A few years back there were reports that Sony was looking to expand its then-clunkily titled Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters with a Madame Web movie, and not only do we have confirmation that the project is indeed happening, but it seems the studio has already found its star in Dakota Johnson.
S.J. Clarkson (Jessica Jones) is directing the film, which will serve as part of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe alongside Venom, Morbius, and the planned Kraven the Hunter movie, while the script has been penned by Morbius screenwriters Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless.
Created by Denny O’Neil and John Romita Jr. and debuting in 1980’s Amazing Spider-Man #210, Madame Web – a.k.a. Cassandra Webb – has been depicted in Marvel Comics as an elderly blind woman suffering from the neurological condition myasthenia gravis, which also gives her powerful psychic abilities. However, she is also permanently attached to a life support system shaped like a spider web.
At this point, it is unclear how Sony and director Clarkson plan to translate the character to the screen, but Sony has been actively pushing for a female-driven property as part of its shared Marvel universe (see Silver & Black, along with the proposed solo films for Silver Sable and Black Cat, and even a rumoured Aunt May solo movie!), and it is said that Madame Web is being viewed as Sony’s version of Doctor Strange.
As yet there’s no word on a possible release date for Madame Web, but Sony does have two mystery Marvel movies slated for release on June 23rd, 2023 and October 6th, 2023, and with Kraven set for January 13th, 2023, there’s a good chance Sony is eyeing one of those dates (pandemic permitting).
Be sure to head on to our social channels @FlickeringMyth to let us know what you make of Dakota Johnson’s casting, and whether you’re excited about the Madame Web movie…
