Why does Sony own Spider-Man?

So, let's dive into this intriguing question: "Why does Sony own Spider-Man?" It's a topic that has piqued the curiosity of many comic book fans and movie enthusiasts alike. Now, for those who might not be familiar with the backstory, Spider-Man is a beloved superhero created by Marvel Comics, yet his film rights currently reside with Sony Pictures. The question then arises, how did this partnership come to be? Well, it all started in the 1990s when Marvel was facing some financial difficulties. In an effort to generate revenue and stay afloat, Marvel began licensing out the film rights to some of its most popular characters. Spider-Man was one of those characters, and Sony Pictures saw the potential in bringing the web-slinger to the big screen. They acquired the film rights from Marvel in 1999 and have since produced several successful Spider-Man films, as well as the recent Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse animation movie. But, doesn't Marvel own Spider-Man? Technically, yes, Marvel owns the comic book character and all related intellectual property. However, Sony Pictures has the exclusive rights to produce live-action Spider-Man films. This arrangement has led to some unique collaborations between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures, such as Spider-Man appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films like Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame. So, there you have it! The answer to "Why does Sony own Spider-Man?" lies in the strategic licensing deals made between Marvel and Sony Pictures back in the 1990s. While Marvel still owns the character, Sony Pictures holds the film rights, allowing them to continue producing Spider-Man movies that captivate audiences around the world.