In a disappointing turn of events, the highly anticipated Spider-Man spinoff “El Muerto,” featuring Bad Bunny, has been halted for the time being. The project, helmed by director Jonás Cuarón, was originally scheduled for release on January 12, 2024, but Sony announced its removal from the release schedule.
“El Muerto” aimed to make history as the first live-action Marvel project with a Latino lead character. The film centered around El Muerto, an antihero and the son of a Mexican wrestler, known as a luchador. Despite the buzz surrounding the project, production had not yet begun, making the original release date unattainable. Sources attribute the setback to the ongoing writers strike, which necessitated additional script work that couldn’t be completed in time.
Furthermore, casting decisions were still in progress, with professional wrestler Mercedes Varnado, also known as Sasha Banks, and Marvin Jones III being considered for roles. Sasha Banks was being eyed for a significant part, while Jones was being considered for the role of the crime lord Tombstone, a character he previously voiced in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”
Another factor contributing to the film’s delay was Bad Bunny’s busy touring schedule, which solidified as the movie faced setbacks. The project’s future remains uncertain, as it is unclear how long Bad Bunny can remain attached to the film.
Sony Sets Release Dates: Speculation Grows for Spider-Man 4 in 2025
In response to removing “Muerto” from the schedule, Sony made several other theatrical shifts. These included moving the GameStop-inspired film “Dumb Money” up to September 22 from its original October 30 release date. Directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Paul Dano, the movie follows the story of everyday investors who make bold bets on the gaming store. Additionally, Legendary’s biblical-era film “The Book of Clarence,” featuring LaKeith Stanfield and directed by Jeymes Samuel, was rescheduled to January 12, 2024, from its initial September 22, 2023, release.
Sony, as the holder of the film rights to Spider-Man, has already released two Venom films and recently unveiled the first trailer for “Kraven the Hunter,” starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, set to hit theaters on October 6. Other upcoming projects from Sony include “Madame Web,” featuring Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney, scheduled for release on February 16, 2024.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Exciting Sequel Explores Multiverse
While fans eagerly await updates on the fate of “El Muerto,” the uncertain journey of this Spider-Man spinoff reminds us of the challenges and complexities involved in bringing beloved characters to life on the big screen.
