Sony’s latest Marvel film Morbius divides fans with its plot, characters, and end credit scenes that don’t make any sense. Sony should take a hard look at what they are trying to develop within their cinematic universe. Morbius spoilers shouldn’t be an issue since the director openly talked about spoilers before the movie hit theaters.
Sony has their deal with Marvel Studios to share Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, so what was the plan for Sony’s independent Marvel films? The goal is to make Spider-Man villains anti-heroes! I get it because Venom doesn’t have a Spider-Man to fight, but maybe this universe should have been more planned out. The Venom films have their fans, but each has its problems. Morbius, as we hear from one reference, is indeed set in the world of Venom.
Having them share the same world isn’t an issue, but how the Vulture shows up sure muddies the water. Morbius’ trailers were showing multiple references to different Spider-Men from different worlds. A mural of Tobey’s Spider-Man, Oscorp building from Andrew’s world, and Michael Keaton’s Vulture from the MCU. Most of these Easter eggs were just for marketing purposes, which is a horrible practice. The constant delay of the film didn’t help it either, as Sony could insert things into the marketing that aren’t in the movie.
Daniel Espinosa, the director of Morbius, openly talked about how the mural of Spider-Man isn’t in the film, so why was it in the trailers? Sony didn’t have faith in their final product, and it is farfetched to say they had faith. Sony wouldn’t lie and intentionally mislead potential viewers if they believed Morbius would land well for fans. After viewing the film, it was clear from my perspective Morbius was heavily edited in post-production.
Many scenes need more context, or they miss beats to connect cohesively to the overall narrative. Were there scenes cut from this film? I can pretty much guarantee that this is the case; I can’t believe what we see in the final product is the script of Morbius. Sony has had success with the Spider-Man franchise, but lately, not so much.
Michael Keaton’s Vulture appears in Morbius’ first end credit scene. It’s confusing, but it proves Sony is jumping ahead of itself. Vulture meets Morbius in his suit, but how did he rebuild his costume in this new world? Vulture suggests they should team up with others to have some fun. Morbius is shown as being more of a hero than a villain, so why would he potentially team up with Vulture? None of those questions and others are answered.
Sony is again trying to form the Sinister Six after their disastrous attempt back during The Amazing Spider-Man 2. I would have thought Sony would have learned their lesson, but it’s clear by this decision that they haven’t. Venom is more anti-hero like Morbius, so Vulture will need to find villains to team up with. Is Kraven The Hunter, whose film is in production right now, going to join this team? Watch him be set up as another anti-hero just like the rest of the characters in Sony’s universe.
Sony is rushing yet again to form a team of villains when so far, they don’t have enough villains to make this happen. What is with this obsession to make this team? I would think the goal would be to focus on each movie and make it the best it can be. That is how Marvel approached their Phase 1 films, and it worked.
Sony saw the massive box office success of the first Venom film and is trying to capitalize on it. The focus on this universe is gone, and Sony needs to reassess or stop altogether. I’m not saying Sony has to copy what Marvel did to be successful but understand it’s not about having all your characters team up.
I want to believe that Sony has a plan for this cinematic universe, but now after seeing the confusing ending to Morbius. I question whether Kraven The Hunter, Madame Web, or potential other projects will be worth making if each film goes through what Morbius did. I love film, the behind-the-scenes, and how the story comes alive on the screen from a page.
With that being said, making this article is difficult because I don’t want to be in this position to question this universe’s goals. Sony should take a hard look at what is working for other superhero films and see why their latest universe-created movies aren’t hitting like others. Sony’s cinematic universe can be saved. It just needs a lot of work.
NEXT: Morbius End Credit Scenes Explained
About Morbius
One of the most compelling and conflicted characters in Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters comes to the big screen as Oscar® winner Jared Leto transforms into the enigmatic antihero Michael Morbius. Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. While at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness inside him is unleashed. Will good override evil – or will Morbius succumb to his mysterious new urges?
