Kingpin vs. spider-man: d'onofrio hints at a power struggle – but rights stand in the way
The simmering question of a potential showdown between Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin just received a blunt assessment: it might never happen. D’Onofrio, referencing the ongoing character rights issues between Marvel and Sony, suggested the two iconic adversaries might remainforever separated.
The spider-man/kingpin debate remains a comic book dream
Speaking to fans on social media, the actor, known for his compelling portrayal of Wilson Fisk in Daredevil: Born Again, addressed the hypothetical clash with a characteristic dose of dry wit. “If Sony and Marvel ever get their s* together maybe,” D’Onofrio quipped, acknowledging the tangled web of intellectual property that prevents such a crossover. This isn’t new territory; the MCU operates under a complex agreement allowing a limited presence of Sony-owned characters, while the comics offer a free-for-all.
The situation is further complicated by the narrative direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Daredevil: Born Again showcased Fisk’s ascent to power in New York, the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day is slated to occur after the series’ second season. This suggests the Kingpin storyline may have concluded, a notion seemingly supported by the film’s recent trailer, which showed Fisk’s assistant presenting Spider-Man with a key to the city.
Despite the lack of on-screen collaboration, fans have long advocated for a team-up between the two characters. Charlie Cox, who briefly reprised his role as Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home, has repeatedly stated he won’t be part of Brand New Day, though whispers of a potential appearance persist.
D’Onofrio also confirmed that The Punisher, played by Jon Bernthal, won't be part of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, citing Bernthal's commitment to a standalone hour-long Punisher film. “If Jon wasn’t busy making his own hour long Punisher film and hangin with that insect we would have wanted him to join us in Season 2 for sure,” D’Onofrio stated, expressing enthusiasm for Bernthal’s future projects. The PunisherDisney+ special is expected later this year.
The ongoing rights dispute highlights a persistent challenge for the MCU, hindering potential crossovers that could enrich the storytelling. While the possibility of a Spider-Man/Kingpin confrontation remains a tantalizing prospect for fans, the current legal landscape suggests it’s a battle that may never be fought.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled for release on July 31st.