Joe Russo Says Sony Is Making a ‘Tragic Mistake’ Breaking Ties With Marvel

The first people to direct Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in a movie were Anthony and Joe Russo. They introduced the Web-Slinger to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in their movie, Captain America: Civil War. And they also directed Holland in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. So they know first-hand the complexities of the deal between Marvel and Sony that made those appearances possible, and they have a unique perspective on that deal now that it has ended.

In an interview with the Toronto Sun, the Russos gave their thoughts about the split between Marvel and Sony over the future of the Spider-Man franchise, which will continue at Sony without the input of the character’s comic-book home (or its studio’s president, Kevin Feige). According to Joe Russo, Sony’s decision to forge ahead without Feige is a “tragic mistake.” His exact words:

It was a tenuous, fraught union throughout the whole process. But, I will say, stepping back and trying to be objective as possible, that I think it’s a tragic mistake on Sony’s part to think that they can replicate Kevin’s penchant for telling incredible stories and the amazing success he has had over the years. I think it’s a big mistake.

Russo’s brother Anthony called it a “wonderful experience” getting to include Spider-Man in the MCU, but he also said that they “know how hard that marriage was to make in the first place” and claimed it “isn’t really that surprising” that it fell apart after just five movies.

Well, you didn’t expect the Russos, two of Marvel’s most successful directors to side with Sony did you? Of course not. Just how big a mistake they are making will not really be known until any future movies come out. Financially, Sony might not be making a mistake at all! Creatively? Time will tell.

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