Director Jon Watts in final negotiations to return for third Spider-Man film

Director Jon Watts is reportedly finalizing a deal to helm Sony and Marvel Studios’ third Spider-Man movie.

Sony and Walt Disney Pictures’ Marvel Studios are back in business, as the two entertainment entities reached a new deal for Spider-Man. With the film set for a summer 2021 release, production will likely start ramping up soon. And it appears the two studios are already looking to lock up their director.

Deadline reports that Jon Watts is in final talks to return to the director’s chair for the third film in Marvel and Sony’s Spider-Man series. The trade mentions that the studios wanted to iron out the details of their new deal before signing Watts back.

Watts, of course, was directed both of the previous installments in the franchise, Spider-Man: Homecoming and Far From Home. Both films were met with critical acclaim, with Watts’ direction and work with the young actors being praised. Ultimately, his movies went on to become box office hits, with both racking in a cumulative sum of over $2 billion.

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Before entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Watts worked mostly in the world of indie filmmaking. His two films, Clown and Cop Car, were well-received by critics, and the latter is what drew Marvel Studios to him for Spider-Man.

Bringing Watts back for the third movie is a no-brainer on Sony and Marvel’s part. With two films under his belt, he’s proven he understands the character and can manage everything that comes with helming a multi-million dollar blockbuster. His return also maintains continuity for Marvel Studios who, in recent years, has sought to hold on to their creatives within their various franchises.

Watts remained coy on his ideas for a third Spider-Man film before Sony and Marvel’s falling out, but this new deal will allow him to finish the story he wanted to tell. The currently-untitled third Spider-Man film hits theaters on July 16, 2021.