Not long after reports surfaced of Sony's Morbius film containing references to the Marvel Cinematic Version of Spider-Man, a new purported photo leak from the film has found its way online. And while the leaked still does certainly depict Spidey, it doesn't exactly resemble the Tom Holland version.The apparent photo leak comes courtesy of Twitter user @Vullein -- who, earlier this week -- leaked another photo that allegedly offered Marvel fans their first look at Jared Leto as the Living Vampire. This latest image sees Leto's Michael Morbius -- presumably before succumbing to vampirism -- walking through an alleyway. Behind him is what looks to be a poster or piece of artwork depicting Spider-Man, with the word "murderer" spray painted across it.Conflicting with earlier reports, however, the Spider-Man seen here does not appear to use the likeness of the MCU incarnation of the character. Rather, this Spidey seems to be wearing the suit made famous by Tobey Maguire in director Sam Raimi's Spider-Man film trilogy. In fact, as many commenters have pointed out, the image used actually bears a striking resemblance to the Rami suit as it appears in a screenshot from the popular 2018 Spider-Man PlayStation 4 video game.
In the previous reports, prominent plugged-in commentator Daniel Richtman (DanielRPK) claimed Morbius contained direct references to the MCU version of Spidey Spider-Man so that Sony's spinoffs could eventually be integrating into Marvel Studios' universe. Assuming this new photo leak is legitimate, that calls such a prospect into question. However, it's still not impossible. And there are a few important things to note.
First and foremost, this photo could be from an alternate version of the scene being depicted. In other words, it could always be edited to include a different image of Spidey (or something else entirely) in the trailer or final film. What's more, the "murderer" graffiti could possibly be referencing the MCU film Spider-Man: Far From Home -- in which Peter Parker is painted as the villain and framed for the murder of Mysterio by J.K. Simmons' J. Jonah Jameson.
On that note, Simmons -- who played the role of Jameson in Rami's Spider-Man trilogy before joining the MCU -- is currently rumored to be reprising his role again for an appearance in Morbius. If those rumors are to be believed, however, Sony is still waiting to get the green light from Marvel Studios before moving forward with the cameo. With all this in mind, Marvel fans will simply have to wait and see how Morbius will connect to the larger Spider-Man film universe and, potentially, the MCU -- if at all.
Directed by Daniel Espinosa, Morbius stars Jared Leto as the titular character, Matt Smith as Loxias Crown, Adria Arjona as Martine Bancroft, Tyrese Gibson as Agent Stroud and Jared Harris in an undisclosed role. The film is set to be released July 31.