To get Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s iconic webslinger to the big screen, Marvel had to give up control of their flagship hero to another studio. Icons Unearthed: Spider-man tells the story of the tug of war between Marvel and Sony and how two studios found a way to share the character and the profits. Spider-man’s journey to the screen overcomes bankruptcy, multiple lawsuits, reboots, and unrealized potential. Taking on the responsibility of directing, Sam Raimi brings the hero to new heights, before suffering a major fall. When Sam walks away, Sony has to reinvent the character or lose the rights. Webb’s version brings a new look and a new love interest, but it’s not enough to compete with the Marvel juggernaut. As Marvel reclaims creative control, can Sony adapt to the Marvel Way?
