonder Woman and Man of Steel were both hot ass fire, but other than that, these DC movies have stunk.

They tried too hard to go for darkness and grit, and it was just too much, nearly laughable at times. Does the ‘E’ in DCEU stand for ’emo?’ Particularly in Justice League, they didn’t put too much work into actually developing important characters. Aquaman, Cyborg, and The Flash were all basically just flung into the fray without much of a backstory. Suicide Squad was a hot mess, especially Jared Leto’s rendition of The Joker.

They breezed through significant events from the comics with little to no build – the death and rebirth of Superman, the arrival of Doomsday, etc. And, the villains, outside of General Zodd (shout out Michael Shannon), have sucked.

It’s all just felt like rushed nonsense designed to compete with Marvel.

So, the lesson? Focus on building interesting characters – heroes, villains, supporting roles, whatever. Just build interesting characters. Focus on story depth, and not what the movie looks and feels like. Finally, start small and allow plots to build towards significant events. Let things breathe.

One movie at a time

Just focus on making a good Venom movie. Then, if it works, focus on making a good Morbius movie. So on and so forth. Build a potential universe with solid characters and then you can start tying larger stories together. Why does everyone have to be a “universe” anyway? I mean, I know why – money – but you get what I’m saying. Having that sort of mentality from the onset doesn’t really seem beneficial to just making good movies. I don’t know how well football logic applies in Hollywood, but you just take the game a play at a time. Focus on winning each play, and before you know it, you’re in the lead.

It sure seems that’s how Marvel got ahead (send me your Incredible Hulk hate – do it). A collection of good movies that spiraled into a larger mythos.

But, it’s the very foundation of every good business. Just make good stuff. Focus on making/doing one thing really well, and sell the hell out of it. From then on, try to make each effort better and deeper than the rest.

Considering there are now nine Spider-Verse movies rumored, I don’t think I got this message out in time. My bad, y’all (that Kraven movie, though? Sign my ass up).

Peg the right central character

Lest we forget what started it all for Marvel, they signed Robert Downey Jr. to play Iron Man. Without that signature performance, I don’t know that the MCU rocket ship ever gets off the ground. Iron Man took the world by storm, revitalizing RDJ’s career in the process. But, it gave Marvel a larger-than-life personality with incredible depth to build around. If there’s a character in this Spider-Verse that can be that same sort of entertaining and deep, it’s Eddie Brock. We shall see.

So, where do they stand?

We’ll see come October. It’s easy to say that, but the truth is that it’s too hard to tell without seeing the first flick. A lot’s certainly riding on Venom. But, judging by the previews, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be a jumbled mess. Tom Hardy is a big name lead (much better than Topher Grace). And, the story seems wild, yet grounded. It doesn’t seem like an overly complicated origin story. That’s why I believe in Venom. And, if it’s good….well then maybe I’ll start believing in the Spider-Verse.

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley

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