Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra is insisting Spider-Man: Far From Home, Venom: Let There Be Carnage and other blockbusters will retain their theater exclusivity window and not go straight-to-streaming.
"There is a higher bar theatrically to get films into theaters so you will probably not see as many films going directly to theaters," Vinciquerra said during a media conference. He conceded that some of Sony's smaller films might not be viable for theatrical release in the current climate but promised, "We have about 12 to 15 major films a year distributed to theaters and will do the same going forward."
Vinciquerra pointed out the rise in piracy rates since other studios decided to implement day-and-date streaming releases, labeling it "a big concern" moving forward. The executive noted that Sony is in a unique position as it does not have a streaming service of its own, instead acting as an "arms dealer" in the ongoing streaming wars, able to put its content up for auction. He was quick to clarify, "But you won't see our major films go that way."
Sony recently changed the name of its Spider-Man franchise from the Sony Universe of Marvel Characters to Sony's Spider-Man Universe, suggesting it has larger plans for the web-slinger moving forward. With rumors hinting at a live-action Spider-Verse crossover, the upcoming Spider-Man: No Way Home could potentially bridge the gap between Sony's animated and live-action Spider-Man franchises by incorporating Miles Morales.
Source: Deadline