Spider-Man Is Joining The Marvel Cinematic Universe - This Changes Everything

Spider-Man will finally be seen on screen alongside The Avengers after Marvel Studios struck a deal with Sony Pictures over the iconic character which changes, well, pretty much everything (here are 5 Things That NEED To Happen Now Spidey's Part Of The MCU).

Sony has held the rights to Spidey since 1999 and has produced two versions of the character, with Tobey Maguire and - more recently - Andrew Garfield playing the webslinger.

However there's bad news for British star Garfield, as it's reported that he is being dropped in favour of a new version of the hero.

The new Spidey will be introduced in a Marvel movie, with next May's Captain America: Civil War being tipped by The Hollywood Reporter - since he features heavily in the comic book storyline.

And Sony will follow that up with a standalone movie afterwards - with July 2017 already earmarked for its release.

A significant piece of news is that Marvel's creative supremo Kevin Feige will work as a producer on the Sony movie - alongside Amy Pascal, who recently announced she is stepping down as co-head of Sony to work as a producer.

Feige said: "Marvel's involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU.

"I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years."

And Sony CEO Michael Lynton added: "This is the right decision for the franchise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans."