I think it’s safe to say that there’s a noticeable gap in the Marvel-based films. I know I’ve come across plenty of jokes about Peter Parker begging Nick Fury for entrance into the Avengers, only to be comically turned down. While selling some of their most popular franchises to separate production companies made economic sense at the time, having the likes of Spider-Man and the X-Men restricted to their own films with little to no possibility of overlap is presently not doing Marvel any favours.
It would seem Marvel is noticing this as well, as they are in talks with Twentieth Century Fox to get the rights to the Fantastic Four universe back in exchange for extra Daredevil time:
“Fox is in discussions with Joe Carnahan to direct what’s been described as a ‘Frank Miller-esque, hardcore 70s thriller’ take on [Daredevil]. Sources say Marvel would give Fox more time to make Daredevil in return for the rights to use characters from the Fantastic Four universe, including the giant, supervillain Galactus, and future use of Silver Surfer.”
So, will Fox be trading the rights for X-Men any time soon? Doubtful. What this deal does show is a willingness to negotiate from at least one studio, so while the odds of a crossover may be slim, there is now a sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe, Spidey won’t have to beg to be part of the team anymore.
