Sony has updated the name of its Spider-Man movie universe from Sony's Universe of Marvel Characters to Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters (SPUMC).Three generations of Spider-Man movies have hit theaters between 2002 and now: namely, the Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland versions of the character. This became even more confusing thanks to the addition of movies like Venom and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, but now, Sony has provided some official terminology.On Twitter, the Spider-Man movie account shared an advertisement for the complete Spider-Man collection and called it part of the "Spider-Man Universe of Characters." If that wasn't confusing enough, IGN added an update that explained this term falls under the umbrella name, "Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters." This is intended to differentiate movies like Venom, Morbius and the proposed Madame Web standalone from the Marvel Cinematic Universe Spider-Man movies.
The new names haven't gone over well on social media. In response to the Tweet, one person wrote, "'Spider-Man Multiverse' would be more accurate ('Universe' being singular & all...)." Another added, "Say it with us now Sony --'Spiderverse.'" A third disgruntled fan asked, "That's what you're going with, huh? You all let me know if you need a new marketing director."
Sony has been working on a shared universe since Marc Webb's The Amazing Spider-Man 2 premiered back in 2014. However, the movie's poor reception led plans for a Sinister Six movie to be scrapped. A deal was then brokered between Disney and Sony, with Holland taking over from Garfield.
Since Tom Holland first led Spider-Man: Homecoming back in 2017, the studio has ruminated over an official name for Sony's growing branch of Spider-Man movies. Interestingly, the name Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters was first used at a studio presentation from 2019 that officially announced a Kraven the Hunter movie. However, this is the first time the name has appeared in any official branding, such as the marketing.
Starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, the third MCU Spider-Man film is set for release on Nov. 5, 2021. An official title for Spider-Man 3 has not yet been announced.