Marvel are currently enjoying their unprecedented deal with Sony, by utilizing Spider-Man to the fullest extent. The character (played by Tom Holland) has appeared in three Marvel Studios productions, with a solo sequel about to begin principal photography, and another Avengers cameo expected next year.
However, this has not stopped Sony from forging ahead with their own plans for a shared universe based around a multitude Spidey villains and anti-heroes. This will kick off later in the year with the release of Venom, starring former Bane actor Tom Hardy.
It has now been revealed that the next chapter in the new Marvel universe has begun moving forward, with an A list star attached. That star is of course, the Academy award winning 30 Seconds To Mars front man, Jared Leto. The controversial method actor is arguably most recognisable for his role as the Joker, in David Ayer’s critically reviled Suicide Squad.
Morbius the Living Vampire is a fan favourite character from the vast library of Spider-Man’s rogue gallery. The film will revolve around a brilliant scientist, who unintentionally transforms himself into a bloodsucking monster while trying to find a cure for his rare blood condition. This will reportedly not affect Leto’s role in the DC Universe, and he is still expected to return as The Joker in the near future. He joins a long list of actors to jump over from one superhero universe to another, ranging from Chris Evans to Lawrence Fishburne.
It is still not known whether Sony’s new series of films will be remotely connected to MCU. But, Tom Holland has been heavily rumoured to appear in Venom, and it seems almost inevitable that their will be some connection down the line if the film is a success. Morbius the Living Vampire will be directed by Daniel Espinosa (Safe House, Life), from a script by Burk Sharpless and Matt Sazama (Lost in Space). With filming expected to begin later this year, things just got a lot more interesting.
