Joe Russo on Spider-Man Leaving the MCU: ‘I Think It’s a Tragic Mistake on Sony’s Part’

It looks like Joe and Anthony Russo, the directors of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, are just as disappointed as Marvel fans about the news that Sony and Disney couldn’t hammer out a deal to continue their partnership.

In an interview with the Toronto Sun, Joe Russo shared his thoughts on Spider-Man leaving the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to the split.

“It was a tenuous, fraught union throughout the whole process,” he said. “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.”

Anthony Russo also opened up about getting Spider-Man in the MCU. “We had a wonderful experience with that and I think audiences really appreciated that marriage,” he said while talking about getting Spider-Man into Captain America: Civil War. “But we know how hard that marriage was to make in the first place, so the fact that the marriage fell apart isn’t really that surprising to me and Joe.”

Earlier this month, Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra spoke on the split and said “the door is closed” on the partnership. “We had a great run with (Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige) on Spider-Man movies,” Vinciquerra said while at Variety‘s Entertainment & Technology summit. “We tried to see if there’s a way to work it out….the Marvel people are terrific people, we have great respect for them, but on the other hand we have some pretty terrific people of our own. Kevin didn’t do all the work.”

While many fans have viewed the split negatively, Spider-Man actor Tom Holland said that the franchise will do just fine. “Sony has also been really good to me, and the global success of Spider-Man: Far From Home is a real testament to their support, skill, and commitment,” he said. “The legacy and future of Spidey rests in Sony’s safe hands. I really am nothing but grateful, and I’ve made friends for life along the way.”