Names and faces
Sony and Marvel/Disney are bringing Spider-Man and the Avengers back together. The studios announced a deal late Monday night in which the next installment of Sony’s $4 billion Spider-Man franchise will be co-produced by Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and Sony’s Amy Pascal for a July 28, 2017, release. But first, Spidey will appear in an unspecified Marvel film. According to the release, other characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, such as Iron Man, Thor and Captain America, may also be integrated into future Spider-Man movies. Although the characters have interacted in Marvel’s comic books for decades, they’ve been segregated in the movies because of various licensing agreements that predated the explosion of superhero movies. Pascal, in the wake of the Sony hack, recently announced her transition from co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment to the head of a new production venture at the studio. The Spider-Man pact is a significant partnership between rival studios Disney, which owns Marvel, and Sony, which holds rights to the Marvel-created Spider-Man character. Meanwhile, 20th Century Fox retains rights to the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. Marvel’s schedule has also been altered by the new partnership. Thor: Ragnarok, originally scheduled for July 28, 2017, will hit theaters Nov. 3, 2017. Black Panther will debut on July 6, 2018, back from its Nov. 3, 2017, release; Captain Marvel is set for a Nov. 2, 2018, release; and Inhumans will now debut in theaters July 12, 2019. Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 and Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 will still be released on May 4, 2018, and May 3, 2019, respectively.
Bill Cosby has canceled his Feb. 21 appearance in Pittsburgh. Heinz Hall issued a short news release Tuesday saying the show “has been canceled by mutual agreement with Cosby’s presenter and Heinz Hall management.” No specific reason was given. The venue’s website indicated that fewer than half the available tickets had been sold for the show at the 2,676-seat venue. The 77-year-old comedian and television star has been dogged by accusations from women that he sexually abused or harassed them. Several of his shows have drawn protesters since the allegations resurfaced in recent months. Cosby has denied wrongdoing. Refunds will be issued for tickets to the Pittsburgh show.