Spider-Man 4has finally landed its director and found it in a familiar Marvel Cinematic Universe face in the form ofShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ring’sDestin Daniel Cretton. The first three MCUSpider-Manfilms were directed by Jon Watts, but following the release ofSpider-Man: No Way Home, the search has been to find a new director to helm the next entry in the webhead’s MCU adventures.It has been nearly three years since the release ofSpider-Man: No Way Home, and now Sony and Marvel seem to be moving full steam ahead.
The Hollywood Reporterbroke the news thatDestin Daniel Cretton would helm the untitledSpider-Man 4. Cretton previously directedShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsand, at one point, was attached to directAvengers 5when it was titledAvengers: The Kang Dynasty, but stepped down shortly before Marvel fired actor Jonathan Majors. Cretton has become a big name at Marvel as he is also a producer on the upcomingWonder Manseries. Cretton is currently still attached to directShang-Chi 2, but given theSpider-Man 4news, it now seems that the movie will have to wait as Sony and Marvel are fast-tracking the nextSpider-Manfilm. Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, who have penned the scripts for the past three MCUSpider-Manfilms, will return to write the movie.
Tom Holland’s 10 Best Moments as Spider-Man in the MCU
Tom Holland has been Spider-Man for eight years now, and these are his best moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Shang-Chi or Captain Marvel in Spider-Man 4 is Possible
With Cretton now directingSpider-Man 4, it hints at some possible story possibilities. Since his 2013 filmShort Term 12, Cretton’s following movies, 2017’sThe Glass Castleand 2019’sJust Mercy,have featured star Brie Larson.Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringskept this tradition alive by having Brie Larson’sCaptain Marvelcameo in the film’s post-credit scene. The Sony-produced Spider-Man MCU movies have featured major roles for MCU heroes, like Iron Man inSpider-Man: Homecoming,Nick Fury and Maria Hill inSpider-Man: Far From Home, and Doctor Strange inSpider-Man: No Way Home.This suggests that Cretton could keep this tradition going by having Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel appear inSpider-Man 4.
There is also the possibility of Simu Liu appearing as Shang-Chi inSpider-Man 4.The Legend of the Ten Ringswas a hit for the MCU during the early part of Phase 4, andmany fans have been frustrated that Marvel Studios has taken so long on a sequel.It appears part of the delay was thatShang-Chi would have a big role inAvengers 5when Cretton was directing. With thatAvengers 5plan being scrapped and nowShang-Chi 2possibly being delayed again, there is hope that fans will see Shang-Chi inSpider-Man 4. The two characters do have a history in the comics, with Shang-Chi having a part in theUltimate Spider-Mancomics and theSpider-Islandstoryline.
Andrew Garfield Explains Why Everyone Has Been Duped About Spider-Man 4 Rumors
Andrew Garfield has been doing what he does best…denying involvement in a new Spider-Man movie.
Sony Pictures has not set a release date forSpider-Man 4. However,Disney did pull a July 04, 2025 release date from their slate that they set aside for a Marvel Studios movie.That could have been done so that Sony Pictures could releaseSpider-Man 4on that date. That last weekend of July has proven beneficial for Marvel Studios asDeadpool & Wolverinehas had an incredible box office run during the last part of the summer, and they are hoping for a similar pattern to play out forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, which opens on June 03, 2025. With a director in place,more news about what is in store forSpider-Man 4will likely be coming out soon, including potential villains and if the movie will go for a grounded crime drama oranother multiverse adventure.
