Vincent D’Onofrio is revisiting his role as Wilson Fisk in the ongoing Daredevil: Born Again, which is a continuation of the original Daredevil series that debuted on Netflix. Even though D’Onofrio is part of the Marvel universe, a crossover with Spider-Man has not really materialized. In that context, during a recent fan interaction on social media, he urged Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios to work out their differences so that fans can get what they want.
D’Onofrio wants both parties to sort out “complicated rights issue”
While interacting with a fan on social media who wanted Spider-Man and Kingpin to go head-to-head in a live-action film, D’Onofrio replied that it might only be possible if Sony and Marvel sort out their complex rights situation.
“If Sony and Marvel ever get their s— together, maybe. It’s a complicated rights issue. Hope so,” he replied to the fan. While Kingpin is part of Marvel and Disney’s intellectual property through the Daredevil franchise, Sony holds the film rights to the New York-based web-slinger. His frustration stems from how rights restrictions limit character crossovers.
Although Kingpin, aka Wilson Fisk, appears as a villain in Spider-Man’s comic-book universe, a crossover in live action remains restricted due to studio rights limitations. Notably, this is likely one of the reasons why Spider-Man has not appeared in Daredevil: Born Again.
However, it’s not that Spider-Man has never been part of the MCU, with Sony Pictures allowing the character to appear in films like Avengers: Infinity War. Moreover, Daredevil, played by Charlie Cox, appeared briefly in Spider-Man: No Way Home, but a sustained crossover into a Sony-led Spider-Man film is not guaranteed.
It is understandably frustrating for fans, as Spider-Man and Kingpin share a New York setting and street-level storytelling, yet compelling arcs cannot be explored due to legal limitations.
Nevertheless, both characters will continue to lead their franchises independently for now. Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again continues with Fisk serving as the mayor of New York City, at loggerheads with his longtime nemesis, Daredevil. Meanwhile, Tom Holland will return as the friendly neighborhood superhero in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is scheduled to hit theaters on July 31.
How badly do you want Spider-Man and Kingpin to square up? Let us know in the comments section below.
